About Us
Our Faith, Our Mission, Our History
Our Faith
The Holy Bible and the Lutheran Confessions are the doctrinal foundation in Conservative Laestadianism. Centermost is the sermon of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. The work of Christ continues in this world as the work of the Holy Spirit in His congregation.
In Conservative Laestadianism it is taught that the Holy Spirit performs the work of salvation through the gospel. God sanctifies a sinner within His congregation. The congregation and its members have been entrusted with the word of reconciliation. The proclamation of the gospel is the office of the Holy Spirit. His followers use this authority. While preaching this gospel to all people, they also proclaim the remission of sins, which is the essence of the gospel. Therein the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood is proclaimed to the sinner. Faith comes by hearing and through hearing the word of Christ.
In the content of our teaching, the principles of the Reformation are regarded to be the most important. According to these principles, the Holy Bible is the highest authority in questions regarding faith and life and man is made righteous alone by faith, alone by grace, alone by the merits of Christ.
Faith is a gift of God. God has given the gift of faith to everyone born into this world.
Baptism is the covenant of a good conscience with God. In baptism God strengthens the child's faith and lifts him into the care of the congregation. An individual who has fallen from the grace of baptism can receive the gift of faith anew through repentance.
Repentance is a change of heart. According to Luther, it includes penitence and distress on account of sin, but at the same time believing the gospel or the absolution of sin. The essence of the gospel is the forgiveness of sins.
Communion is a memorial meal established by Jesus. It is intended for believers for the strengthening of their faith.
The kingdom of God is to be found on earth according to the teachings of Jesus. It is a kingdom of grace on earth and a kingdom of glory in heaven. The kingdom of God is one-minded in faith, doctrine, and love.
Our Mission
The mission of our central organization, the Laestadian Lutheran Church, and its congregations is:
To preach the gospel of repentance and remission of sins to the people of our communities, our nations, and throughout the world so that they might become partakers with us of the grace that God offers sin-fallen man in His Son Jesus Christ.
To nurture and strengthen the faith of the believing and root our children in Christian faith in God's kingdom.
To awaken and inspire Christian values and ethics, soberness of mind, love of homeland, and responsible citizenship among the people of our nations.
In order to accomplish this mission, the Laestadian Lutheran Church arranges and holds services at home and abroad, teaches and supports the teaching of God's Word among children and youth, publishes literature, newspapers, magazines, and recordings. It also works with its sister organizations around the world.
Please visit the Laestadian Lutheran Church Web Site for further information on our central organization and how to receive additional scriptural teachings on our faith.
Our History
Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church (RLLC) is located 6.5 miles East of Buffalo on Co Rd 34, approximately half way between sister congregations in Minneapolis and Cokato. The idea of a new congregation was raised in the 1980’s to accommodate young families who had moved west from Minneapolis and found it difficult to attend Bible class and other evening activities there because of the distance. They decided to rent the Rockford Township Hall, and the first gathering was held there in May 1990.
In August 1991 a meeting took place to formally establish this congregation. The Delano Middle School was rented for Sunday morning services and Sunday school. Fund raising efforts to build their own church began, and in March 1998 ground was broken on the current site. Through the efforts of mostly volunteer labor the existing church was built in two phases. In February 1999 the congregation held its first services there.
RLLC is a member of the central organization, LLC (Laestadian Lutheran Church), in Loretto, Minnesota. The LLC is closely affiliated with sister organizations in Finland (SRK), Sweden (SFC), and congregations in other countries including Norway, England, Ecuador, and Africa. Although a large percentage of the RLLC at this time is of Scandinavian heritage, RLLC members include a variety of nationalities and races, all ages and walks of life. Young families and youth comprise a large portion of the RLLC congregation. Approximately 400 children are taught the ABC’s of faith in Sunday school. The youth group gathers several nights a week to sing spiritual songs, socialize and enjoy volleyball or other games in homes, as well as at the RLLC site. Our schedule includes Sunday services and special services throughout the year. Other activities include Bible classes, youth days, day camps, and topic discussions.
Having found the “treasure hidden in a field”, RLLC members view faith as a precious gift. Because “faith cometh by hearing” (Rom.10:17), members gather often to hear God’s Word in many RLLC activities. Singing is also a valued part of life, and songs and hymns of Zion sound beautifully during youth activities as well as general services and other events.
We warmly welcome you to our services!