Arlington, Tenn.

New start: Arlington, located 25 miles northwest of Memphis, is on the brink of rapid growth with Ford Motor Company set to build a new plant for electric truck production. Since 2022, the South Atlantic District Mission Board has been working with a dedicated group of 60 members and Pastor Jim Turriff from Gloria Dei, Memphis, who plan to relocate and establish a fresh start in Arlington under a new name.

Fast facts:

• There is currently no Lutheran presence in this high-growth area.
• The core group has already begun laying the groundwork for outreach, participating in an Everyone Outreach weekend and engaging in Bible studies to strengthen its mission. The group is set to celebrate its grand opening as a new church in fall 2025.
• Arlington’s population grew 357 percent from 2010 to 2019 and has increased by about 28 percent since then, with projections suggesting it will double in the next decade.
• The new Ford plant is projected to create 5,800 jobs and is considered to be the largest single auto industry investment in U.S. history. This new mission reflects a similar effort from 35 years ago when WELS planted Christ Our Savior in Columbia, Tenn., in response to General Motors building its Saturn plant in the area.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, we thank you for the privilege to be your witnesses in the world and this opportunity to establish a gospel outpost in Arlington, Tenn. Give the members of the core group both zeal for and joy in their work, knowing the fruits of their labor are only by your goodness and grace. When the work is challenging and the efforts fall short of our expectations and yours, forgive us and fill us with your grace to see Christ alone. Humbly we pray you bless these efforts for the advancement of your kingdom. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Jim Turriff, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
[email protected]
509-594-0715