Mission Statement
The primary mission of Grace University Lutheran Church is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ as an instrument of God’s reconciling love in the world. We do this so that reconciliation with God may become a reality for all.
(2 Corinthians 5:18–21)
Statement of Affirmation
Grace University Lutheran Church is a spiritual community that celebrates the gifts of God that empower us to engage in the struggles of life, to care for each other, and to serve Christ where we work and live. Grace is a Reconciling-in-Christ congregation. We welcome the participation of people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, educational backgrounds, and economic conditions—all who want to join in community to honor God and be of service to people.
Land Acknowledgement Statement
At Grace University Lutheran Church, we gather on ancestral Dakota land, storied ground connected to its people. We recognize that our federal government, supported by the Christian church, removed our Indigenous siblings from this land by violence, coercion, and fraud. Our faith now calls and compels us to learn and live the truth; we commit ourselves to the journey of justice and healing. (adopted January 2023)
In January 2017, Grace adopted a statement of solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters.
Statements of Values and Identity
guiding the mission of Grace University Lutheran Church
We are grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Saved by grace, we are free to boldly act, serve, and be challenged by God’s Word.
- Believing that the Kingdom of God is here and now, we faithfully live out the Biblical call for peace and justice for all.
We are a caring community.
- We care for each other and have fun together as an intergenerational community.
- We welcome all worshippers to join the gathered community and to share their gifts.
- We practice hospitality to all.
- We are in ministry with our neighbors.
- We strive to be a place of sanctuary for all.
We value our pastoral leadership.
- We value creative, collaborative, compassionate, and challenging leadership, which calls on and nurtures shared leadership throughout the congregation.
We are a vital, worshipping congregation.
- We value our Lutheran tradition as well as other creative and innovative forms of worship.
- We value congregational participation and excellence in music and preaching.
We are a reflective community.
- We wrestle with our faith, engaging in paradox and complexity.
- We challenge each other to live out our faith in our ethics, life choices, and public participation.
We are part of the worldwide community of faith.
- We participate in the life of our Lutheran Synod.
- We cultivate relationships with the local, national and worldwide church and with people of other faiths.
~ Strategic Plan Task Force, October 2006
