JDKetterman
Puritan Board Freshman
I was LCMS about ten years ago, and I do have some positive memories of the church. On paper at least, they had a high view of the confessions even though I found them very confusing at times. Since the LCMS is much larger than all the NAPARC churches combined, they have more of the tendencies of broader evangelicism. Another thing you will notice is that the culture is different than a Reformed church. Even among the laity, Reformed churches I believe tend to be more grounded in doctrine and theology than Lutherans. The LCMS churches tend to have a very negative view of the Reformed even though there is a lot in common.
When it comes to the Gospel, you'll get it preached to you every Sunday, but sermons will tend to be half the time that you'll hear in a Reformed church. Another thing you'll notice is a lot of images, crucifixes, and symbolism that is throughout the service. I remember one service I saw an advent wreath being blessed, which I thought was really strange. Besides their view of the Sacraments, you'll see that they have no problem with images. Also relating to the Law, they don't believe the fourth commandment (which is their third) is binding on all people. Another thing you'll notice is that the third use of the Law is barely emphasized or taught in LCMS churches even though it's in their confessions. If I were you though, I would probably exhaust all my options as far Reformed churches before considering an LCMS. Your sister wouldn't be that bad off because she would be hearing the Gospel preached, but there will be some issues that she will have to deal with.
When it comes to the Gospel, you'll get it preached to you every Sunday, but sermons will tend to be half the time that you'll hear in a Reformed church. Another thing you'll notice is a lot of images, crucifixes, and symbolism that is throughout the service. I remember one service I saw an advent wreath being blessed, which I thought was really strange. Besides their view of the Sacraments, you'll see that they have no problem with images. Also relating to the Law, they don't believe the fourth commandment (which is their third) is binding on all people. Another thing you'll notice is that the third use of the Law is barely emphasized or taught in LCMS churches even though it's in their confessions. If I were you though, I would probably exhaust all my options as far Reformed churches before considering an LCMS. Your sister wouldn't be that bad off because she would be hearing the Gospel preached, but there will be some issues that she will have to deal with.