Here is a little of the history of this home mission of the ELS. On Dec. 11, 1998 a meeting was held at the home of Mike and Cheryl Dee. This was the result of deep concern over false doctrine and practice at the local LC-MS congregation. At this meeting were members of a local LC-MS congregation, Pastor  Karl Heck together with some members of St. Timothy-Williamsburg, Iowa. Other meetings followed, including some with pastors from the Des Moines area WELS congregations and with Rev. Martin Hoesch of Bethany-Ames/Grace-Newton. The charter meeting of Good Shepherd was February 11, 1999. The next month Pastor Heck conducted services in the Indianola City Hall.

A church building was purchased and then dedicated on August 14, 1999. A Divine Call was issued to Rev. Robert Harting who had been colloquized into the ELS from the LC-MS in March of 2000. The congregation was welcomed into the ELS at the 2000 Convention and has been a home mission of the ELS for five years. Good Shepherd numbers 69 souls today.

The congregation has worked on many building refinements. The property that was purchased was a run-down vacant church on about three acres. The land and building have been greatly improved by hard working members. A beautiful sanctuary now exists with furniture made by one of the members.  Stained glass windows have been an ongoing project by members. 

Bible Classes are important to the life of the flock and an annual V.B.S. has reached out to others in the community and been a great opportunity for discipleship of the flock itself. Youth of the congregation joined with the adults in taking an active part in all Bible Classes. It has been a joy to see the young people grow in Lutheran theology. Nine of the children today are in Lutheran home-schools or enrolled at Bethany Lutheran College. Christian Education also includes Sunday and Wednesday Bible Classes, studies before most meetings, and Catechism Classes. 

Hymnody and liturgy are important to Good Shepherd. There are many talented musicians who present sacred music in some of the services throughout the year. Three organists serve on a regular basis. Good Shepherd was elated to be able to purchase from a nearby congregation a four-rank pipe organ with beautiful woodwork.

Support for missions and seminary students has been an ongoing priority. Rev. Larry Wentzlaff and Rev. Glenn Smith were adopted in the past, and currently Seminarian Andrew Schmidt. We have enjoyed the regular visit by leaders of the ELS and the ongoing work of the Home Mission board and Rev. Steve Petersen. Good Shepherd has received many gifts and enjoyed the prayers and encouragement of other ELS congregations.

Regular evangelistic outreach includes use of newspaper ads, the placing of church signs, face to face canvassing, tract distribution, new resident follow-up and visits, internet web-site, rural and near by town canvassing and the regular witnessing of members to others in their daily lives. Members of all ages are encouraged to participate in these congregational and personal efforts. The youth have taken a substantial participatory role.

With God's gracious gifts, Good Shepherd looks to the future as God grants time. Continued adherence to the Holy Scriptures and the faithful administration of the Word and Sacraments will be paramount. Pray for the continued blessings of the Christian education to young and old alike. May the love of all men and the outreach to the lost be a continuing work of all members. All glory to God alone for all His gracious gifts. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (John 10:11)

Robert A. Harting is pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Indianola, Iowa.