Lord of Life Lutheran began in 1988 as a mission church sponsored
by the SD District of the LCMS. Land was purchased in the southeast area
of Sioux Falls due to its expected housing growth.
Pastor Bob Heckmann was called to serve as a missionary
pastor and began his ministry in April, 1988. After canvassing the neighborhood,
families began to worship together in the gymnasium at Sioux Falls Christian
High School, beginning on September 25, 1988. With approximately 20 families
attending worship, the construction of the current building began and
the building was dedicated in 1989. Workers from Laborers for Christ assisted
in the construction of the building. The original building ended at what
is now the coat room. God has now blessed us with over 400 members!
Pastor Heckmann left the ministry to pursue a career in
medicine. Pastor Dave Kuhnle was called and served as pastor until June,
1994. After Pastor Kuhnle accepted a call to the Council Bluffs area,
the congregation called Pastor John Dawson who has served as senior pastor
since October, 1994. Due to the blessing of growth in membership, the
congregation voted to add an education wing in 1996. Mills Construction,
along with help from congregational members, built the education wing
with financial assistance from the SD District. The education wing was
dedicated in February of 1997.
From January 2000 - August 2002 Pastor Joel Sund served
as Family Life Pastor.
In 2002 Pastor John formed a Vision task force to work on
helping Lord of Life carry out the Great Commission that God has given
His church. From that Lord of Life's Vision and Mission statements were
developed. The task force also helped determine future staff needs. In
2006 one of those needs was met by Vicar Josh. A Vicar (Intern) is a seventh
year student who is studying to become a pastor. Having a vicarage program
has helped Lord of Life to carry out the mission of reaching souls for
Jesus Christ.
That mission has spread worldwide allowing our mission teams
to grow through the years as we carried the Good News to places like Honduras.
2001 was our first trip to Honduras. 2007 will mark our 7th trip to Honduras.
Our members have also been privileged to travel to places like Mexico,
Venezuela, Dominican Republic.
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