Who We Are

We believe God’s Word changes lives. True life, freedom, and joy is found in Christ alone and His Word gives us new life even today. We are a body of Free Lutherans who both cherish the historic faith and reject dead orthodoxy. We proclaim the life-giving doctrines of Scripture that we may live them out in our own lives. Visit the “Our Beliefs” page to learn more.

We believe that:

  • Because of the finished work of Christ on the cross, God grants eternal life to any and all who place their faith in Him as a good and gracious gift.

  • We need forgiveness for sin, and salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone.

  • The Bible is God's Word, inspired and without error.

History

On Sunday, August 17, 1986, the “Mankato Free Lutheran Mission” held its first worship service at the YWCA Cray Mansion with Pastor Eugene Enderlein sharing from the Word of God. It was the culmination of Bible study and prayer led by Layman Buddy Davis, a request to the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations to begin a Free Lutheran Congregation in Mankato, and informational meetings at the library. God provided all that was needed including several families to form a core congregation and including pastoral leadership in Pastor Francis Monseth and Seminarian Steve Snipstead.

It was a busy exciting year as a name was chosen, “Word of Life Lutheran” based on John 1:1 (later adding “Free” as we are members of the AFLC), the constitution was approved on December 14, 1986, incorporation papers were signed on April 2, 1987, and Charter Sunday was held May 31, 1987. Pastor Peter Franz was called as the first pastor and began serving on September 27, 1987. By November 1987, the first annual meeting was held and a thankful congregation met together to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast prepared by the men followed by a Thanksgiving service.

Following meeting at the YWCA, the new church met at West High School's Little Theater, then the Mankato Mortuary, and finally purchased a small facility located at 105 Homestead Drive. This building served the congregation's purposes well and anchored it in the community. God had opened doors to provide a "house of worship.” On January 1, 1992, Pastor Marlyn Kruse began serving the congregation.

In time, expansion was necessary so the building was sold and a building was erected at the present church site on Stoltzman Road. The first worship service in the new sanctuary was held November 21, 1993. Vibrant years of fruitful family ministry followed.

Living Word Free Lutheran Church

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Always important to the new congregation was the authority of the inerrant Scriptures and freedom of the congregation. God's sovereign power and abundance were experienced in fullest measure. After Pastor Marlyn Kruse, the church was served by Pastor Paul Wigtil, Pastor Tim Hinrichs, and Pastor Chris Kumpula.

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After months of prayer, exploration, and a building renovation, the faithful remnant gathered a new core to launch “Living Word Mankato” on September 8th, 2019. Living Word recommitted itself to the vision of planting and growing free and living Lutheran congregations who proclaim the life-giving and life-changing Word of God.

This is Living Word, thy will be done O Lord!