History
Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1962, a mission project in the south side neighborhoods of Southport and Perry Township of Indianapolis. The first building was completed in 1966 at the present location at Stop 11 Road and East Street. Resurrection became a self-supporting congregation soon afterwards, enjoying a close fellowship. This spirit of fellowship became especially evident during the lengthy illness of long-term Pastor Kaye Olson. Pr. Olson’s death in 1990 was met with deep sadness, yet firm faith in the Lord of the Church.
After Pr. David Schreiber was installed in June of 1991, that strong sense of faith and community led to a series of new initiatives and outreach for RLC. One significant watershed occurred in 1998, in response to a debt reduction appeal for a 1995 building expansion. The congregation, rather than turning inward to debt reduction alone, embarked on a visionary and sacrificial commitment to mission and community service. Benevolence funds raised included a $100,000 gift to the Indiana Kentucky Synod Mission 2000 Endowment, and our own building of three Habitat for Humanity homes.
Resurrection’s pastors have been Mission Developer Rev. Guy Edmiston, Jr. (1962-1966), Rev. Paul Krebs (1967-1970), Rev. Kaye Olson (1971-1990), and Rev. David Schreiber (1991-present). Team Pastor Rev. Mitch Phillips was added in 2002. Associate in Ministry Julie Peralta became the Director of Youth Discipleship in 2004. Resurrection has a baptized membership of 831 souls and averages 330 in weekly worship attendance. Continued growth will necessitate another expansion in the near future.
Our church is involved in a wide variety of ministries, both internal and outreach. Our intention, however, is not to be simply a “program” church, but to take very seriously the emphasis on discipleship in our mission statement:
As a Resurrection people, we are called to...Welcome all people into the body of Christ; Nurture them in faithful discipleship; Equip each one for the work of ministry; Serve others in the name of Christ...that all may know God’s love.
For example, a few years ago our high school youth participated in a summer Group Work Camp at a Navajo reservation in Utah. Upon return, their story and witness inspired a member to form a team to bring the first-ever Group Work Camp to Indianapolis. Our church secured the cooperation of IPS and South East Neighborhood Development, coordinated hundreds of volunteers, and hosted over 300 high school youth from all over the country. Seventy homes in the Fountain Square area were repaired.
We look forward to a future of service, ministry, and mission ... in the name of Jesus, that all may know God’s love.