New Mission Churches
The Rocky Mountain District Mission Department facilitates the development of healthy ministries in keeping with the district’s stated mission: “Igniting Church and Culture for Christ”. “When you plant a new church, you plant the Word of God there and let it grow.” Each mission is unique in terms of culture, history and needs.
One such mission, Cross of Christ in southeast Aurora, had its beginnings five years ago as an outgrowth from its “mother church”, Mt. Olive in Aurora. Initially the new church plant followed a conventional growth model, but encountered numerous setbacks and challenges along the way. Through it all, it became evident that God was reminding the core group that He is the builder of His church according to His plan. Part of His plan was sending Pastor Dustin Lappe and his family to work in the building of this new congregation.
Without a physical building, the Cross of Christ core met as groups in homes from March to October, 2009. On October 4, 2009, they celebrated their “grand opening” with their first service in the Southland Stadium Theaters. They have been receiving many people who have had no church, or who have been “de-churched”. Some come to the theaters to enjoy a movie, only to stay for church or to return to the church the next week. Each week sees more new worshipers joining the group. A nearby coffee house has opened its doors to provide a place for Bible studies. The logistics of holding a service include hauling everything necessary in a (former) motorcycle trailer. A worship cart and children’s nursery items are unloaded and reloaded every week. Music is provided by musicians who were found on Craig’s List. Members and visitors gather at 9:00 for coffee and conversation, then children (through 5th grade) go to a second theater for Children’s Church while adults worship together. Communion is celebrated every Sunday.
Pastor Lappe was born and raised on a farm in Minnesota. He attended Lutheran schools and always knew he wanted to work in the church. He attended Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska studying Early Childhood Education and first worked as a Kindergarten Teacher at Faith Lutheran in Alaska. In 1998, he made the decision to attend Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. His vicarage was served in Gilbert, AZ, where he also served as Associate Pastor after graduating from Seminary. His wife Trudy, also a graduate of Concordia University, taught 4th grade and was the music director. During his seven years in Gilbert, he helped to plant a church in Queen Creek, AZ. Being at Cross of Christ is a huge blessing, to be involved with and serving in the community and to see that community respond. Pastor Lappe said “It is a blessing to not have a church building. It has made us to be in the community”.
Cross of Christ is an example of a mission congregation that made a new start after several years of struggle. Another recent mission plant is Light of the Valley in Riverton (metro Salt Lake City), Utah.
Light of the Valley Lutheran Church in Riverton, Utah, is a church facing many challenges not typical of a new mission. With support from Grace Lutheran Church in Sandy and other Lutherans in the SLC area, Light of the Valley has sought to reach new people in a growing part of the metropolitan area. This area is referred to by other churches as “the largest domestic mission field” in the United States.
In a practical sense, even the business of finding a building or place to worship is a challenge in Utah. One common option for new missions is to rent a space in a school. However, since the school board in Riverton is entirely Mormon, they oppose a Christian church using any of their spaces. Retail space can be found, but the cost is prohibitive. The congregation which formed about five years ago has rented spaces in a car dealership and a mortuary. Every time they change locations, they lose membership. Currently they meet near a strip mall which carries a rental fee of $6000 per month. The owner of the building has recently placed it on the market and it is questionable whether Light of the Valley will be in a financial position to purchase the building. Just the required market feasibility study would carry a price tag of $15,000.
Establishing a Christian church in an urban area that is over 50% Mormon presents some unique challenges. People are not necessarily unfriendly or antagonistic, but often are very closed to Christian outreach. Those who have rejected Mormonism tend to reject God altogether.
The mission of Light of the Valley is to feed believers through the Word and Sacraments and to grow this church. There are many good reasons to stay strong in this mission; many people want to know just what it means to be a Lutheran and will thus engage in theological discussions more easily. Eventually the congregation would like to offer daycare and early childhood education. God is guiding the development of this church and has blessed them with the leadership of Pastor Alan Borcher. Obviously their monetary needs are great as is their need for our prayers and support.
Cross of Christ and Light of the Valley are just two of the mission plants supported by the Rocky Mountain District. Numerous studies have shown that the planting of new congregations is one of the most effective ways of reaching people who currently do not belong to a church. People who are reluctant to joining a well-established church are often open to participating in a new start-up, especially one that is clearly focused on their personal and family needs. For this reason the Rocky Mountain District is devoted to continually planting new congregations.
Financial support is always needed. Your dedicated gift in support of new church plants may be sent to the Rocky Mountain District, 14334 E. Evans Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014.
Prayers are needed as well. A monthly electronic newsletter, Throne of Grace, details the prayer needs of all of our mission congregations, and is free for the asking. To receive Throne of Grace, contact Margery Richter in the district office, 303-695-8001.