What Lutherans believe is at the heart of everything Martin Luther School does — and you are welcome here no matter where you are on your faith journey. is simple and Christ-centered — and you are welcome here no matter where you are on your faith journey.
“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
Romans 3:28 (ESV)
WE BELIEVE IN THE TRIUNE GOD
Here at Martin Luther School, a mission ministry of Immanuel Lutheran Church (LCMS), we teach and respond to the love of the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
the Father, Creator of all that exists;
Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and
the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God’s Word and Sacraments (Baptism and Holy Communion).
The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God.
Many families in the Joplin area ask, “What does it mean to be Lutheran?” In short, we are Bible-believing Christians who trust that God saves us by His grace through faith in Jesus — not by anything we do on our own.
BEING LUTHERAN
“Count it one of the highest virtues upon earth to educate faithfully the children of others.”
— Martin Luther (1483–1546)
Our school and congregation accepts and preaches the Bible-based teachings of our namesake, Martin Luther, that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century. The teaching of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in three phrases:
Grace Alone Sola Gratia — God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly.
Faith Alone Sola Fide — By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers.
Scripture Alone Sola Scriptura — The Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine.
Immanuel is a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). If you don’t already have a church home, we warmly invite you to worship with us at Immanuel Lutheran Church. This summer (June through August), we gather for one service at 9:00 AM, with Bible Classes and Sunday School at 10:15. Beginning in September, services return to 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM every Sunday.
FAITH IN THE CLASSROOM
At Martin Luther School, our LCMS Lutheran beliefs are not confined to religion class — they are the foundation of everything we teach. Every subject, from math to science to language arts, is taught through the lens of God’s Word. Students receive daily religious instruction, memorize Scripture and catechism, and attend weekly chapel services led by Pastor Ramstad and student leaders.
Our goal is to nurture children who understand what they believe, why they believe it, and how to live out their faith with confidence and compassion. Everything we teach and confess flows into our mission: to kindle character, spark joy, and ignite curiosity through the light of Christ (2 Timothy 1:6).
Families of all Christian backgrounds and those exploring the faith for the first time are warmly welcomed at Martin Luther School in Joplin, MO. We believe that every child is a gift from God, and our calling is to share the love of Jesus with each one. Learn more on our Faith & Values page.
Do you have questions about Jesus, or what Lutheran Christians believe? Make an appointment to speak with Pastor Chris Ramstad today. Call the office at Immanuel Lutheran Church — (417) 624-0333 — or stop in anytime near the flagpole entrance of the school. We would love to hear from you.
COME LEARN WITH US
Whether your family is Lutheran, exploring Christianity, or simply looking for a values-based education in Joplin — you are welcome here. Our faith is something we share gladly, not something we impose.
Explore more about Martin Luther School: About Us · Admissions · Tuition & Aid · Programs · Accreditation · Our History
Martin Luther School is affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and accredited through National Lutheran School Accreditation. Located at 2616 S Connecticut Ave, Joplin, MO 64804. Phone: (417) 624-1403.