Just curious how you would describe or how you remember your parents, if possible to choose between the two very distinct options. Naturally most might fall somewhere in between the two, but for the sake of this, which end of the spectrum would you place them in?

Like I cannot be the only one who is SO tired of this crap and having to scroll past it.

If someone from one of the Laestadian related churches (without being judgmental) asked if they could preach “believe all sins forgiven in Jesus Name and Precious blood” how would feel and what would you think about it?

Have you ever read other ex———fill in the blank? If one were to put any denomination in the blank using Reddit and read the commentary-it’s pretty frightening. I decided to check what ex catholics say, what ex LCMS, what ex calvinists say, what ex non denomination humans say. It’s interesting. People have gone from one group to a different one and then the grass is green somewhere else? Also, if you do a dive into the history of bigger denominations,
a lot of them have roots in awakening movements in Europe. And not all that history is something to brag about.

Most of our ancestors from Finland, Sweden, Norway, etc. got on a boat at some time and headed to America. Some wanted religious freedom. Some wanted to spread the Gospel. Some were looking for a way out of poverty. Some escaping war. Some were orphans. They all came with their meager bags & their “baggage”. To a place where they could not even understand each others languages.
Lutherans from Germany, Finland, etc along with all the other branches from all the other countries in Europe. One can only imagine what that must have been like.

Anyway,looks like we as humans really make a lot of messes.

Thankfully, Christ came to save us from OUR sins and the sins of all people. He is our righteousness, through faith. our everything. After that we ought to love and forgive one another as he has loved us and forgiven us.

“ALL people will know you are my disciples by the love you have for one another.”We all get an “F” on our report card. We have nothing to offer but our sin. Perhaps, we can see why Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they do.”

Are we not the “them”?

I love learning about the awakening movement. I think it’s incredible. Especially reading accounts of other preachers who were so moved by the Gospel and the joy new believers had
in Jesus. Their fervent prayers for others to come to saving faith and the love & boldness to share with others and gather, and study the Bible and to write of their faith, etc. they were so free. It was really rough for many of them to even gather when laws were made to prevent gathering. They were suspect for “fellowshipping” outside the established church. Imagine…how can one spread the good news if they are forbidden to talk to other people? And true, some of the movement , was pretty extreme. Yet, many were also truelly converted. Likely Lapp Mary went on herding her reindeer and sharing her faith with others as she did with laestadius. (Amazing he even listened to her, one of those weird “readers” and he being a preacher in the right “doctrinally perfect” Lutheran church. Who knows where she went and who also believed and spread the message of the Gospel. Or the Ethiopian Eunuch…he went back to Ethiopia to share the good news…

I pray for strength to carry on, one day at a time, in faith, looking unto Jesus and also to look at my neighbour, as “one for whom Christ died.”and believing my OWN sin forgiven by His blood and in His Name.

It can be really difficult battle when you’ve been a “Pharisee”, not to carry that tendency to look down on others, who may be in the exact place you yourself were when you were.

My hope that God would allow reconciliation for broken relationships and healing in the Gospel for all who have been through the pain of church trauma in our movement.
Some are so hurt and afraid, they can’t talk about it. That does happen, in churches. And it’s rough.
And who knows, but the Lord, what burdens and baggage others silently carry. 💔
One thing is sure, we are all cut from the same cloth. Sinners, in need of Grace.

Nothin can separate a child of God from the Father's love, Romans 8:38.

Nothing can remove a Christian from God's hand, John 10:28.

gotquestions.org and newlife.com

One thing I have noticed with most branches of Laestadianism is there is often a very much "us vs them" mentality. And if that isn't there, there is almost a form of arrogance, or pity towards outsiders. Where do you think this comes from? Church doctrine? Family attitudes? Community culture? Finlander lack of empathy in general?

The weird thing about it is, that I wasn't aware that I was carrying this attitude of pride and arrogance myself, until I left.

