Grace happens here because of God's Gift of Love
New to GSLC
What to expect
What kind of people make up Good Shepherd?We are a diverse
community of believers who are committed to developing passionate
followers of Christ to impact the world. Some people are here just
checking out what Jesus is all about. Others have been a part of a
church their whole lives. We are a family of all ages, all cultures, and
all backgrounds.
What will services be like?
We sing both new contemporary songs and we sing traditional hymns of our faith. There will always be a Christ-centered message from scripture practical for all walks of life. We celebrate Jesus' life, death and resurrection through Holy Communion weekly. We also spend time giving back what God has given us. If you are a guest, please do not feel obligated to give financially during your visit.
You are why Good Shepherd was started. It’s okay if you have not stepped into a church for years. We want you to have a comfortable place to consider and wrestle with God and what He wants for you.
What should I wear?
You are welcome to wear whatever you would like. There is no dress code here so just be you.
Most people come dressed casually. But you will find anything from suit and ties to jeans and button downs, dress suits to sweaters.
It’s been called anything from Sunday school to Christian Education. We have Small Groups that meet throughout the week on different days and times. We have a Sunday School setting for youth in pre-K through grade 5. We have confirmation for youth in grades 6-8. Plus much more.
Background
Members of Good Shepherd are connected to the faith of the church through the ages and around the world. Good Shepherd is a church of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin which is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Lutherans are a diverse group of people, convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading us toward unity in the household of God. Lutherans believe in the Triune God. We are part of God’s unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere and of every time. When we study the Bible and pray, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story. When we serve others and address social issues that affect the common good, we live out our Christian faith. The community of Good Shepherd invites you into this community of Christian faith. Welcome, and explore.
Statement of Faith
Lutherans believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation -- the earth and the seas and all of the world’s inhabitants. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and his new life, and we trust that God's Spirit is active in the world. We are part of God’s unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere. When we study the Bible or hear God’s word in worship, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story. The convictions shared by Christians from many different traditions are expressed in statements of belief called creeds. These ecumenical creeds that Lutherans affirm and use in worship confess the faith of the church through the ages and around the world. The ELCA accepts the following creeds as true declarations of the faith of this church:
The Bible
Most Americans, religious or not, have heard of and read part or even all of the Bible. It is arguably one of the most often referenced books — or set of books — in our culture.
In its most basic definition, the Bible is a diverse collection of writings, divided into two main sections:
- the Old Testament, which tells the story of God’s relationship with and work on behalf of the Hebrew people
- the New Testament, which shares the story of Jesus, God’s Son, and his teachings, death and resurrection, as well as the experiences and faith of the first followers of Jesus
But its meaning — and its significance to the Christian faith — is far more complex and profound. As Lutherans, Good Shepherd members believe that the Bible is the written Word of God. It creates and nurtures faith through the work of the Holy Spirit and points us to Jesus Christ, the living Word and center of our faith. And in reading the Bible, we are invited into a relationship with God that both challenges us and promises us new life.
Becoming a member of Good Shepherd means being a part of a faith community dedicated to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in Wausau and the world through worship, outreach, learning, and fellowship...simply stated, discipleship that is our name for membership. Becoming a member means that you desire to be a part of the congregation which not only supports each other but gives itself away to the world in Chris's name. That is discipleship.
Membership is open to any baptized Christian who believes in the underserved grace and forgiveness given to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you are not baptized and would like to be we will joyfully assist you in planning your baptism.
While we are a Lutheran congregation and many of our members have come from Lutheran backgrounds, all people are welcome. People who have become part of this congregation have come from varied church experiences. Often people who become active here have been away from church due to bad experiences. Many new members have had no experience in any faith community. Our pastors are available to help you understand and grow in your faith journey.
Steps to Membership
Step 1: Contact the church office and inform our parish administrator of your interest in membership.
Step 2: The pastor will contact you and arrange a time to visit with you in person to assist you in learning about the congregation, the Lutheran faith and will attempt to answer any questions that you may have.
Step 3: If you are transferring your membership from a local congregation you are asked to personally request that transfer from that church. Contact and speak to the pastor of the congregation that you are leaving and request what is called a "Letter of Transfer". If you are transferring your membership from a congregation which is outside of the Wausau area, we will gladly do that for you. If you are not presently active in any congregation or have had no church background we will receive you as a member of Good Shepherd by your request. We will provide opportunities for you learn and grow in your faith.
Step 4: Prior to the official welcome of new members, we invite all who are joining to new member orientation classes. These gatherings go into detail about the history and opportunities available to you as a member of Good Shepherd.
Step 5: New Member welcome Sundays are held twice a year and are celebrations for the whole church. We will recognize and welcome all who are becoming members during the worship services
