St. Paul's is an independent congregation recognized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America [ELCA] and the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod [LCMS]. We are also recognized by their partner churches in Japan, the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church [JELC] and the Japan Lutheran Church [NRK].
Our Mission
St. Paul International Lutheran Church brings together people of diverse backgrounds who are deepening and sharing their Christian faith through English language worship, fellowship, education, and community outreach.
Our Belief
* With the entire Christian Church we believe, teach, and respond to the love of the Triune God: the Father, Creator of all that exists; the Son, Jesus Christ, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit who creates and sustains a Believer's faith through God's Word and Sacraments. The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God now and forever.
* The St. Paul congregation, being Lutheran, accepts and teaches the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century. 
The teachings of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in three short phrases: Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone.
Grace Alone: God loves the people of the world, even though they (we) are sinful, rebel against Him, and do not deserve His free gifts of love, forgiveness, and eternal life. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-24; 6:23)
Faith Alone: By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them (us). Those who hear this Good News, repent of their sins, and believe have the forgiveness and eternal life that it offers. God creates this faith in Christ and gives His gifts of forgiveness and life eternal through Him. (Romans 3:23-28; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16)
Scripture Alone: The Bible is God's inspired, inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. The Holy Scriptures are the only perfect standard of the Christian faith and practice, and that all doctrine and teaching must be based upon Holy Scripture. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
* We believe that Jesus Christ, true God and true man, suffered and died on the cross as our substitute, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. He will come again to judge all people with justice and mercy. (Matthew 25:31-34,41; Hebrews 9:27; Acts 1:11)
* We believe in the bodily resurrection of all people. Those who are unrepentant and lost will be eternally condemned and those who have repented and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ will enjoy the eternal blessedness of heaven. (Matthew 25:34 & 41; John 3:16, 36)
Our Core Values
Our Membership
You are welcome to consider membership at St. Paul's. Being a committed part of a Christian church is God pleasing. He has given you unique skills to use in the fellowship of the Church, and God has gifted other Believers to be a blessing to you. St. Paul's receives new members several times a year.
One becomes a member of a Lutheran congregation in one of three ways: by Holy Baptism, by Letter of Transfer from another Lutheran congregation, or by Affirmation of Faith. In addition, we offer Associate Membership for those wishing to retain their "home" church membership but wish to fully participate in the life of the St. Paul congregation while living in Tokyo.
Anyone desiring to become a member should speak with one of the Elders or the Council President. We encourage all who are going to become members to attend a short series of New Member classes where our basic beliefs and practices are reviewed and one can become acquainted with other new and current members.
Please contact us at your convenience to find out more about becoming a member of St. Paul International Lutheran Church.