Saint Mark Mankato, Minn.

Enhancement: Over the past three years, Saint Mark Mankato has experienced steady growth, with weekly worship attendance increasing from 97 to 130 and membership rising from 200 to 283. During this time, the congregation celebrated 24 adult confirmations, with even more expected. With 168 names on its prospect list, Saint Mark Mankato is seeking short-term Home Missions support to hire a manager of ministry, which would allow the pastor to dedicate more time to outreach and further strengthen this growing ministry.

Fast facts:

  • Nearly 62 percent of people in Mankato are currently unchurched.
  • Saint Mark Mankato has implemented new outreach programming in addition to its Christmas and Easter programs, such as Saint Mark Summer Nights, where around 80 people came together for a family-friendly pop-up event on its campus.
  • Saint Mark Mankato is reaching people new to the faith and young professionals, but it also has an established South Sudanese ministry and additional opportunities to reach out to a Chinese community as well.

Prayer: 

Gracious and loving Lord, with hearts full of gratitude and hope, we come before you, asking for your blessing on this mission enhancement at Saint Mark Mankato. We are grateful for the opportunity of a Manager of Ministry—a role that will allow the pastor to focus more deeply on outreach and the continued growth of this vibrant ministry. Lord, we ask that you equip this new leader with wisdom, compassion, and strength. May they serve with humility and grace, becoming a shining light of your love. Bless the leadership and every member of Saint Mark Mankato as they move forward in faith with this enhancement. Inspire in them a generous spirit and a deep commitment to reaching out to families throughout the Mankato area. Pour out your blessings, Lord, on this new chapter. May it bear abundant fruit and be a clear reflection of your endless love and amazing grace. In your holy name we pray, Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Jonathan Bourman, Saint Mark Mankato
[email protected]
507-508-5804

Risen Savior, Lakewood Ranch, Fla.

Enhancement: Risen Savior is a thriving congregation in a rapidly growing community with a second site now established in Parrish, Fla. Since its restart in 2016, the congregation has grown from 66 to 440 members, with 134 adult confirmations in the last three years alone. The church now has 350 families on its prospect list. To help manage the expanding outreach efforts, Risen Savior is requesting short-term Home Missions support to call a second pastor who will assist with these growing ministry opportunities.

Fast facts:

  • Weekly worship attendance has nearly doubled since 2022.
  • Risen Savior operates a preschool and Mornings with Mommy program that serve as successful outreach arms of the congregation.
  • Risen Savior added a third worship service each weekend due to limited seating capacity. The congregation regularly averages 40-50 prospects at worship each weekend.

Prayer:

Risen Savior, you conquered sin and death to remove our sin, destroy death, and give eternal life. You’ve given us the privilege to share that life-changing message and watch as it goes to work in people’s lives. We thank you for the ministry efforts that have been blessed in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., and the opportunity they now have to call a second pastor. Bless them with a servant of your Word and the work they seek to do so that more and more might know the peace their Savior gives. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Caleb Free, Risen Savior Lutheran Church
[email protected]
941-302-6276

Redeemer, Edna, Texas

Enhancement: Redeemer is a growing congregation with a mission-minded pastor leading the effort. Over the past three years, membership has increased by 26 percent, with 29 adult confirmations during that time. With 279 names on its prospect list and outreach opportunities expanding beyond what one pastor can manage, Redeemer is requesting short-term Home Missions support to call a second bilingual pastor to help connect with the growing community, both Spanish- and English-speakers, and continue reaching more people with the gospel.

Fast facts:

  • Ministries at Redeemer currently include weekly nursing home Bible studies, Sunday school, vacation Bible school, a teen group, a young adult group, a monthly men’s Bible study breakfast, a quilting club, a choir, as well as an afterschool tutoring program that serves 20-30 students from a local elementary school located three blocks from the church.
  • In additional to its weekly Spanish worship service, Redeemer began offering two Sunday morning English services in February 2025 to accommodate the growth it’s seen.
  • Nearly 20 percent of homes in Edna speak Spanish as the primary language spoken in the home.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the growth and blessings you have showered on Redeemer Lutheran Church in the little town of Edna, Texas. Thank you for the 60 years of Word and Sacrament, the 60 years of gospel ministry, the 60 years of grace you have given them. Bless them as they continue to reach out to their community in English and Spanish with a second pastor. Help them continue to grow as a congregation and as individual believers to your glory. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Andrew Schroeder, Redeemer Lutheran Church
[email protected]
361-782-3793

Living Word, Waukesha, Wis.

Enhancement: Strategically built across the street from the local high school, Living Word has experienced steady growth, with membership increasing by 20 percent since 2022. The congregation has welcomed 50 adult confirmations in the last four years. Now, with 400 names on its prospect list, Living Word will receive short-term Home Missions support to call a staff minister who will assist Pastor John Borgwardt in reaching high school families with the gospel and following up with prospective members.

