Our Story
For generations, Lord of Life has been a place where people gather to worship, grow in faith, and serve their neighbors.
Founded in 1988, Lord of Life Lutheran Church began as a mission congregation serving the growing southeast Sioux Falls community. What started as a small group worshiping in a local school quickly grew into a thriving church family dedicated to sharing the hope of Jesus Christ through worship, discipleship, and service.
Today, Lord of Life continues to be a welcoming community where people of all ages can grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and serve others. Guided by the belief that every member is called to ministry, we are committed to helping people connect with Christ and make a difference in Sioux Falls and beyond.
Centered on
God's Grace
As a Lutheran congregation, we believe that God's love and salvation are gifts freely given through Jesus Christ. We trust in God's grace, revealed through Scripture and experienced through worship, prayer, and Christian community.
As a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), we are part of a larger community of churches committed to proclaiming the gospel and serving the world in Christ's name.
Leadership
Walking Alongside You in Faith
Our pastors, staff, and ministry leaders are dedicated to helping people grow in faith, find community, and discover ways to serve. Together with countless volunteers, they help create a welcoming church family where people of all ages can experience God's love and purpose for their lives.
Senior Pastor
Billy Newell
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Pastor Billy is originally from Houston, Tx. While He didn’t grow up as a Christian, Jesus found a way to draw him in through a simple invitation. Someone said, “Come and see what this Christian community is all about.” This began a journey of redemption, restoration, and renewal. God continues to shape Pastor Billy today as he strives to be a faithful follower of Jesus, husband, dad, and pastor. The journey hasn’t been a straight line, but it has been filled with God’s handiwork every step of the way.
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John 10:10-11
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Oromo Pastor
Chera Nemera
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Chera Nemera is originally from Ethiopia and came to the United States as an immigrant in 2007. In 2009, he found a church family at Lord of Life through its Oromo-speaking ministry. Through the years, his faith and passion for serving God continued to grow, and in 2014, Chera was ordained as a pastor.
Chera is deeply passionate about the Church and dedicates much of his time to ministry and serving others. His desire is to share the love of Christ and help people grow in their faith.
In addition to his ministry, Chera established GracePath Transportation, a non-emergency medical transportation service. Through GracePath, he transports people to their medical appointments and has found great joy in serving people in this way. For Chera, transportation is more than simply getting someone from one place to another—it is also an opportunity to show kindness, build relationships, and share the love of Christ with those he meets.
Chera and his wife, Siyade, have three lovely daughters—Urji, Biftu, and Mia. He treasures his family and enjoys spending as much time with them as possible.
In his free time, Chera enjoys working on DIY projects, spending time with his family, and, most importantly, making time for prayer and growing deeper in his relationship with God.
Chera is grateful for the opportunity God has given him to serve both the Church and the community, and he seeks to live each day with a heart dedicated to loving God and loving people.
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Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Worship Director
Bre Jensen
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Bre was raised in the church and joined Lord of Life with her family in 1998. Starting on the worship team playing keyboard at 11 years old, Bre took the worship director position in 2020. She is often joined by her sisters and mom as they lead worship together. Bre has a passion for Christian music and loves being able to arrange and mesh songs together in order to enhance the worship service. Some of Bre’s favorite Christian artists/groups are Phil Wickham, Kari Jobe, and Elevation Worship. In Bre's spare time, she loves spending time with her husband, Josh. They have 3 schnauzers and many chicken and ducks. Bre proudly takes on “the crazy chicken lady” title. She also loves spending time with her family, caring for her houseplants and garden, spending time outdoors hiking and kayaking, photography, and DIY crafty projects. Bre is a Sioux Falls Lutheran School alumni and received her masters of occupational therapy degree from Concordia University Wisconsin. Bre works full time at Avera McKennan Hospital as an occupational therapist and certified lymphedema and wound therapist. She also owns a photography business, Rose and Bloom Photography, with her sister.
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Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Admin Staff
Delores Osterloo
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Delores and her husband, Steve, have been part of the Lord of Life family since the church’s beginning in 1988. In 1995, Delores began working in the church office, a ministry she has continued to embrace for more than 30 years. She has served in many areas over the years, with some of her favorites being directing musicals and dinner theatres, leading children in music, decorating for the seasons of the church year, and helping plan the annual Seder Meal.
Delores and Steve are blessed with two daughters, Alyssa and Carly. Alyssa married Kyle in September 2016, and together they have four children who bring great joy to Delores! In December 2025, Carly married Derek, adding another wonderful son-in-law to the family. The blessings continue as they look forward to welcoming another little one in February 2027!
When she isn’t serving at church, Delores enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, along with golfing, reading, scrapbooking, and making cards. She is grateful for the many years she has been part of the Lord of Life family and for the opportunity to serve a community she loves.
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Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will with you wherever you go.”
Life Together
More Than a Sunday Morning Church
Church is not simply a place we attend—it's a community where we belong.
Throughout the year, members of all ages gather for Bible studies, fellowship events, service opportunities, youth programs, children's ministries, music ministries, and community outreach.
Whether you're looking for friendships, spiritual growth, opportunities to serve, or support during life's challenges, Lord of Life offers many ways to connect and become part of the life of the congregation.
Our Faith Calls Us To:
Serve Those
in Need
Love God and
Our Neighbors
Welcome All People
with Compassion
Grow Continually
in Faith and Understanding
Share the
Hope Found
in Jesus Christ
Community & Service
Faith in Action
We believe faith becomes visible through service.
Lord of Life partners with local organizations, supports community outreach efforts, and encourages members to share their gifts in ways that make a difference. Through acts of compassion, generosity, and service, we seek to reflect Christ's love both within our congregation and throughout the community.
Membership at
Lord of Life
Find a Place to Belong
Membership at Lord of Life Lutheran Church is more than joining an organization—it's becoming part of a community of faith committed to growing in Christ, serving others, and supporting one another through every season of life.
While church membership is not required to experience God's love and grace, many people find that membership provides a deeper connection to the life and mission of the congregation.
Interested in Becoming a Member?
If you're considering Lord of Life as your church home, we invite you to attend our Membership Class. This five-week experience is designed to help you learn more about our beliefs, mission, ministries, and opportunities to get involved while giving you the chance to ask questions and get to know others.
Pastor Billy welcomes anyone interested in membership to join the next class.
Contact Pastor Billy to learn more.