Collierville, Tennessee

Epiphany Lutheran Church Makes Itself Known

Epiphany Lutheran Church Makes Itself Known
http://www.epiphanylu.org

When mission developer the Rev. Lynda Ernst began knocking on doors in Collierville, Tennessee, in January 2006, few people knew what a Lutheran was, especially an ELCA Lutheran.

“The further west from Nashville, the more conservative the denominations,” said Ernst. “There, too, are more mega-churches and a consumer-driven search for church programs.”

Ernst also spent the first months of her ministry visiting Lutheran and non-Lutheran clergy to gather insights. She educated people on Epiphany's mainline connection while acknowledging that she is a female pastor.

During these early months, Epiphany joined the Chamber of Commerce and began publicizing in the newspaper, on-line, and with outside signage. Inspired in part by a mega-church pastor, Epiphany began emphasizing its small-size intimacy as a strength.

The ELCA's Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit and Southeastern Synod granted funding for a pastor of discipleship and spiritual formation—the Rev. Barbara Engelbrecht—to provide programs, while Ernst focuses on missionary outreach.

Ernst's advises potential Mission Partners not only to be generous financially, but to worship with a mission congregation to show support. Ernst also appreciates being invited to preach to other congregations about Epiphany. St. Luke Lutheran, Cordova, Tennessee, does all three and added Epiphany to its prayer list.

“That is huge, to be prayed for like this!” said Ernst. “I'm moved to tears whenever I think about it.”