Lutherans for Racial Justice I November 30, 2022

If you're a church worker or active lay leader, then you already know:

Church work isn't contained by the walls of a church building. Ministry isn’t confined to those who show up in the pews each Sunday.

That’s why we’re highlighting LCMS congregations and their pastors who have been getting involved in their communities on a civic level. We know, we know -- Lutherans don't like all this attention on good works. But from criminal justice reform to running for local office, these Spirit-led citizens are demonstrating what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus by investing in daily life in their communities.

And that's good news worth sharing.

"As an expression of our church values, we strive to partner with other local organizations and businesses to serve the underserved and the individuals and families with needs and felt needs to display justice and mercy as a church. To this end we have partners that focus on financial education, self defense and women’s safety, criminal justice bail bond and lawyer assistance, vacant lot revitalizations, job referrals, and more. All 'good works' to show The Body of Christ is here for the community. These partnerships happened by listening to the needs of the community and individuals and prayerfully seeking who we know that we can link to meet those needs with your help and direction. We are excited to do much more as The Lord allows. 

Pastors play a key role in connecting community needs to local providers since they generally have some pulse on the community and act as an advocate and bridge with the outside community and glue from within the community, if they are an active minister and church.”

Learn more about SOON Church Third Ward.

“The Kingdom of God isn’t segregated, so our churches and communities shouldn’t be either. Racism, injustice, and inequity continue to oppress our neighbors and the people of God should lament the suffering that surrounds us, proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, and join in the struggle for liberation.

As such, Bridge City Community was planted in Chattanooga, TN to pursue spiritual, racial, economic, and educational justice through intentional multi-ethnicity, youth empowerment, community organizing, and anti-racism education. Always holding a balance but knowing exactly who we were called to be, we were grassroots and community-oriented. We offended and were offended. We asked for forgiveness and offered it freely. We spoke out and walked the streets. We partnered with organizations and community leaders. We sought beauty and practiced hospitality. We organized and advocated when it came to ending cash bail, disrupting the school to prison pipeline and pursuing equitable and affordable housing solutions for the most vulnerable in the city.

In my experience, Lutheran theology was able to guide, articulate, provide the necessary foundation and framework for holding the tension of Law + Gospel <> Justice and Righteousness within a Theology of the Cross in culturally contextual ways.”

This year, Rev. Woodrow received a call to serve the congregation of Good Shepherd in Hayward, California. In honor of their service, Bridge Community established the Woodrow Family Scholarship to provide opportunities for young people to further their education.

“Pastor Gregory T. Manning works tirelessly to engage his community, share the Gospel, and work to improve the lives of those around him," says Rev. Andrew Schlund of St. Paul Lutheran in New Orleans. "Among the many areas in which he has been reaching out into the community, the biggest was his 2022 campaign to become the Public Service Commissioner for his District. One of the tasks of the Public Service Commission is to regulate the prices for utilities for the state of Louisiana. New Orleans has an aging system that continually breaks down (especially in poorer areas). Monthly power bills have doubled from what they have been and 20% of people in Louisiana are living around the poverty line. Our partnership is important because iron needs to sharpen iron. We can’t serve the needs of New Orleans individually. We must work together and learn from one another so we can grow in Christ together.”

While Gregory Manning was not elected to the Public Service Commission, his campaign was successful in amplifying calls to prohibit donations that create a conflict of interest for the office.

Rev. Manning serves Broadmoor Community Church. Rev. Andrew Schlund serves St. Paul Lutheran.

"For many decades, Bethlehem Lutheran's calling card has been dynamic youth and family ministry that seeks to break the cycle of despair and spiritual depression in the lives of our youth. We do this through intentional youth ministry to our community in outreach programming that serves not only our campus, but three other campuses all over the Northside of St. Louis. We serve over 300 different kids each week in our Ephratha Activity Center Program (EAC), Bethlehem Family Program, Cheerleading Ministry, Basketball Ministry, and most recently our Microschool. The Microschool we have started (CCLS Academy@ Bethlehem) is a new educational innovation that provides a cohort model for kids to learn and grow according to their educational achievement levels, not just their grade levels. Our Youth Ministry at Bethlehem fuels future generations of workers within the Church, and people who know Jesus."

As a good Lutheran, we know don't WANT to brag about boast about your congregation or pastor, but believe it or not: the LRJ community NEEDS your stories! Like the stories above, sharing your experience with civic engagement serves as an encouragement to those of us who are considering similar efforts.