Sorry for the late reply, busy KAG.
I can understand where you are at. I strongly feel that the Church in America has been limping for decades. I could go on for a while on why (and probably anger both believers and non-believers in the process.)
In college I started attending a Pentecostal church and things just didn't sit right with me. I dove into years of searching (podcasts, sermons, radio, books) and have found myself comfortable somewhere between Lutheran and Reformed theology.
The LCMS and traditional Lutheranism stresses two key ideas: “Law & Gospel” and Christ as the center and heart of all things. I see the LCMS like Paul’s statement in 1Cor 2:2. “Seeking to know nothing but Christ and Christ crucified.” The concept of Law & Gospel is viewed as the only way to understand scripture. That God places certain requirements on us that we fail to meet; and the Good News that God has already fulfilled those requirements for us through Christ. Any true Lutheran church, (or any church for that matter) should be stressing these points with every sermon, song, and service. That is the heart of LCMS.
As far as the singing goes you’re probably out of luck. Luther was one of the first to bring instruments into the church and strongly believed in communal singing. The denomination sticks to that today.
I relate to your feelings about “squishy” services. I think a lot of people are uncomfortable with traditional liturgy. We should not be letting that get in the way of the message but it often does. I’ve struggled myself to find the “perfect” church. It doesn’t exist in this world. I think the best we can do is find a home where Christ can use us.
Below are some resources i’ve found useful. Not all are Lutheran:
Law&Gospel
https://blogs.lcms.org/2014/back-to-basics-law-and-gospel/
Radio/Podcast
http://www.piratechristian.com/fightingforthefaith
https://www.whitehorseinn.org/
Other
John Piper (Reformed Baptist) https://www.desiringgod.org/
Metaxas on luther, cant recommend this enough. https://socratesinthecity.com/product/martin-luther-unsigned-hardcover/
Sorry for the late reply, busy KAG.
I can understand where you are at. I strongly feel that the Church in America has been limping for decades. I could go on for a while on why (and probably anger both believers and non-believers in the process.)
In college I started attending a Pentecostal church and things just didn't sit right with me. I dove into years of searching (podcasts, sermons, radio, books) and have found myself comfortable somewhere between Lutheran and Reformed theology.
The LCMS and traditional Lutheranism stresses two key ideas: “Law & Gospel” and Christ as the center and heart of all things. I see the LCMS like Paul’s statement in 1Cor 2:2. “Seeking to know nothing but Christ and Christ crucified.” The concept of Law & Gospel is viewed as the only way to understand scripture. That God places certain requirements on us that we fail to meet; and the Good News that God has already fulfilled those requirements for us through Christ. Any true Lutheran church, (or any church for that matter) should be stressing these points with every sermon, song, and service. That is the heart of LCMS.
As far as the singing goes you’re probably out of luck. Luther was one of the first to bring instruments into the church and strongly believed in communal singing. The denomination sticks to that today.
I relate to your feelings about “squishy” services. I think a lot of people are uncomfortable with traditional liturgy. We should not be letting that get in the way of the message but it often does. I’ve struggled myself to find the “perfect” church. It doesn’t exist in this world. I think the best we can do is find a home where Christ can use us.
Below are some resources i’ve found useful. Not all are Lutheran:
Law&Gospel
https://blogs.lcms.org/2014/back-to-basics-law-and-gospel/
Radio/Podcast
http://www.piratechristian.com/fightingforthefaith
https://www.whitehorseinn.org/
Other John Piper (Reformed Baptist) https://www.desiringgod.org/
Metaxas on luther, cant recommend this enough. https://socratesinthecity.com/product/martin-luther-unsigned-hardcover/