Our History
A journey of faith, community, and God's grace since 1957
Our Story
On April 5, 1957, a group of West Mankato residents interested in forming a new Lutheran-Missouri Synod congregation met to form a mission congregation. We accepted a constitution on April 26, 1957, and on May 7, 1957, selected the name “The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd” and elected officers.
The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd is Christ-centered, Gospel-oriented and people loving. God has blessed our congregation and throughout these 65+ years, we have maintained our sound Lutheran confessional theology despite changes in society and the world.
Pastoral Leadership Through the Years
Faithful servants who have guided our congregation
Our Pastors
- Pastor E.P. Kauffeld (1957-1966)
- Pastor Ronald Bongard (1966-1976)
- Pastor Victor Roth (1975-1987)
- Pastor Michael Dooling (1988-1994)
- Pastor Greggory S. Coop (1994-2001)
- Pastor Vance Becker (2003-2019)
- Pastor LaPlant (2021-Present)
Key Milestones
- 1959: First church building dedicated
- 1990: Mortgage burned
- 1997: New land purchased in North Mankato
- 2000: New church facility dedicated
- 2006: Sanctuary (Phase II) completed
Our Journey Through Time
Key moments in the life of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Formation of Mission Congregation
13 families from Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota met to form a new Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod mission congregation. The action was endorsed by the District, Our Savior's Lutheran Church congregation and their pastor.
Constitution Accepted
A constitution for a new Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation in Mankato, Minnesota was accepted.
Name and Officers Selected
The name 'The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd' was approved and officers elected. They were President Myron Ulen, Vice President Lorin Flitter, Secretary Ben Buck, Treasurer William Morris, Elders Karl Malwitz, Ernie Kretschmar & Harold Stavenua, Trustees Erwin Fuller & Walter Kuhlman and Head Usher Robert Quint.
Vacancy Pastor Called
Pastor E.J.A Marxhausen of New Ulm was called as vacancy pastor for the newly formed The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
First Service Held
The 1st service of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was held at the 7th Day Adventist Church at 319 State Street in Mankato. Rent was $100.00 per month.
First Communion Service
The 1st communion service of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was held.
First Baptism
Beverly Jane Buck, daughter of Ben & Dorothy Buck, was the first baptism at the newly formed Good Shepherd.
Pastor E.P. Kauffeld Called
Pastor E.P. Kauffeld was called to serve The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Pastor Kauffeld Installed
Pastor E.P. Kauffeld was installed as the first pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Pastor Kauffeld's First Service
Pastor E.P. Kauffeld conducted his 1st service at Good Shepherd.
Building Site Approved
The district approved the purchase of the building site at 937 Charles Avenue in West Mankato and loaned the congregation $10,000.00.
First Confirmation
The first Rite of Confirmation was held. Members of the class were Aaron Buddensiek, Robert Mees, Roger Sayler, Donald Savenau, Herbert Rader Jr. & Harvey Polchow Jr.
Groundbreaking Ceremonies
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the construction of the church building at 937 Charles Avenue. The building was constructed by General Contractor Robert W. Carlstrom, Mechanical Contractor E.A. Hodapp, Electrical Contractor K&W Electric, Co.
Parsonage Dedicated
The parsonage was dedicated & the cornerstone for the church building was laid.
First Service in New Building
The first service was held in the new church building.
Church Building Dedicated
The church building was dedicated with 3 services: 10:30am Dedication Service, 3pm Dedicatory Service of Praise & 7pm Dedicatory Service of Thanksgiving & Prayer.
Pastor Ronald Bongard Installed
Pastor Ronald Bongard was installed as the 2nd pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Pastor Victor Roth Installed
Pastor Victor Roth was installed as the 3rd pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
25th Anniversary Celebration
A 25th anniversary celebration was held with a service conducted by Pastor Ben Buck and Pastor Victor Roth as liturgist.
Pastor Michael Dooling Installed
Pastor Michael W. Dooling was installed as the 4th pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Mortgage Burned
The mortgage was burned.
Pastor Greggory Coop Installed
Pastor Greggory Coop was installed as the 5th pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
New Land Purchased
10.7 acres in North Mankato, Minnesota was purchased as the site of a new church home.
Transition Period
The church building at 937 Charles Avenue was sold to Victory Life Church. Divine Services were held at Garfield Elem. School in North Mankato and weekday services were held at Campus Chapel at Mankato State University.
New Building Construction Begins
Groundbreaking services were conducted and construction begun for Phase I (fellowship hall & education wing) for the new church building at 2101 Lor Ray Drive in North Mankato. The General Contractor was WEB Construction.
Phase I Dedication
Dedication of Phase I was held. Services were held in the fellowship hall.
Little Lambs Preschool Begins
Little Lambs Preschool was begun. Teacher Tracy Mielke had 8 students.
Pastor Vance Becker Installed
Pastor Vance Becker was installed as the 6th pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Christian Day School Formed
A Christian Day School was formed. Good Shepherd Lutheran School opened with 4 students in kindergarten with teacher Alice Brase.
Sanctuary Construction Begins
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for construction of the sanctuary (Phase II). The General Contractor was Holtmeier Construction. Inc.
School Expansion
Good Shepherd Lutheran School grew to add classes in grades 1st through 6th with teachers Carolyn Garman & Linda Becker.
Sanctuary Dedication
Dedication of the sanctuary (Phase II) of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was held. The service were conducted by Pastor Greggory Coop with Pastor Victor as liturgist.
50th Jubilee Celebration
Yearlong activities celebrating the Jubilee of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. A celebration service is held on September 9.
Looking Forward
We want to express our sincere appreciation to all our members, both past and present, for their willingness to serve and in sharing their lives with our Good Shepherd family. We look forward, with the help of God, as He continues to lead us, as we carry out the mission He has set for us in Christ.