At Manchester Lutheran Church, we are committed to fostering a safe, transparent, and Christ-centred environment for everyone in our care. This page makes available our policies and practices and provides access to the documents you may need to participate fully in the life of our church.
Office Holders
Pastor: Rev’d Dr Peter Daniel Myers, pete@manchesterlutheran.church
Safeguarding Officer: Mrs Katy Victoria Myers, safeguarding@manchesterlutheran.church
Data Protection Officer: dpo@manchesterlutheran.church
Policies and Practices Handbook
This handbook how we aim to reflect God’s love and order in all we do through our policies and practices.
Other Documents
Our Commitments
Operations
Health and Safety
Manchester Lutheran Church is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all who attend our services, events, and small groups. We seek to comply with relevant UK health and safety legislation and to foster a culture of shared responsibility among all staff, volunteers, and members.
Finance
At Manchester Lutheran Church, we believe that all we have is a gift from God and that faithful stewardship of His gifts is an essential part of our calling as His people. Our financial practices are grounded in integrity, transparency, and trust in God’s ongoing provision.
Social Media and Communications
At Manchester Lutheran Church, we seek to use social media and all forms of communication to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, build up the body of believers, and engage our wider community with truth, love, and clarity.
Safeguarding and Youth Work
At Manchester Lutheran Church, we are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all people—especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church, and we will act to prevent abuse and respond appropriately where concerns arise. Our ministry is grounded in the love of Christ and the truth of Scripture, and we aim to reflect this in all our interactions.
Membership
Baptism and Communion
Manchester Lutheran Church (MLC) is a confessional Lutheran congregation. Our baptism, membership, and communion practices reflect our commitment to Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and the spiritual well-being of all entrusted to our care. We welcome all who seek to know Christ and live by His Word, and we offer instruction and pastoral guidance as part of their integration into the life of the church.
Church Discretion, Discipline and Reconciliation
As a confessional Lutheran church, Manchester Lutheran Church (MLC) recognises that the spiritual care of its members includes both encouragement and correction. Our aim in every case is the restoration and strengthening of faith, never humiliation.
We seek, as far as possible, to handle spiritual concerns quickly, quietly, pastorally, gently, and positively—in accordance with Galatians 6:1 and Matthew 18:15–17. Where necessary, discretion and discipline may be applied as part of this pastoral care, with the goal of repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual health for the individual and the congregation.
Concerns and Grievances
Complaints
Manchester Lutheran Church (MLC) seeks to promote a culture of grace, openness, and accountability. We welcome feedback and take complaints seriously as part of our commitment to pastoral care and integrity.
Whistleblowing
Manchester Lutheran Church (MLC) is committed to integrity, accountability, and transparency. This policy enables members, volunteers, and staff to raise concerns about wrongdoing without fear of reprisal.
Personnel
Our Pastor’s Role and Availability
At Manchester Lutheran Church, our pastor is called to serve by preaching and teaching God’s Word, administering the Sacraments, and caring for God’s people with prayer, counsel, and encouragement. This calling shapes how the pastor’s time is used and how best to reach him.
Equality and Diversity
Manchester Lutheran Church (MLC) is a Confessional Lutheran church, committed to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and upholding biblical doctrine as expressed in the Lutheran Confessions. Within this context, we affirm the dignity and value of every person as created in the image of God.
We seek to treat all people with respect, fairness, and Christian love, regardless of background, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, or socio-economic status.
Volunteer
This policy outlines the principles, practices, and expectations related to volunteers serving within MLC. Volunteers play a vital role in the life and mission of the church, supporting our gospel-centered work and contributing to our worship, teaching, hospitality, and outreach.
Conflict of Interest
This policy is designed to ensure that the integrity and transparency of MLC is maintained by managing actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
Data Protection
(Our Data policies and practices are under active review by a GDPR specialist)