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I attend an ELCA church (very blue state church) in the heart of one of the reddest of states (OK). My wife and I have really been struggling with whether to stay or find another church. There are Baptist churches (love you guys!) on nearly every corner.

But I was raised Southern Baptist and found the "by grace alone" message of the Lutherans both comforting and reassuring and since communing at this church I feel I've grown spiritually and have developed a mature and deeper love of Christ's sacrifice. I greatly respect our Baptist brethren's devotion to the great commission and their scripture-first stances against all that is PC. My wife, however, was raised Lutheran and I think the loss of the liturgy would be too much.

Also, kids (12, 10 and 6) have known no other church.

My mother recently left her Episcopal church and is communing at an Anglican splinter church. Good for her.

Missouri Synod (or Wisconsin) makes all the sense in the world, but her family might disown us. So it's either ELCA or some other liturgy-based communion.

I can understand your worries, but remember that the biggest threat isn't your own soul, but that of your kids. Most of the liberal pastors and pastoresses won't say what they think to the older people, but what to you hear what they teach the kids!

Also, remember that God can and will raise others if you family disowns you.

When my pastor was born-again and left the Catholic church, his mother was horrified. But, she got over it and even attended church with us now and then. You need to go where God wants you, not where mom wants you. (Of course, I want my sons to come to MY church--smile.) He'll lead you to the right one or keep you there for His purposes.