Becoming Lutheran: Exploring the Journey of American Evangelicals into Confessional Lutheran Thought

The purpose of this Major Applied Research Project was to examine the journey of American Evangelicals into Lutheran thought. Otherwise stated, the research project studied the emotional struggles, linguistic confusion, worldview changes, and epistemological shifts that happen during the pilgrimage between two theological traditions. The research findings are intended to identify valuable insights and provide avenues of comfort for those who are making this transition. Furthermore, the findings of this research are intended to aid Lutheran pastors as they care for and shepherd individuals who are coming into Lutheranism from American Evangelicalism. The primary components of this study were the surveys. Three surveys were administered to 334 different individuals who have or presently are entering Lutheran thought. In total, 714 surveys were completed by the research participants. The surveys confirmed that there is indeed emotional struggles, linguistic challenges, worldview changes, and epistemological shifts for individuals going from American Evangelicalism into Lutheran thought. The surveys also yielded valuable sociological insights and patterns, as well as identified key areas of theological struggle for those moving from American Evangelicalism into Lutheran thought. On the basis of this study, the researcher was able to create a catechesis tool, as well as several resources for those wanting to better understand this complex journey