Our Story

History:

The first organizational meeting of Redeemer Lutheran Church was held on Sunday, August 22, 1982.  A month later on September 26, 1982, the first worship service was held.  The initial worship services were held on Sunday evenings and it was not until January 9, 1983, that the first Sunday morning worship took place.  During those early years Redeemer met in the downtown area of Shawnee, at a pizza shop.  Later the congregation began using the Seventh Day Adventist church for its Sunday morning worship services.

Redeemer started out with just fourteen people in attendance at that first worship service in 1982.  This small fledgling church grew, and with the help of the Oklahoma District, they were able to build their own church.  After nearly 30 years since that first organizational meeting, there are still active members from that original group who continue to worship and serve our Lord and Savior at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

It would not be until September 28, 1986, that a groundbreaking ceremony would take place for the construction of a new building.  Construction began in February 1987, and the first service in their new facility was held on October 25, 1987.

It has been an interesting journey from then until now.  God has blessed us with many new members over the past few years as we have worked hard to share Christ and change lives.  As a result, roughly three years ago we formed a Building Committee to assess our facility needs.  It was determined that we needed space for just about everything we do.  We needed additional seating capacity for worship, Sunday school rooms, space for our youth, office/work space, and fellowship space.

The Plan:

In order to support our mission of 'Sharing Christ and Changing Lives,' additional space is an absolute must.  The Building Committee presented a proposal to the congregation for the construction of a new sanctuary and narthex.

1. New construction of approximately 7,000 square feet.  This includes a new sanctuary with seating capacity of around 200, as well as a larger more comfortable narthex for fellowship and welcoming visitors.
2. Two new restrooms which will more than double our current facilities.
3. Two new offices which will free up two rooms for Sunday school or volunteer worker space.
4. Current sanctuary will be converted to a fellowship/meal area and an area that can be used for indoor youth events.
5. Expansion of the concrete parking lot to allow for needed additional parking spaces.
6. Current narthex and/or a portion of current sanctuary can be used to add additional Sunday school rooms, music room, and offices as needed.

Our Future:

This project will meet our needs and enable us to continue our ministry for the next 10 to 15 years.  With adequate facilities just imagine the many ways we can continue to fulfill our mission of 'Sharing Christ and Changing Lives' in and around our community.  We are thankful to those who have gone before us and sacrificed to make Redeemer a reality 30 years ago.  The torch has been passed.  It is now our opportunity to give Redeemer a brighter future for those who follow in our footsteps.  Through the sacrifice of many, hundreds and hundreds of people will be blessed by God through Word and Sacrament, for many years to come.

The Leadership Team