First Lutheran Church

We, the members of the First Lutheran Church are committed to proclaim the gospel to each other, our community and the world. The gospel calls us to be responsible, to care and to serve through education, evangelism and worship.

We are members of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. We are created by the Father, redeemed by Christ and empowered by the Spirit. We worship regularly, use the Sacraments, study and teach God’s Word, pray and use our gifts and talents in God’s service. Most of all, we care for others and share the good news of God’s grace so that Christ may be glorified and all people may know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Through our lives we bring Christ to the heart of Birmingham.

First Lutheran Church was founded in October 1887 with C.E. Scheibe installed as pastor of the new Zion Lutheran Church which was later renamed First Lutheran Church.

Located in the historic Highland area of the Southside in Birmingham, First Lutheran Church is strategically positioned to fulfill its motto, "Bringing Christ to the heart of Birmingham".

• Established in 1887
• Members of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
• Meaningful Christ-centered worship each Sunday
• Religious education through Bible study for all ages
• Active, organized youth groups for junior high and high school members and their friends
• Young Adult student group
• Nursery for children under 4 during the Sunday School hour and late service
• Spiritual counseling by our Pastor
• Library with over 2000 books, videos and cassettes for all ages
• Vocal and Bell choirs
• Mid-week and Sunday evening Bible studies.

Who We Are
Created by the Father, redeemed by Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we at First Lutheran Church gather around Jesus Christ and the hope of His Gospel that teaches that all people are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Locally, we have been worshipping together since 1887. Nationally, we are members of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

What We Believe
We believe that we are called to make, baptize, and teach disciples of all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We do this out of joyful thanks for the redemption we find in Christ Jesus by the grace of His Gospel solely through faith in Him. Honestly admitting that the task is beyond our own power to accomplish, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit through the hearing of the Word, participation in the Lord’s Supper, and the life imparted to us in our baptism.

Practically speaking, as a church we seek to make everything we do Christ-centered and gospel driven. We strive to be radically inclusive, realizing that we are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. But God showed his love for us in this: while we were still sinners he died for us. Therefore there is no condemnation for any who are in Christ. For if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead you will be saved. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done, each and every one of us has done wrong. But God reaches out to us and wants a relationship with us. He accepts us where we are and guides us on the path to righteousness.

Therefore, we endeavor to reach out to and care for the whole family and share the good news of God’s grace so that through us, Christ may be made known to all people.

What We Do
We come together as a church to worship God; encourage one another in our relationship with Jesus Christ; expand our faith through Bible studies, small groups, Sunday School and family events; and to send Christians out into our community and world to reach those who do not yet have a relationship with the Lord.