I am not Lutheran, but I greatly respect the conversation and reflection going on here. In a purely abstract sense, there are three traps that one might fall into on this journey. One might be to define oneself by what you are not -- not-Catholic, not-Presbyterian, not-Baptist, etc. Important distinctions to be sure, but not very reliable guideposts. A second could be to explore with one's focus distracted by what's over your shoulder -- which branch, group, constituency will be affect, delighted, offended by this? If this or that Synod likes this direction, it must be okay (or vice versa).

And the third and most risky is -- am I so focused on nailing this down that I stop asking the question, "What does God want? What is most faithful to what Jesus founded during his earthly ministry? Where is the heart of the Holy Spirit actively leading?"

This is not meant to be patronizing. I see all of these in myself. I honor all Christians of good will as brothers and wish you very well on your pilgrimage.