Lakeview Ministries is a Registered Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. We gladly welcome campers of all backgrounds, but our policies and practices reflect the teachings and beliefs of the LCMS.
As you get ready to send your camper here, we encourage you to read through this page for a brief summary of what the LCMS (and Lakeview Ministries by extension) teaches and believes. If there are any areas you have questions about, please give us a call or use the contact form below-we would love to talk with you more!
How We Handle Faith Conversations
The majority of our faith conversations with campers are focused on encouraging them and building them up in their faith. When conversations do occur on more delicate theological topics, it is typically the result of campers bringing up things they are wondering about or struggling with. We train our staff to handle such delicate conversations with grace and love, while also sharing the truth of God’s Word with campers.
An Overview of What We Believe
The Bible
We believe that all Scripture is inspired by God, by which we understand that the whole Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by holy men of God. We believe the whole Bible is therefore without error in the originals.
The Trinity
We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—and that these three are one God, having the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and worthy of the same worship, and obedience.
People Created and Fallen
We believe that people were created in the image of God, and then fell through sin, and as a consequence, became dead in their sins. We also believe that this spiritual death has been transmitted to the entire human race, Christ Jesus alone being the exception.
Salvation Through Christ Alone
We believe that no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless born again; and that no amount of good deeds or following God’s law, however great, can help the sinner take even one step toward heaven. It is through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection alone that we are forgiven of sin and receive the promise of eternal life.
The Great Commission
We believe that all who are saved by Jesus Christ are sent forth by Him into the world with the purpose of making the Gospel known to the world.
The Sacraments
We believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only sacraments of the church and that the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper are the true body and blood of Christ.
Marriage
We believe that God established marriage as a lifelong relationship between one man and one woman for the purposes of fellowship and mutual aid, reproduction and sexual intimacy. The marriage relationship between man and woman is a reflection of the spiritual relationship that exists between Christ and His Church.
Gender
We believe that God created man and woman, male and female, as distinct and complementary beings.
A Special Note on Gender Identity and Sexuality
An increasingly common area of question is our beliefs and policies regarding gender identity and sexuality. We believe that God created human beings in His image, and as a result all people are to be treated with respect and dignity as image-bearers of Christ. We also believe God created man and woman, male and female, as distinct and complementary beings, designed to be in relationship with each other in reflection of the spiritual relationship that exists between Christ and His Church.
As a result of these beliefs, we house campers according to birth sex. We also seek to help campers know their true identity as loved and valued children of God. When conversations occur on these topics among other campers, we affirm what we believe with all campers participating.
If your camper identifies as transgender, gay, or is struggling in these areas, we want to meet them with grace and compassion and remind them of the hope offered to them through Jesus and their identity in Him.
If these are areas you are concerned about for your camper, we encourage you to call our office for a personal conversation before their arrival at camp.
Additional Resources
- Official Statement of Belief
- Comparison of LCMS Beliefs to Other Denominations
- Detailed Description of What the LCMS Believes on Many Common Topics