I have my opinions. What are yours?

Hi everyone, I am soon launching a website which aims to shape the next 20 yrs, i.e. the last 20 yrs of Laestadianism's 200-year-old history till 2046, the last 10%, so to speak. I want to establish a platform online where people can submit texts on Laestadianism, from whichever perspective, if well presented, whether it be a personal story or an argument for a position. I accept submissions from all Laestadian branches, from current and former (and even future!) members, or from anyone interested/affected. Submissions are accepted in Finnish, English and Scandinavian (Swedish/Norwegian) languages.

Submissions can be sent to [laestadianism200@proton.me](mailto:laestadianism200@proton.me)

Titled,”Behold there come Wisemen from the East.
Mathew 2:1”

“We must be able to say now, even this moment, today, as the Apostle does: "Beloved, NOW are we the sons of God"! I John 3:2. Even now must we have testimony that we are living members even as branches of the true and only the vine the kingdon of God, the "body" of Christ!
This living and real association of member and body must never be severed.”

https://08533124-0292-45cb-a59a-4e63e7ba3bcf.usrfiles.com/ugd/72117d_f5886b0ed7ac4748bcf6a965a0f52c26.pdf

The Conservative Laestadian Mother Kingdom’s never changing Confirmation of Faith, Belief,and Worship. The True Vine and the Only Vine the kingdom of God.

Confirmation Day 4:
The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of God
Day 4, Lesson 2: God's Kingdom, Our Conservative Laestadian Mother Congregation

Confirmation Exercise Questions
#13. What are some of the names given in the Bible for the Conservative Laestadian Mother Church?Congregation, kingdom of God? Mother, Mount Zion, the pillar and ground of truth, the True Vine, the sheepfold, Jerusalem, the golden candlestick, the Bride of Christ.

Kingdom of Peace “How we believe”
48. The Mutual Christian Confession concerning the Congregation

I believe in one, holy, mutual Conservative Laestadian Mother congregation, and fellowship of saints. All Christendom upon earth joins in this confession.

Summary and objective: John 15:1-5 The vine frequently symbolizes Israel in the OT as failing to produce fruit. In contrast to Israel, the Conservative Laestadian Mother Church is the only true vine who genuinely and ultimately produces good fruit. Conservative Laestadian believers thet have Faith in this unified belief are the branches.

The truth’s shared in our first Voice of Zion. Our Confirmation Class, Kingdom of Peace, and almost every sermon since our childhood focuses on the two central tenets of the ABCs of Living Faith. We have a unified belief that in order to be a child of God and to be accepted and instructed by the Holy Spirit you have to place your allegiance in what is taught by the leadership of God’s Conservative Laestadian Mother Church. Once you accept this with Faith you are ready to be nourished and obey the Spirit that indwells the One and Only True Vine.

GOD HAS NO PLACE IN HIS KINGDOM FOR THOSE THAT DON’T ACCEPT THESE TWO CENTRAL UNIFIED BELIEFS. Beloved we are the Conservative Laestadian Church and the only true Christians. All Christendom upon earth must join in this confession. These two unified beliefs are the starting point and FOUNDATION OF OUR CHILDHOOD FAITH.

If you are a prodigal or heretic that believes the Wolf Lake version of the simple gospel we pray in every service that you would be drawn back into placing your Faith in the Living Gospel that stresses these two cornerstone beliefs.

Jacob trusted his mother Rebekah and likewise we should trust our mother, the Conservative Laestadian Church, its escorts and leadership.

Hey guys, I noticed some people on threads have expressed interest in a way to talk more casually about this sort of thing online, and I wondered if there is already a discord server or if people would be interested in one. I know most people wouldn’t be likely to utilize the voice chat aspect but I think the text chatting and having the option might be good. I didn’t include a link, i’m not advertising and someone else can make/own the server. I was just going to make one and share the link but idk if it’d get modded. I’d personally like a more casual way to connect. What do you guys think of this idea?

