lightofchristlutheran

History of Light of Christ Lutheran Church

In the late 1960's several families in the Delano area were looking for a Lutheran alternative to the existing Wisconsin Synod congregation in Delano. Families from Rockford were thinking the same thing. A request was sent to the American Lutheran Church (ALC) offices and representatives were sent to hold joint meetings with families from both communities. The result of these meetings was the start of a mission congregation with worship services being held in both Delano and Rockford. Pastor Manuel Johnson was called to lead the congregation and a parsonage was purchased in Delano. Under Pastor Johnson's leadership and the faithful commitment of the members, the church grew and became an important voice in the community. When a member from Rockford donated acreage, a church building was constructed in Rockford and worship services were held only there.

In 1984 the people form Delano felt the need to have more of a presence in the Delano area. Pastor Johnson resigned to take another position and the congregation split into two churches. Each called a pastor and Light of Christ began. During those early years, worship services were held in the school and also at St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

Through the ministry of Mission Builders, the first building was completed in 1987. As the congregation continued to grow, there was a need for additional worship space. On October 10, 1997, a new sanctuary was dedicated with a seating capacity of over 300 people.
In the fall of 2005 construction was completed on a wing containing offices and classrooms.

Today, Light of Christ Lutheran numbers over 1300 members, with one-third of these being youth and children. In the past three years, worship attendance has grown by 60% and the congregation was one of eleven congregations in the Minneapolis Area Synod honored for its faithful mission-oriented financial stewardship.

Throughout its history, God has indeed worked through the mission and ministry of Light of Christ Lutheran Church. Our mission statement, "Lives transformed through the Love and Light of Christ," honors both the congregation's desire to be Christ-focused and mission-directed.