What is the Episcopal Church 

The Episcopal Church is a Christian community rooted in the Anglican tradition, guided by Scripture, tradition, and reason. We seek to follow Jesus Christ by worshiping God with reverence and joy, caring for one another, and serving the world with love.

We believe that God calls all people into a shared life of faith, where clergy and lay leaders work together in prayerful discernment and service. Through worship, fellowship, and outreach, the Episcopal Church strives to be a place of welcome, healing, and hope for all.

Understanding the Episcopal Tradition

The Episcopal tradition is formed by a sacramental understanding of God’s presence in the world and in the life of the Church. It is shaped by the regular proclamation of Scripture, the celebration of the Eucharist, and a shared life of prayer that orders both worship and daily living.

This tradition emphasizes discernment rooted in theology and prayer, calling leaders and congregations to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through faithful worship, moral reflection, and service to others, the Church is continually formed into the Body of Christ for the sake of the world.

What Episcopalians Believe

Episcopalians hold the central beliefs of Christianity, affirming God as Trinity and Jesus Christ as fully human and fully divine. The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds serve as shared statements of faith, expressing what Christians believe about God, creation, and redemption. The sacrament of Holy Baptism fully initiates persons into the Body of Christ and lays the foundation for the work of ministry to which both lay persons and clergy are called. The Baptismal Covenant summarizes the faith and practices that define Episcopal identity. Holy Eucharist is the principal act of worship on the Lord’s Day and the means by which Christians receive forgiveness of sins, strengthening of their union with Christ and on another, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet promised in the life of the world to come.

Belief in the Episcopal Church is not only affirmed intellectually but received through grace and lived in relationship with God and others. Episcopalians understand faith as a lifelong journey, grounded in trust in God’s promises and shaped by prayer, learning, and faithful response to God’s call.

What Worship Looks Like in an Episcopal Church

Worship in the Episcopal Church is rooted in the rhythms of the liturgical calendar, bringing Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments together in a unified experience. Central to our worship is the celebration of the Eucharist, where the community gathers to remember Christ’s life, death, and resurrection and to receive God’s grace.

Services follow patterns outlined in the Book of Common Prayer, which provide structure while allowing space for reflection and participation. Worship includes readings from Holy Scripture, prayers, hymns, and sermons that connect faith to daily life. Through these practices, Episcopalians encounter God, strengthen their faith, and are sent forth to live out Christ’s love in the world.

Living the Episcopal Faith

Living the Episcopal faith extends beyond Sunday worship into every aspect of daily life. Episcopalians are called to embody the teachings of Christ through service, prayer, and acts of compassion, seeking to bring God’s love into their families, communities and workplaces.

Faith is nurtured through participation in the sacraments, study of Scripture, engagement in parish life, and collaboration with church leaders. By following the example of Christ and listening for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Episcopalians strive to live with integrity, justice and care for all God’s creation.

An Episcopal Church Community in Baton Rouge

St. Luke’s is an Episcopal Church community rooted in faith, worship, and service in Baton Rouge. We seek to follow Jesus Christ by gathering in prayer, nurturing spiritual growth, and caring for one another and our neighbors. Guided by the traditions of the Episcopal Church, our parish is a place where people of all backgrounds are welcomed, supported and encouraged to grow in faith together.

Through worship, fellowship, and outreach, St. Luke’s strives to be a visible expression of God’s love in the Baton Rouge community, responding to the needs of the city with compassion, humility and hope.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Episcopal Church

What happens during an Episcopal worship service?

An Episcopal worship service follows a structured yet welcoming liturgy that includes Scripture readings, prayers, music, a sermon, and the celebration of the Eucharist. The congregation participates together through spoken responses, hymns, and prayer, creating a shared experience of worship rooted in tradition and community.

Do I need to be Episcopalian to attend or receive Communion?

You do not need to be Episcopalian to attend worship. All are welcome to participate in the life of the service. The Episcopal Church invites all baptized Christians to receive Communion, and those who are not baptized are welcome to come forward for a blessing.

What is the Book of Common Prayer?

The Book of Common Prayer is the primary worship resource of the Episcopal Church. It contains the prayers, liturgies, and sacraments used in worship, as well as daily prayers for personal devotion. It helps shape a shared spiritual life across Episcopal congregations.

How can I get involved in an Episcopal church community?

Getting involved often begins by attending worship and joining in parish activities such as fellowship events, small groups, or service opportunities. Episcopal churches encourage participation in ministries that support worship, outreach, education, and care for others, allowing individuals to share their gifts in meaningful ways.

What should I expect if I am visiting an Episcopal church for the first time?

Visitors can expect a warm welcome and a service that may feel both reverent and participatory. No prior knowledge is required, and printed guides or friendly guidance are usually available to help you follow along. Visitors are encouraged to participate as they feel comfortable and are always welcome to ask questions.

Explore the Episcopal Church at St. Luke’s

If you are searching for the right church in Baton Rouge, we invite you to learn more about St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Whether you are visiting for the first time or seeking a new church home, we welcome you to join us for worship, explore our ministries, and discover how faith and community come together at St. Luke’s.

About St. Luke’s

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