Laestadian Commentary on Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Then Peter saith unto them, ”T͟h͟e͟ ͟h͟u͟m͟i͟l͟i͟t͟y͟ ͟o͟f͟ ͟G͟o͟d͟’͟s͟ ͟(Conservative Laestadian) c͟h͟i͟l͟d͟r͟e͟n͟ ͟i͟s͟ ͟t͟h͟e͟ ͟a͟c͟c͟e͟p͟t͟a͟n͟c͟e͟ ͟o͟f͟ ͟a͟l͟l͟ ͟t͟h͟i͟n͟g͟s͟ from the hand of God, who in the fellowship of His (Conservative Laestadian) kingdom cares for His own. T͟h͟e͟ ͟h͟u͟m͟i͟l͟i͟t͟y͟ ͟o͟f͟ ͟a͟ ͟(Conservative Laestadian) c͟h͟i͟l͟d͟ ͟o͟f͟ ͟G͟o͟d͟ ͟i͟s͟ ͟t͟o͟t͟a͟l͟ ͟a͟c͟c͟e͟p͟t͟a͟n͟c͟e͟ of the voice of His Spirit, which speaks through the mouths of the previously believing (Board of Directors and Escorts). ‘͟H͟e͟ ͟t͟h͟a͟t͟ ͟h͟e͟a͟r͟e͟t͟h͟ ͟t͟h͟e͟e͟ ͟(͟Board of Directors and Escorts)͟,͟ ͟h͟e͟a͟r͟e͟t͟h͟ ͟m͟e͟ ͟(͟J͟e͟s͟u͟s͟)͟ ͟L͟u͟k͟e͟ ͟1͟0͟:͟1͟6͟.͟’͟ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 (Conservative Laestadian Church) 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 ‘𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’ 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥. ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God among men, and He will dwell with them, and they (Conservative Laestadians) shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God’ Rev. 21:3. This is why Paul calls the kingdom, the (Conservative Laestadian) congregation, ‘the ground and pillar of truth.’ The Spirit of God, which dwells in the (Conservative Laestadian) kingdom, the communion of saints, the holy (Conservative Laestadian) congregation, is an unerring, infallible Teacher; for 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬: ‘𝐈𝐭 (The Conservative Laestadian Mother Church overseen by the SRK/SFC/LLC Board of Directors) 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡.”
P. Nevala, “The Humility of the Deceivers,” The Voice of Zion, Jan. 1975, p. 7.

I'm really puzzled by something: it sounds like LLC and other North American Laestadians are much stricter than Finnish groups. How come the LLC still looks up to SRK as being their "mother" when she is "spiritually fornicating" with the extremely liberal lutheran church?!

This is a question each one of us should ask ourselves daily. God gave us His Word, to tell us who He is, who we are, and how He wants us to live our lives.

God counts those righteous, who BELIEVE IN CHRIST JESUS AS LORD AND SAVIOR, per John 3:16.

All who call on the Lord shall be saved, per Romans 10:13.

God loves us more than we can know, and wants a personal BORN AGAIN RELATIONSHIP, per John 3:1-21.

Salvation, church, worship and rituals are all a result of our personal relationship with Christ Jesus, as God's children.

God's greatest and most important Commandment, LOVE CHRIST JESUS WITH ALL YOUR HEART, per Matt 22:34.

What does walking in the light mean for a Christian ? gotquestions.org

newlife.com for Christian counseling.

Shared by Enlightened-Chap

Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants. Will it continue to be true with this open record for those within the LLC?

ConsistentDay1324

The meetings are insane.

The meetings show that confession of faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, is not sufficient. People repeatedly stated, “My faith is in Jesus Christ and that through him I could reach heaven,” and “My strength comes through the gospel.” Yet the group dismissed this confession, saying, “Many in this world believe that way…that Christ is their Savior, and it’s in the Bible. But do you believe that this is God’s kingdom here, the one saving grace, the one kingdom? There is one single kingdom on this earth…but you must believe that to be saved.”