Fast facts:

  • Since 2022, weekly worship attendance has risen by 30 percent.
  • The staff minister will develop relationships with local high school students by offering music lessons and leading an afterschool program.
  • Living Word also partners with and provides office space for five counselors from Christian Family Solutions to minister to clients.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we ask you to bless the new ministry Living Word is about to launch to high school students and their families at Waukesha West High School. We know many voices claim to be truth that these students are hearing and that are leaving an impression on them, but we ask that your Spirit opens their hearts to actual truth that comes from you and that saves. We pray that your cross and empty tomb impresses their hearts and minds with the good news that goes beyond all understanding, and that they find peace with God through the work you’ve done for all people. We ask this in your holy name, Amen.

Contact:

Rev. John Borgwardt, Living Word Lutheran Church
[email protected]
262-347-9673

Living Word, Petaluma, Calif.

Enhancement (restart): A dedicated core group of members at Living Word are excited to relaunch their outreach efforts with the addition of a full-time home missionary. Situated north of San Francisco, this growing community presents numerous outreach opportunities. Living Word is already actively engaging with the nearby Coast Guard, leading worship and Bible studies at a local senior center, hosting “Stay and Play” events for families, and managing a community garden on its property that fosters gospel conversations.

Fast facts:

  • Rev. Benjamin Zamzow accepted the call to serve this mission restart in June 2025.
  • Petaluma is a city of 60,000 people in Sonoma County. Its proximity to San Francisco offers potential for outreach.
  • This dedicated core group of lay members has put together an extensive ministry plan on its own that it prays to continue implementing with a new home missionary at the helm.
  • The church already owns its own church building and parsonage, lowering costs as members restart outreach efforts.

Prayer:

Jesus Christ, we praise you for your boundless grace by which we are saved and are also privileged to proclaim your goodness to others as it has been proclaimed to us. Thank you for the opportunity to do this in Petaluma, Calif. You have blessed our brothers and sisters there with hearts that desire to reach out to their community. Encourage and equip them to carry out the plans they have formed with the confidence that you will supply all they need and your good and gracious will is always accomplished for the salvation of many! Provide them with the shepherd and missionary they need to guide them in the mission work you have laid before them. In your name we pray, Amen.

Contact: 

Mr. Tom Kopecky, congregational chairman
[email protected]
650-464-5428

Christ, Clarksville, Md.

Enhancement (restart): Christ in Clarksville, Md., is looking for short-term Home Missions support to revitalize its outreach efforts. Located in the Washington–Baltimore metropolitan area, the church is ideally positioned to reach a diverse community. Despite facing challenges due to an unexpected pastoral vacancy and after-effects of the pandemic, the core group remains dedicated and mission-minded. The church aims to grow both spiritually and numerically under the guidance of a full-time pastor.

Fast facts:

  • Rev. Nathaniel Stein was assigned from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary to serve this mission restart in May 2025.
  • The River Hill School District, where Christ is located, is the highest-rated school district in the county, making it a desirable location to raise a family. New housing communities are being built directly across the street from Christ.
  • The demographic makeup of the immediate area is mostly Indian and East Asian, and Christ is looking for support ministering to this more diverse population.
  • The core group has been actively participating in outreach efforts such as Mornings with Mommy and an Everyone Outreach workshop as well as having a presence at community events to connect with residents and share the gospel.

Prayer:

Christ Jesus, we praise you for your saving work, which makes us your co-victors over sin and death! We praise you also for joyful blessing of granting mission status to God’s people at Christ Lutheran Church in Clarksville, Md. Use them as instruments of your grace so others might experience more joy than guilt. Whether the work that you have called them to is facing challenges or enjoying blessings, give them comfort and encouragement individually and peace and unity collectively as they serve together as co-heirs with Christ. Abundantly bless the mission restart efforts at Christ Lutheran Church so more might be brought into the freedom and glory of God’s children. Amen.

Contact:

Mr. Jason Miller, Core group member
[email protected]
410-279-8713

Christ the Redeemer, Barre/Montpelier, Vt. – 2024

Enhancement (Restart): Christ the Redeemer is restarting their ministry to go with the gospel to their target area of Montpelier, Berlin, and Barre, Vt. With a new home missionary leading their core group, Christ the Redeemer looks forward to bringing hope in Jesus to one of the least religious areas in the U.S.

Fast Facts:

  • Christ the Redeemer is the only WELS church in the state of Vermont.
  • In addition to its proximity to Montpelier, Berlin, and Barre, Christ the Redeemer is also in the commuting corridor for people who work in Burlington, Vermont’s largest city.
  • Christ the Redeemer has an existing church building and parsonage; Home Missions support will allow them to call a full-time home missionary.

