FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
HAVE A QUESTION?
Do you have a question, but don’t see the answer? Please contact us! We’d love to help in any way we can.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
To view our latest Sunday worship schedule, please visit our Worship page.
It’s Latin for “Christ the Victor.” When Jesus Christ died on the cross, God raised him from the dead, conquering the power of death. Through Christ’s own victory, we also are given victory over sin and death, and are free to love and serve the world without fear of death.
“Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”
1 CORINTHIANS 15:57
Traditional but fresh. We follow the traditional liturgical order used by many Lutherans (as well as Episcopal, Orthodox, and Catholic churches), but each week is slightly different, focusing on the Gospel themes of that week. Our hymns come from traditional and contemporary resources (primarily we use the Lutheran Book of Worship and With One Voice, a.k.a. “the green book and the blue book”).
Yes! All are welcome – there is no entry requirement. Just as Christ loved all people regardless of their upbringing, their sordid pasts, or their religious devotion (or not), we will lovingly receive you with open arms no matter where you came from or what you believe.
Absolutely! All ages are welcome to worship with us. We also offer Sunday School for those Pre-K and up from 9:30 to 10:30 and we have a nursery where you can hear the service while you sit with your child as they play.
In which month? Because of our location in Southwest Florida, our church population fluctuates with the area’s population. In the middle of the summer, we have about 150 in worship each Sunday, and in the height of season, we have about 550. Our 321 members and 200 associate members are enhanced each year by a very active “snow bird” population.
Yes! Our members come from many different denominational backgrounds. We rejoice in the diversity of beliefs and traditions that people bring to our community, and our lives are truly enhanced by the presence of each.
There isn’t a difference – a Lutheran IS a Christian! Christianity is our religion, and Lutheranism is our denomination. It is one expression of Christianity. Visit the ELCA website to learn more about what makes Lutherans distinct!
Christus Victor belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which is based in Chicago. The ELCA shares its roots with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church. We share the same book of confessions (The Book of Concord), but the ELCA is unique among Lutheran bodies in America for several reasons, including its ordination of women and its acceptance of all baptized people to the communion table. For more information on the ELCA, go to http://www.elca.org.
Yes! We welcome all baptized Christians who believe that Christ is truly present in the sacrament to partake of this feast. You are welcome to come forward regardless and receive a blessing. If you are unable to come forward, we will gladly bring communion to you in your seat. Just let us know!
No, there is no need. Like most Christian churches, Lutherans recognize that Baptism is not a denominational thing. Anyone baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is, as far as we are concerned, a baptized child of God, whether that baptism took place in a Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist or other church, and whether it was by “sprinkling,” “pouring” or “immersion”—the method doesn’t matter to us!
WANT TO JOIN?
Are you interested in joining our congregation?
We are thrilled that you are interested in joining our church community! We offer New Member Orientations periodically throughout the year; contact us to find out when the next one will be.
At this orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet our church council and hear about the different ministries of this church – and we will have the opportunity to get to know you a bit better! We look forward to seeing you there.
What Kind of Membership is Right for Me?
Full CVLC Membership
If you’re here in Florida year-round, you’re probably looking for full membership: Application for full membership.
CVLC Associate Membership
If you spend part of the year up north and belong to another church, then you might consider associate membership. Associate members have many of the privileges of full members; the biggest difference is that they may not serve on the council. (They are represented there by an associate member liaison.) Application for Associate Membership.
Being A Member
Being a member of a Lutheran church comes with a lot of joys and privileges, and some responsibilities. There are lots of ways to be involved in the life of Christus Victor, but here are some of the most important: