The history and vision of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church is very much the history and vision of the Christian Church itself.
In the final words of the Gospel According to Matthew, it is revealed that just before Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, he spoke to His disciples, saying “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . . .” Matthew 28:19
Similarly, Mark records the scene this way. Jesus had appeared to the eleven remaining disciples as they gathered for a meal (Judas, you remember, had taken his own life . . . having become overwhelmed with guilt at his betrayal of our Lord). As the narrative continues, some of those present are rebuked for their unbelief of Christ’s resurrection. Jesus proves his identity and then commands them to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16
The fact that you are reading this today is a testament to their obedience. The final verse in the Gospel According to Mark states “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them . . .” Mark 16:20
No doubt, you are seeing a common thread here. Notice also that Christ seems to be encouraging them – letting them know that they won’t be alone. Assuring them they would have the strength to carry out the work He was giving them to do. No doubt, as Jesus informed His followers that He was preparing to leave them, they were afraid – just as many in the church are afraid today when they think about evangelism. Our Lord put their fears to rest, as he instructed them, “. . . you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
This then is the model that Christ expects of every Christian, and every Christian church – Lutheran and otherwise. First Jerusalem (your hometown), then to Judea and Samaria (a much greater region around you), and finally to the end of the earth (self explanatory).
This will be the history of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church. It is also the vision. With our roots in Green Bay, Wisconsin – a place known more for football and formidable weather – we begin. Then, standing on our Lord’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6), we spread the word further. Finally, knowing that the seeds we plant will not be in vain, we’ll use the tools and training we possess to reach an ever widening circle with the good news that “. . . God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
And we invite you to join us.