In this second installment of our conversation with Pastor Erik Janke of May River Lutheran Church, we go deeper into the sacramental life of the Lutheran Church—exploring what Lutherans believe about communion, baptism, and the authority of Scripture.

Pastor Jeff and Pastor Erik unpack some of the differences between the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and other branches of Lutheranism, including the ELCA and Missouri Synod, and why staying grounded in God's Word is at the heart of it all.

🎉 P.S. If you missed Part 1, go back and check out our conversation on Lutheran history, liturgical worship, and church structure!

Here’s What We Discussed:

01:27 – Pulpits, Altars, and Symbolism in Worship Spaces
Pastor Erik describes the typical Lutheran sanctuary and explains the symbolism behind elements like the pulpit, altar table, and candles—especially the two candles representing Christ’s humanity and divinity.

03:10 – How Communion Works in the Lutheran Church
Communion is received at the altar under pastoral supervision. WELS practices closed communion, meaning only those who share its confessional beliefs and have met with the pastor may partake.

06:13 – The Presence of Christ in Communion
Lutherans reject transubstantiation, but still believe in the real presence of Christ in, with, and under the bread and wine—based on a literal reading of Jesus’ words: “This is my body.”

08:03 – Do All Lutherans Share the Same Communion Practices?
WELS does not share altar fellowship with the ELCA or Missouri Synod due to doctrinal disagreements, especially around biblical inerrancy and communion practices.

10:43 – Lutheran Teaching on Baptism
Do Lutherans baptize infants? Yes. Pastor Erik shares his personal story of infant baptism and explains why Lutherans believe baptism is a means of grace, not a symbolic gesture.

13:40 – Can Infants Have Faith?
Lutherans affirm that infants can have true faith, even if they cannot articulate it. Faith is seen as a miracle of the Holy Spirit—not dependent on age or intellectual capacity.

16:25 – Sprinkling or Immersion? Lutheran Methods of Baptism
Why Lutherans don’t insist on immersion and how the word “baptize” is more about washing than water depth.

18:24 – Biblical Authority and Liberal Denominations
We close the episode with a powerful reflection on the danger of compromising Scripture, the rise of rationalism, and why abandoning biblical truth leads to declining churches.

Key Quote:

“We would say baptism saves. And that’s not because of the water—but because of God’s promise attached to it.” – Pastor Erik Janke

“You can't jettison part of God’s Word. It’s the thread that unravels the whole sweater.” – Pastor Erik Janke

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!