I’m New! What should I know?
Good Shepherd is a congregation of Bible-believing Christians intent on growing in faith and walking with our Savior, as well as spreading the message of Jesus in our surrounding communities. We support Christian education through Good Shepherd Lutheran School, which has classrooms for Preschool through 8th grade. We are affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). We share ministry and are in fellowship with congregations and ministries of this church body around the world.
For more detailed information regarding our values and church history, please call 952-432-5527 and ask to speak with a pastor.
What do “Lutherans” believe?
For a simple explanation – see What We Believe. For more details see Lutheran Confessions.
What are your services like?
At Good Shepherd, you’ll find a relaxed, friendly, Christ-centered atmosphere. Our spacious and light-filled Sanctuary features two large screens to edify our pastors’ practical and relevant messages. Not able to attend services in-person? We encourage the use of livestream on Sunday mornings.
What will happen when I visit for the first time?
If you’re visiting for the first time, we want you to feel completely at ease. You won’t be singled out, asked to stand, introduce yourself, or give money. Many people prefer to check out a church quietly and “be anonymous” for a while, and that’s perfectly okay with us. Come worship, look around, and see if Good Shepherd feels like the right place for you. When you’re ready, CONNECT cards are available in the pews. You can record your visit and share whatever contact information you’re comfortable providing.
What do I wear to attend your services?
You’ll see everything from jeans and Ts, to business suits at our worship services. Come in wearing what is comfortable for you. Good Shepherd is not about what you look like, or what you wear. We are about sharing Christ’s unconditional love for all.
What is the worship like?
We invite you to join us each week as we worship together. Our services vary from traditional liturgy that highlights the great hymns and responses of Christianity (8am service), to upbeat contemporary praise music and unscripted prayer (10am service). We encourage everyone to participate. Don’t worry – we didn’t know the songs at first either. God comes to us in his Word and Sacrament; we respond with prayer and praise. Whenever you worship, we want you to leave the service renewed and enlightened.
What about the children?
We strive to support adults with children during worship. Children are encouraged to worship with adults. If needed, adults are able to make use of a Cry Room and/or the Nursery. Both have amplified sound so adults stepping out of the service to care for a child may continue to listen.
What if I need to talk to someone about an issue?
We care about you because Jesus cares about you. For that reason, we are dedicated to helping people no matter what the issue may be. Our pastor is always willing to listen. Contact the church office at 952-432-5527 or info@goodshep.com and ask to speak with our pastor. If your issue is more pressing, we generally refer people Christian Family Solutions. CFS is an independent, not-for-profit organization serving people in need regardless of their faith affiliation. Although independent, CFS shares faith fellowship with the WELS and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS). They have an office in Lakeville, MN, or will hold virtual appointments, if necessary.
Why is church membership important?
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What do I need to do to join Good Shepherd?
Guests who are new to Good Shepherd and/or WELS should attend our Bible Information Course (normally offered in the fall). These classes will cover the basic truths of Christianity as taught by Good Shepherd and the WELS. The class discussions are designed for people interested in becoming a member at Good Shepherd, as well as those who simply want to learn and discuss biblical truth. The classes are prerequisites for church membership, in most cases.
We ask guests who are coming from a WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod), ELS (Evangelical Lutheran Synod), or LCMS (Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod) church to speak with a pastor about their interest in membership.
What do I need to do to have a child baptized, or be baptized?
Jesus says, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Children are a part of “all nations” and have a deep need for Jesus as their Savior because of sin (Psalm 51:5), just like the rest of us. God tells us that baptism is a sacrament through which he offers forgiveness (Acts 2:38-39), brings people to faith (Galatians 3:26), empowers them with faithful living (Romans 6:1-4), and offers eternal life (Titus 3:5). Because of this command from our Lord, we consider it a great privilege to bring children – even newborns- into God’s family through the sacrament of baptism. Please contact the church office and ask to speak with a pastor to schedule a baptism.
What do I need to do to have my wedding at Good Shepherd?
Congratulations! We would be privileged to conduct your wedding at Good Shepherd. We require either the bride or groom to be an active member in good standing at Good Shepherd, or pursuing membership. The couple should plan to meet with a pastor prior to setting the wedding date with the church.
Where can I get more information about Good Shepherd?
Stop at the Welcome Center in Good Shepherd’s entryway. There, you will find helpful volunteers and printed materials that will answers many of your questions about Good Shepherd. For more information about partnership at Good Shepherd or what we believe about Jesus and his teachings, please speak with our pastor.