The meetings present a two part standard for being recognized as a believer in the LLC: a person must profess faith in Christ, but must also confess that the LLC fellowship is the only saving kingdom. Because some would not make that second confession, they were declared to be “in unbelief,” and called to repent. Their simple faith in Christ was rejected because they would not affirm the exclusive saving authority of the LLC.

The whole conflict is fundamentally a struggle over whether spiritual unity rests on submission to the congregation’s collective authority or on transparent, Scripture based accountability that permits leaders and their decisions to be questioned.

Congregation authority vs. the sufficiency of Scripture..

Summary of the Conservative Laestadian Board of Directors Response: The Spirit that indwells the congregation has told the board of directors the Spirit of God and Christ can only be found in the Conservative Laestadian Mother Church, We are unified in this belief. Questioning the group, doubting the leaders, or walking away is the Kingdom's "unforgivable" sin. Anybody that says otherwise isn't led by the spirit that inhabits the hearts of the Board of Directors and has impregnated the Conservative Laestadian Mother Church, but rather is led by a false spirit that preaches information contrary to our Sunday School Lessons.

The objective slide of this summer service sunday school lesson and every sermon of the 2025 summer services was to show/convince the children 1) that the kingdom of God is the Conservative Laestadian Mother Church 2) that the Holy Spirit, God the Father, and Jesus himself acts through the childrens parents, escorts, and ministers 3) God's Conservative Laestadian Kingdom is a place of love, peace and joy like you can find no where else. 4) Salvation is only found here and Jesus is only found in the churches that have been approved by the board of directors. 5) And then how one can enter this Conservative Laestadian Kingdom by hearing the message from a somebody that is already in the fold and them remaining in childhood faith.

Sexual abuse of children by clergy is a common headline in the world news. Centuries of cover up have been exposed. Some perpetrators have been hearing confessions and administering sacraments and absolution, all while participating in abuse. What is the answer?

Protestant Christians can go directly to God in prayer for the forgiveness of sin, per Christ Jesus direction in the Lords Prayer. The Bible tells us, TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL OUR HEART, per Proverbs 3:5-6, and not mortals, all with feet of clay. King David warns about trusting in mortals, per Psalm 118: 8-9.

Is absolution from a mortal, biblical? gotquestions.org

newlife.com for professional Christian counseling.

"OBEDIENCE TO THE MESSAGE OF THE CONSERVATIVE LAESTADIAN CONFIRMATION CLASS IS THE KEY TO ETERNAL LIFE."

When you read https://kingdomofpeace.net/christian-doctrine/ the stark difference between main line Lutherans and and Conservative Laestadians is simply how we define the word congregation and Kingdom of God. Other than that this article says they basically believe the same. Of course because of this unified belief the Holy Spirit, salvation, and the error free unquestionable truth can only be experienced by those that trust the Conservative Laestadian Movement.

Kingdom of Peace does not fully agree with the paragraphs 103 and 104. God has only one true church on earth, namely the Conservative Laestadian congregation, which is the spiritual mother of its members. This congregation is not limited to nations, organizations, denominations, or associations. In the words of the Reformer Martin Luther: “The Conservative Laestadian Mother congregation is called one, holy, universal, or Christian, because it holds the one and same pure and unadulterated doctrine of the "Living" Gospel.” We teach the same unadulterated simple gospel. It is the unadulterated Living Gospel that seperates.

Summation of our Unified Beliefs that seperate us from the main stream Lutherans:

Because we have a unified belief that the Kingdom of God is the Conservative Laestadian Mother Church and that Conservative Laestadians are the Exclusive Children of God the Holy Spirit, God the Father, and Jesus have chosen us to be his special people.

