“The whole gospel for the whole city.” That’s the inspiring motto behind the Reformation Ministry. This is a story that extends beyond brick and mortar. It’s a narrative woven into the very fabric of Chicago. The Reformation Ministry has a powerful mission. It seeks transformation of Chicago through evangelism. It also focuses on training and discipleship, and church planting.
The seeds of Reformation Ministry were sown by students. These students from Wheaton College were passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Since 2018, they have evangelized in Chicago every Saturday. But the history stretches back further. For over 80 years, Wheaton College students journeyed to downtown Chicago to proclaim the Good News. Famously, missionaries Jim and Elisabeth Elliot participated in this tradition.
A significant moment arrived in 2019. Reformation Ministry filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago. The issue? Millennium Park’s rules prohibited their evangelism. By God’s grace, they won the lawsuit. This victory allowed them to freely share the gospel with thousands.
Today, Reformation Ministry is more than just students. Christians from all walks of life unite. They are bound by their love for the gospel. They continue to evangelize weekly in Chicago.
Looking ahead, Reformation Ministry has set its sights on church planting. They hope to launch a church plant of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Their ultimate goal? To see uncompromising, evangelistic, reformed churches planted in each of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods.
However, the story of Reformation in Chicago is complex. The historical Roseland church, once linked to Barack Obama’s early career, faces demolition. This particular Reformation Lutheran Church served a thriving Black congregation. It was designed by famed Pullman architect Solon S. Beman in the late 1880s. Sadly, a water boiler failure in 2018 forced its closure. The building has been vacant ever since. Preservationists are fighting for its landmark designation.
Reformation Lutheran Church was once a Swedish American congregation. It was previously named Elim Lutheran Church and Swedish Lutheran Church. It was located at 113th Street and Calumet Avenue. In 1904, it moved to its current location.
Reformation Ministry’s journey embodies resilience. It demonstrates a commitment to faith and community. Their story reflects both challenges and triumphs. It shows the enduring power of belief in action in Chicago.