Our Mission

The mission of Pilgrim Lutheran Church is to seek out the lost and bring them the Good News of Jesus Christ, with the anticipation that some who hear will come to faith. Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)."

In this post-modern era, many do not have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ brings forgiveness of sins, comfort in affliction, courage in adversity, and the sure hope that there is everlasting life for all who believe. By contrast, those who do not know Christ as Lord and Savior have the attitude "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die (1 Corinthians 15:32)."

The Christian Church is called not only to take care of the sheep already in the fold, but also to go out and find the lost sheep who have strayed away. The "lost sheep" may not only be found in far away places, but right in our own homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Not all Christians are called to be evangelists, but we are all called to be witnesses. There is no one "right way" to witness...God will give us the opportunities, and the Holy Spirit will tell us what to say! What is especially helpful in our witnessing is a good knowledge of the Bible, and Luther's Small Catechism which gives an outline of Scripture. The Apostle Peter admonishes us to "always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15b-16a)."

The most effective witness is to show the love of Christ to a person in need. Jesus said, "as you do to the least of these, you do to me (Matthew 25:40). All of our knowledge and strategies for outreach will be fruitless if they are unaccompanied by genuine caring. As the saying goes, "no one will care what you know, until they know that you care."

Invite your friend, co-worker, relative, or acquaintance to a church service, fellowship activity, or to a Bible study group. Be a friend to that person, and let him or her see the Holy Spirit at work within you. By bringing someone to Christ, you will have that friend for eternity!