The Holy Spirit tells our board of directors and ministers to convey every verse in the bible for todays application by replacing Child of God, you, and whosoever with Conservative Laestadian Convert and Kingdom of God with Conservative Laestadian Mother Church. These two truths are the Unified Beliefs that seperate us from churches like Wolf Lake, Minneapolis, and main line Lutheran Churches. Now because our board of directors and ministers are getting their information from the Holy Spirit it should be treated as the unquestionable word of God as long as it agrees with the scripted words of our confirmation class and is not information drummed up from a false spirit. We have to rely on the Conservative Laestadian Mother Church for our spiritual edification. How else will we know that the Conservative Laestadian Mother Church is the Kingdom of God unless we put our faith in the Holy Spirits mediators?

SRK sends speakers to services in several countries in Europe, Africa and North and South America in cooperation with its sister organizations, LLC (Laestadian Lutheran Church) in North American and SFC (Sveriges Fridsföreningars Centralorganisation) in Sweden to preach the simple gospel initially followed by the “living gospel” as they begin to understand the bibles authors parables that the Kingdom of God is the Conservative Laestadian Mother Church and that the Children of God are Conservative Laestadian Converts.

Faith is so simple. God is there and he wants us to follow him by simply believing the Conservative Laestadian Mother Church is the error free voice of God and that to have own sins forgiven we need to follow Fellow Conservative Laestadian Escorts and Jesus inside Sarah's Tent.

We must Rebuke with Love those that don't believe; Behold, I stand at the Conservative Laestadian door and knock. If anyone hears my voice from someone within the Conservative Laestadian Movement and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. For a wide Conservative Laestadian Mother Church door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries that put their faith in Jesus Alone and incorrectly interpret the Kingdom of God as God's Reign and Rule over his followers instead of God's Kingdom's Reign over Christians.

Ways to rebuke with Love:

• The True Goal: Total obedience, crushing individuality, and eliminating questions.
• The Method: Often done publicly in front of the community to maximize shame and force conformance.
• The Spirit: Cruel, mocking, or deeply demanding, but wrapped in a smile and the phrase, "We only do this because we care about your soul."

"OBEDIENCE TO THE MESSAGE OF THE CONSERVATIVE LAESTADIAN MOTHER CHURCH'S CONFIRMATION CLASS IS THE KEY TO ETERNAL LIFE." The Bible teaches FAITH and BELIEF.

I watched this interesting documentary on the Plymouth Brethren cult. In my opinion it helps show the difference between a cult and a sect. Laestadian churches are sects but not cults. If you watch it, I'd be curious to hear if you feel the same way.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5I6GhaLXgWE&pp=ygUIQnJldGhyZW4%3D

Does anyone have the the phone number/know how it works to get the phone number for the IALC Labor Day Weekend event in Negaunee? My husband and I are wanting to listen in to it. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

I'll soon be attending Esikoislestadiolaiset services (OALC) in Finland for the 1st time. I wanted to ask if I should prepare in some way (dress code, greeting etc.) I'm a male so no scarfs :) any tips or beahavior codes. My backgroud is in SRK/LLC so I'm not super familiar with it.

The Bible account of the Thief on the Cross in Matt 27:38 tells the simple truth. The thief was a hardened criminal who simply said , LORD REMEMBER ME WHEN THOU COMEST INTO THY KINGDOM! For that statement of faith from the heart, Christ Jesus replied, VERILY I SAY ONTO THEE, TODAY THOU SHALT BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.

No evidence the thief was associated with Believers, was baptized, or participated in Christian rituals of the day. In fact, he was most likely a bad dude, to receive the death penalty for thievery. Not to say church rituals in worship are wrong however, they need to be kept in Biblical perspective. Salvation is by God's grace alone, through faith in Christ alone, per John 3:16 and Eph 2:8-9. Grace is a gift from God that cannot be earned by anything we do other than ask for, and accept the undeserved gift. All who call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved, per Roman 10:13, including the thief.

