God commands us to have church-fellowship (the public things we do together with fellow believers like worship, baptism, reception of the Lord's Supper, and missions) only with orthodox churches. God tells us to leave a church if it teaches false doctrine (Romans 16:17).

Sadly, the congregations of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod do not have pulpit and altar fellowship with any other church body in this country (including other Lutheran synods). This is because we believe that other church bodies publish, teach and practice unscriptural doctrinal positions on some articles of faith.

The practical result is that we do not join with members of other denominations for joint (ecumenical) worship services nor do non-Missouri Synod pastors preach in our churches. We do not receive members of other denominations to our celebration of Holy Communion. Our members do not attend Holy Communion at non-Missouri Synod churches.