Terry, you are correct that congregation polity does not necessarily mean lack of Lutheran theology. In the case of the AFLC, however, you have an extended history that shapes your identity. Your congregational polity still allows for a seminary of your own, which helps sustain your ethos.
In the case of LCMC, there is not that same kind of extended history. As I've said, it consists mostly of former ELCA churches that for various reasons decided that the ELCA wasn't for them, and "we don't like hierarchy" seems to be the most common piece of identity in the organization. I think there could be a greater sense of identity than that, but there hasn't been much focus on theology, as I've said, and there isn't a single, recognized seminary.
In the case of LCMC, there is not that same kind of extended history. As I've said, it consists mostly of former ELCA churches that for various reasons decided that the ELCA wasn't for them, and "we don't like hierarchy" seems to be the most common piece of identity in the organization. I think there could be a greater sense of identity than that, but there hasn't been much focus on theology, as I've said, and there isn't a single, recognized seminary.