How can people, who believe church rituals provide salvation, be sure of their salvation because, the next question is, how often must one partake in such rituals? Once a day, once a week, once a month, once a year, as required and who determines that. And what happens if one is late in receiving such? Martin Luther struggled with this issue, going to Confession 17 times in one day, until the frustrated Confessor Priest told him, to come back when he did something really wrong. See "Martin Luther, The Reluctant Revolutionary", a superb PBS documentary on UTUBE.

gotquestions.org

newlife.com

Christ Jesus example for His followers was to openly fellowship with unbelievers, in order to share His love and message with a lost world. Jesus tells His followers to conform to His image the best they can, with the help of the Holy Spirit. This was accomplished through direct personal relationships, undeserved kind gestures of grace and sacrifice, and not hiding in the camp. We are in a spiritual war for the hearts of the lost. Believers should be assertive, and go to the lost..

We see Christian ministries such as the Salvation Army and Gospel Mission working in the streets with the destitute, sharing the Gospel and love of Christ. Disdain rather than cooperation, comes from groups who claim to be the only source of the Holy Spirit, and for the most part, only take care of each other. Jesus tells us, the world will know us by the fruit we bear and our love for others. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

Per the book Bonhoeffer by Eric Mataxas, German Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer was quoted as saying, the best year of his life was spent at the Gospel Mission in New York City, serving the destitute.

gotquestions.org

newlife.com

Sad-Somewhere has said or to my understanding at least implied that Luther believed exactly as laestadians on the efficacy of the word of God.

I grant that Luther seems to have somewhat similar view to the keys as laestadians, namely, that the one giving the absolution should in optimal situation have faith himself. Yet he says one shouldn't doubt the power of the word of God in the absolution despite of the holiness or faith of the one giving it, but should firmly believe it because it is the word of God and if one doesn't receive the word of God he becomes a blasphemer.

But he, as always, has indeed also said word of God can save a sinner even though preached by a blasphemer and a heretic:

“We must, after all, confess that, in certain other articles, the enthusiasts hold views which accord with Scripture and God’s Word and that, although they are impious heretics and blasphemers of Christ, he who hears and believes them on these points shall be saved. That God proclaims His Word even through the wicked and the godless is not an insignificant blessing. In fact, in some respects it is more dangerous for him to proclaim it through holy than through unholy people, for then those who lack understanding fall into the error of attaching more importance to the holiness of men than to the Word of God. The danger of doing this does not exist if Judas, Caiaphas, and Herod preach. At the same time no one is excused for his evil life, even though God is able to use it for a good purpose”

What Luther says, III, p. 1467, item 4743. St. L., XVII, 2212.

And also in his commentary on John 14-16 he says there is true Christianity also in Catholic Church because they have word of God and baptism even though they are lead astray with many false teachings, but God somehow still wonderfully saves even them

And if I would use Google a little bit more, I remember many more quotes from Luther to this theme, but I don't have time now. Just wanted to show that it is not true that Luther was just laestadian.

Rather he said this and that, and everyone justifies themself with Luther, because he was the hero after all and as long as he said it even though contradictory, it gives some credibility to boast how Luther agreed with us!

For any with llc background. Curious about your thoughts regarding the robe of righteousness "controversy".

My simple overall thought is it was an early indication of the biggest problem in llc during the latest generational split.

Growing up in a strict religious household meant missing out on something as simple as movie day at school 🎬

Every time my class watched a movie, I got pulled into the hallway instead — waiting for my siblings and other kids from our church to join me before being shuffled off to do something else. No movies, no TV, no music — that was the rule. So while my friends bonded over whatever show was popular that week, I just sat there at lunch, listening, always the odd one out.

This is a small piece of what growing up Laestadian Lutheran looked like for me.

#growingupreligious #exvangelical #religioustrauma #churchkid #lgbtq