Prayer:

Lord of the harvest, you created the mountains and the streams and redeemed the sinner by the blood of your dear Son. We ask that these truths be proclaimed widely and fruitfully in the beautiful state of Vermont. We praise you and thank you because we already know that this is your perfect will and desire. Bless this mission restart in Barre/Montpelier and your faithful people who worship your name at Christ the Redeemer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Contact:

Mr. George Thayer, core group member
[email protected]
802-498-7781

Calvary, Dallas, Texas – 2024

Enhancement: Calvary Lutheran Church in Dallas, Tex., will receive short-term support from Home Missions to call a second pastor who will be focused on outreach and connecting with unchurched early childhood and school families and the many other prospects Calvary has identified in the booming Lake Highlands area of Dallas.

Fast Facts:

  • Rev. Benjamin Schone accepted the call to serve as the outreach pastor in July 2024.
  • Ministry opportunities include outreach to a large African immigrant/heritage community that attends Calvary Lutheran School.
  • The current Mornings with Mommy program serves around 125 children and their 90 caregivers over six different sessions each month. Approximately 30 percent of attendees are prospects.
  • Calvary is located about nine miles away from downtown Dallas. The Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area is the fastest growing in the country in recent months.

Contact:
Rev. John Koelpin, Calvary Lutheran Church
[email protected]
214-549-9347

Crossroads, Chicago, Ill. – 2024

Enhancement (Restart): Crossroads Christian Church in Chicago, Ill., is looking to restart its ministry on the north side of Chicago after COVID restrictions hurt its ministry and took away its worship location in a local elementary school. With Home Missions support, members look to position Crossroads as a permanent fixture in the neighborhood, enabling them to expand ministry to better serve the needs of the community.

Fast Facts:

  • Rev. Jacob Borgwardt was assigned from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary to serve this mission restart in May 2025.
  • About 360,000 people live in the 2.5-mile target area around the current location of Crossroads’ rented ministry center.
  • There are only two WELS churches in Chicago—Crossroads on the north side, St. Andrew on the south side.
  • Crossroads is actively participating in volunteer opportunities and looking for additional opportunities to partner with local non-profits to let its light shine, give back to its neighbors, and introduce its church to community members.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, your Son gave his disciples of all times the commission to go and make disciples of all nations. We thank you for the unique opportunity to create disciples in downtown Chicago where you are bringing people of all nations together into one city. You established Crossroads Christian Church in the heart of Chicago years ago. Now we thank you for the blessing of reestablishing Crossroads as a mission restart. May your Holy Spirit fill the core group of members at Crossroads with the zeal to share the love of Jesus with their neighbors from the nations. May your Holy Spirit then bless their gospel message to create disciples through their gospel witness. Amen.

Contact:

Darby Frey, President of Crossroads Christian Church
[email protected]
312-965-5033

Faith, Prior Lake, Minn. – 2024

Enhancement: Faith Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, Minn., has developed a relationship with a standalone early childhood center that bought a portion of its vacant land and built a new facility across the parking lot from the church. The center has agreed to let Faith develop the Bible curriculum for use at the center, and Home Missions funding will allow a part-time staff minister to lead Bible lessons, connect with parents, and coordinate Faith’s members to volunteer at the center on a regular basis.

Fast Facts:

  • Besides providing the Bible curriculum for the Prior Lake campus, Faith has been able to share the curriculum (based on Northwestern Publishing House’s Christ-Light) with the entire organization that operates 20 locations across Minnesota and Central Iowa.
  • The early childhood center uses Faith’s worship space for its larger Christmas and graduation programs. With more than 100 students enrolled at the Prior Lake location, there is a significant outreach opportunity for Faith.
  • Prior Lake has seen rapid growth in recent years due to ease of access for commuters to the Twin Cities.

Prayer:

Gracious and Loving Lord, we come before you with hearts filled with gratitude and hope, seeking your blessing upon this mission enhancement. We are excited by the opportunity for the staff minister to work between the Faith Lutheran Church and the families of New Creations preschool and childcare in Prior Lake, Minn. Lord, grant the staff minister the wisdom, compassion, and strength needed to fulfill their role with grace and humility. May they be a beacon of your love, fostering deep connections and nurturing relationships. Bless the leadership and members of Faith as they embark on this journey together. Grant them the courage to step out in faith, the generosity to support this endeavor wholeheartedly, and the commitment to connect with the families at New Creations with love and compassion. Pour out your blessings upon this mission enhancement, O Lord, that it may bear abundant fruit in the lives of all involved. May it reflect your boundless love and grace. In your name we pray, Amen.

Contact:

Richard Gibson – Staff Minister, Faith Lutheran Church
[email protected]
651-249-5719