Prairie Lutheran Church, part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is a vibrant, welcoming community—small enough to form deep relationships, yet big enough to offer many ways to learn, connect, and grow in faith. We value diversity and fellowship, and believe we’re better together with Jesus. Here, everyone is invited to come as they are and find love, grace, and hope.
What We Believe
Creating a community who models the Kingdom of God is aspirational. We are humans, and our theology reminds us that we will fall short of this ideal - but that doesn’t stop us from trying. We believe that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can be a community that mirrors God’s Kingdom and follows the way of Jesus Christ.
We believe in a God of love–a God who loves us so much, God came to live with us in the person of Jesus Christ. We believe Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection changes our lives, bringing hope in the midst of our despair, shattering hatred with love, and breaking down walls so that we might build bridges.
But our faith isn’t just about us. The church exists to be a good neighbor—to serve those who are in need or who are suffering around the block or around the globe. We are called to proclaim the freedom, mercy, and love of Christ through our words and our actions, and we take that call seriously.
No matter where you are on your faith journey, we invite you to join us as we ask questions, build community, love our neighbors, and follow Jesus.
Our Core Values
Welcome one another, then, just as Christ welcomed you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7
We are a community of welcome. Jesus welcomes us—flaws and all—and so we welcome one another. When you walk in our doors you’ll be greeted with a smile. You’ll have no problem finding someone to talk to. You’ll be welcome to participate in all aspects of our life together, including communion. We value diversity of all kinds, want everyone’s voice to be heard, and provide opportunities for people at every stage and age. We are a community of welcome, and there’s a place for you here!
Live in Christ Jesus the Lord…Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught. Colossians 2:6-7
We are a community of spiritual growth. We believe that faith is a journey, not a destination, and we believe that trusting in Jesus should matter—not just on Sundays, but in every aspect of our life. We love to wonder together, pray together, and learn together, wrestling with what it means to follow Jesus in this time and place. Through biblically-based preaching, worship, learning, retreats, trips, and more, we dig deep into God’s word so you are equipped to live out your faith. We are a community of spiritual growth—come and learn with us!
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19
We are a community of innovation. While the God we worship never changes, the world we live in does! Rooted in ancient practices and the good news of God’s steadfast love for us, we aren’t afraid to try new things as a congregation. We seek to listen for how the Spirit is calling us, adapt easily, and think flexibility is essential for our life together. We like to experiment with new ways to worship, practice our faith, utilize technology, and stay connected as a community. We are increasingly generous, giving more of our money, time, and talents so we can creatively adapt. We are a community of innovation; there’s always something new happening at Prairie and we hope you will join us!
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. You belong to Christ, and you are heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:28-29
We are a community of belonging. We are rooted, deeply, in the most important truth there is: we belong to Jesus. Because we belong to Jesus, who loves us and creates room for us in his life, we are called to do the same for one another. Here, there are no prerequisites to belong—you can be yourself. You can bring your head and your heart; you can bring your questions, your fears, and your hopes. Here, you will be safe and known. So linger over a cup of coffee. Take a deep breath and find rest. We are a community of belonging, and you belong here.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15
We are a community of outreach. Jesus was very, very clear about this: we are charged to love our neighbors and seek a more just and peaceful world for all. In pursuit of this, we support organizations around the globe and right in our own backyard. We are especially passionate about feeding the hungry, education for children around the world (particularly girls), and meeting the needs of immigrants. We desire to change the world, having an impact beyond our doors as the hands and feet of Christ. We share our resources, and our space; our building is home to several community partners and other organizations. We are a community of outreach--we put our faith in action!
