The following list was compiled by a 20th century Lutheran who, observing other Lutherans, wrote down exactly what he saw or heard:
1) Lutherans believe in prayer but would practically die if asked to pray out loud.
2) Lutherans like to sing except when confronted with a new hymn or a hymn with more than four stanzas.
3) Lutherans believe their pastors will visit them in the hospital even if they don't notify them that they are there.
4) Lutherans usually follow the official liturgy and will feel it is their way of suffering for their sins.
5) Lutherans believe in miracles and even expect miracles, especially during their stewardship visitation programs or when passing the plate.
6) Lutherans feel that applauding for their children's choirs would make them too proud and conceited.
7) Lutherans think that the Bible forbids them from crossing the aisle while "passing the peace."
8) Lutherans drink coffee as if it were the Third Sacrament.
9) Some Lutherans still believe that an ELCA bride and an LCMS groom make for a mixed marriage. (or an ELCA groom and WELS bride?)
10) Lutherans feel guilty for not staying to clean up after their own wedding reception in the Fellowship Hall.
11) Lutherans are willing to pay up to a dollar for a meal at church.
12) Lutherans think that Garrison Keeler stories are totally factual.
13) Lutherans still serve Jell-O in the proper liturgical color for the season and think that peas in a tuna noodle casserole adds too much color.
14) Lutherans believe that it is OK to poke fun at themselves and never take themselves too seriously.
And finally, you know you're a Lutheran when:
* You hear something really funny during the sermon and smile as loudly as you can!
* It's 100 degrees, with 90% humidity, and you still have coffee after the service.
* Doughnuts are a line item in the church budget, just like coffee.
* The communion cabinet is open to all, but the coffee cabinet is locked up tight.
* All your relatives graduated from a school named Concordia (or Luther).
* When you watch a "Star Wars" movie and they say, "May the Force be with you," you respond, "and also with you."
* You actually understand those folks from Lake Wobegon, MN.
* And lastly, it takes ten minutes to say "good-bye."
1.) Located in the southwest
2.) Meets at 11:00 am (and its OK for the service to go over an hour)
3.) The coffee machine is turned off
4.) Pastors do not wear traditional garments
5.) Rock Band
6.) Cheering for Children
7.) Clapping for Music
8.) One scripture reading
9.) Sermons with more that three points allowed