In 1982 Lord of Life Lutheran Church ELCA found a new home at 6900 West Fish Lake Road in Maple Grove. The original sanctuary became a Fellowship Hall seating 220. This wasn’t enough. A larger sanctuary seating 450 was built in 1986. Expansion continued in 1991 with the addition of an education wing. The church continued to grow. Lord of Life Lutheran Church ELCA’s reach expanded. They used Rush Creek Elementary School for services and Church School. This helped them reach new communities.
The congregation’s growth was remarkable. In 1997 they purchased adjacent property including the Fish House. This provided extra meeting space and facilities for outreach programs. Their ambition didn’t stop there. In 1998 they bought 31 acres at the intersection of County Roads 101 and 10. A new church building was completed in 2001. It provided more space for worship education and fellowship.
The stunning lighted cross tower was added in 2003. In 2008 a columbarium and Memorial Peace Garden were built at the tower’s base. Even this wasn’t the end of the expansion. In 2012 Fellowship Hall the Youth Room and administrative offices were expanded. A prayer chapel informal gathering spaces and eight classrooms were added along with a service center and Samaritan Hall.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church ELCA’s remarkable growth is evident. It’s now among the top 0.5% of all ELCA congregations in the United States. Its story is one of continuous expansion and community engagement. It shows the dedication and vision of its members and leadership. Today as you stand before this impressive structure remember its journey. Remember the dedication that built this community. Lord of Life Lutheran Church ELCA is more than a building. It’s a testament to faith community and growth.