Lutheran Campus Ministry
About LCM
Mission Statement
Called by God, open to all, committed to serving Christ.
Vision Statement
By God's grace, we are a collegiate Lutheran community committed to Christ and empowered to respond to the needs of the world by enacting change and creating leaders. We embrace diversity, renewal and inclusivity through:
- Worship
- Student outreach
- Community service and social justice
- Education and reflection
- Mutual support and friendship
History
Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Michigan began in 1917 as an outreach of Zion Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor when Pastor and Mrs. Ernest Stellhorn began hosting gatherings for Lutheran students attending the University of Michigan. In partnership with Pastor Lloyd Wallick and the members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor, these student gatherings took the form of weekly suppers that lasted for more than 30 years.
In 1932, the Rev. Henry O. Yoder was called to serve Trinity Lutheran Church and became part-time pastor for Lutheran students. Pastor Yoder later became the first full-time Lutheran Campus Pastor, a position he held until 1967. During Pastor Yoder's tenure, the current campus center was built at 801 S. Forest Ave. and programming focused on service to international students and providing opportunities for students to be in conversation with church leaders and prominent theologians.
In the early 1970s, as the ministry sought to increase its outreach to young faculty members and their families, the board voted unanimously to encourage the "student congregation" to take the necessary steps to become a parish. In 1972, Lord of Light Lutheran Church was incorporated. The following year, the congregation became one of the first in the nation to seek joint affiliation with both the American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church in America, a process which demanded significant time and energy over a period of years. As a result of this dual affiliation, Lord of Light was well-postured for the birth of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1987.
Since its incorporation, Lord of Light Lutheran Church has become known for its tireless efforts to become an inclusive community of faith.