Reclaiming The L Word

Lutheran Voices

by Kelly A. Fryer

Reclaiming the "L" Word is a book about renewing congregations by recognizing and living out the core teachings of the Lutheran faith. In the introduction, the author states:

"I hope that people of every denomination will find this book helpful as they wrestle with these important issues within their own traditions. But this little book is primarily written for those who call themselves Lutheran and, specifically, those who are members of ELCA congregations, and it is intended to help us answer central questions: Who are we? What DOES it mean to be a Lutheran today, anyway? And, why does it matter?"

Inspirational, engaging, and challenging, this book is a must-read for pastors and congregational leaders!

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Christian, Church

Nook

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really makes you take a look at the WHAT churches are supposed to be doing and WHY we have churches at all. Nothing but love for this book and it’s open minded look into the Christian church

[Joanne Mcleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very insightful and informative as, like the author Kelly Fryer, I was not raised in the Lutheran faith and only became a member of an ELCIC church several years ago. I grew up in a stricter, more right wing Evangelical Christian church.

With changes and growth in my spirituality and beliefs over time I was grateful to have been welcomed wholeheartedly as I am into a local Lutheran congregation. As a ‘reconciled’ church in Christ, they very much lived up to their welcoming statement: “Everyone is welcome here!”

My understanding of this book was aided even more as it was part of a book study on-line via Zoom that I was invited into. One of the nice things also about studying this book in a group of 10-12 people, members of different Lutheran churches, was hearing the varied interpretations and how the messages were put into action in different congregations. It made for real life applications of the author’s messages and narrative, and a number of very creative and innovative applications in sharing God’s grace and love with others.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book for an understanding of the fundamentals of what it means to be Lutheran. It is quite an easy and understandable read although there are challenging areas of complexity which are open to various interpretations. I also enjoyed Fryer’s sense of humour instilled throughout the book and her willingness to write with vulnerability in displaying her human frailties and failings. Showing very much why we all NEED the grace of God and the love of Jesus.

[Jim D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and inspirational book. This short book written by a female Lutheran pastor who did not grow up Lutheran, is a superb exposition of what it means to her to be a Lutheran Christian. It is funny, easy to read, challenging and very thought provoking. I encourage anyone interested in revitalizing thier faith experience to read this insightful book. She provides thoughts and challenges and encapsulates years of theology training into easy to grasp ideas that make Christianity , no matter what particular faith you are, come alive. Great read.

[Rev James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Church renewal

Lots of good information on church renewal, focused on the same message, that the congregation needs to understand their reason to be that it is not about them but about Christ and those around them.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me awhile to read, not because it's a long book but more of because I read it slowly trying to process it. She makes a lot of interesting points!

[LynnB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspirational with challenging thinking about religion.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for Lent with my pastor and a group from my church. I've grown up ELCA my entire life. I attended other churches though out my life, but ELCA is where I feel at home. This book was a great reminder that church isn't home to everyone. To many it is new. This book was a great reminder of that. I do agree with Kelly Fryer's call for action. There is so much more that we can do to share our beliefs, be open to change and make others feel welcome.

[Robert Lee Bennight · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good reminder for Lutheran Christian about what it essentially means to be Lutheran beyond the cultural identities that have come with it in the past. It shows us the heart of the Gospel message is God's grace in Jesus Christ who meets us at the cross and clearly defines how this is different from the American Evangelical message that we often hear that God is only found on the other side of our "decisions" to follow Christ.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Simple ideas. Simple truths. It claims to have some "out of the box" ideas, but they didn't shock me at all. My own varied religious upbringing may have helped in that.

Kudos to Kelly Fryer for using her tremendous gift for writing and spelling out what the world needs to hear!

[Mikel Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was insightful and have passed to other church council members.. Growth in our church will be driven by who we are..not what time hold services etc.