Faith is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). We are a liturgical church, offering a variety of ways to worship yet holding true to our Lutheran heritage.
Our Story
Our Guiding Principles
- Seek & follow God's spirit.
- Show God's love in what we do and say.
- Strive to be a place where people want to come... & stay.
- Look for opportunities to serve.
- Assume the best in people.
- Deepen our relationship with God, one another, and the community.
Our History
Faith Lutheran began as a multi-site congregation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), formed from two congregations with rich histories of ministry and mission in Goshen. In March of 2012, the pastors of First English Lutheran (406 S 5th St) and Trinity Lutheran (202 S. Greene Rd) began a conversation about what it would look like to fulfill the missions of our congregations more effectively and with greater impact for our members and the community of Goshen as a multi-site congregation. This conversation lead to months of prayerful conversations and contemplation by the Church Councils and congregations.
In May of 2013, First English and Trinity began an engagement period, testing what this relationship together could look like. After these months of engagement, the congregations of First English Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran gathered together for a special congregational meeting on November 24, 2013 to discuss and vote on a resolution for the two congregations to consolidate as one multi-site congregation in Goshen. The resolution was passed. On March 16, 2014 the two congregations voted to become Faith Lutheran and officially became a congregation of the ELCA in April of 2014.
Bishop Bill Gafkjen, Bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Mission Territory, stated at the November 2013 meeting, “I’m going to be telling your story every chance I get. You are leading the church in many ways and embracing this new world that we find ourselves in. You are helping the rest of the church to see that there are amazing possibilities when we entrust ourselves to God’s grace.”
After operating as a multi-site congregation, Faith identified that our mission and ministry would best be lived out together, in one site. The church council made a recommendation to the members of Faith to move to one building. That recommendation was voted on and passed November 11, 2018. After many conversations, listening posts, meetings and much research the council made the recommendation to move to 202 S. Greene Road and sell the building at 406 S. 5th Street, which the congregation voted in agreement on May 5, 2019. A special closing worship service was held at 406 S. 5th Street on June 16, 2019.
Faith is now a single site congregation excited to live out our purpose of
sharing Christ's love with all through word and action.
Faith celebrated our 10 year Anniversary with a special worship service & luncheon on Sunday March 17, 2024. Enjoy the two anniversary videos below:
VIDEO 1: interviewing members of Faith, 2024
VIDEO 2: memories of the last 10 years through pictures!
