Church Planting

Pictured above is the Wetzel cabin, where Pastor F. W. Lange preached his first sermon on August 17, 1861. With that sermon, the cabin became the first official preaching station of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Kansas.

Back then, church planting was a response to German immigration from northern states. Today, our Kansas population is becoming increasingly urban, more diverse, and less likely to claim any religious affiliation.

Times have changed. But the need for new churches hasn’t.

If you’re interested in the possibility of a church plant or have ideas to share with the District’s Church Planting Committee, contact the District office at 785-357-4441, ext. 2001.

The Network-Supported Model

Resolution 18-01-05 of the 2018 Kansas District Convention affirmed church planting as a mission priority and directed the District to identify and share resources for church planting with congregations, including new partnership models for church plants. The resolution also called for the District and its congregations make use of Synod resources, including but not limited to Mission Field: USA, to support church planting efforts in Kansas.

Our Church Planting Committee is currently exploring one promising response to this directive: the network-supported model of church planting.

In the network-supported model, established congregations work as partners in church planting, providing opportunities for collaboration, mutual encouragement, and shared resources (e.g., time, expertise, and financial support). With a strong network in place, we’ll be better positioned to provide strong Word and Sacrament ministry throughout the state, particularly in areas that are currently underserved.

Prayer Requests 

Light of the World Lutheran Church, De Soto church plant

On January 6, 2022, five couples who belong to congregations in Johnson County met with representatives of the Kansas LCMS District and agreed to work together toward planting a church in the De Soto area. Because the group first gathered on Epiphany Sunday, it was decided that the new congregation would be called Light of the World Lutheran Church, based on John 8:12.

Over the past 18 months, Rev. Bert Tegtmeier has led Bible studies in De Soto, in which approximately 25 people have participated. In addition, the group has conducted several servant events, accessed the needs in the community, and a neighborhood canvass was conducted. Based on the information received from members of the community, it was decided that there is also a need for a Christ-centered Early Education Center (including daycare and preschool) as a result of the economic growth in the area. On May 7, 2023, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Olathe agreed to become the mother congregation and assist the new Light of the World Lutheran Church in starting worship services. A Church Plant Task Force has been established with representatives from at least seven LCMS congregations to assist in performing the duties required to begin holding worship services, obtaining real property, purchasing necessary supplies, and starting a preschool/daycare.

Light of the World Lutheran Church worship services are held at Cedar Crest Memorial Chapel (32665 Lexington Ave., De Soto, KS 66018). Fellowship time begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by Bible study at 9:45 a.m. Sunday worship is held at 11:00 a.m. Learn more about Light of the World Lutheran Church by visiting their website at https://lightoftheworldlcms.org or their Facebook page, Light of the World Lutheran Church. 

Zion Lutheran Church, Concordia, KS Outreach
Rev. Mark Gaschler (Immanuel, Linn); pastormarkgaschler@gmail.com 
Rev. Timothy Koch (Zion, Linn); revtimkoch@gmail.com

In April 2017, a group of pastors met to explore the possibility of a new LCMS congregation in Concordia after noting the scarcity of churches in the area. The group now offers regular worship services at 8 a.m. on Sunday mornings, along with midweek services during Advent and Lent in a local church building (117 W. 8th St., Concordia, KS 66901). Learn more about Zion Lutheran Church in Concordia by visiting their Facebook page, Zion Lutheran Church – Concordia Outreach. Please pray that their efforts to get the word out and engage the community will encourage people to join them in worship.

Ascension Lutheran Church, Pratt

In 2017, Ascension Lutheran in Pratt was chartered as the newest congregation in Kansas. In 2019, one of the congregation’s prayers was answered with the blessing of a church building. Please pray for the congregation as it strives to build strong attendance at worship and education activities and make a positive impact in the Pratt community.

Funding for Church Plants

Each year, the Kansas District Board of Missions awards grants to support mission projects throughout the District. One of the board’s priorities in awarding these grants is church planting. If you have an interest in planting a new congregation, we encourage you to apply for a Kansas District Mission Grant; the call for applications typically goes out in August. For more details, see our Mission Funding page.