Meet the "Christ the Lord" Family

From this page you can learn a bit about our History, Lutherans, Membership, and jump a link to our staff page.

Our History

In May of 2004, we celebrated our 25th year as a congregation of the ELCA.  As one of the fastest growing Lutheran churches in the Southeast Synod, our history is brief but full of exciting change.

In 1979, Pastor Bill Quail came to Gwinnett County to begin a new Lutheran church.  After knocking on some 2000 doors in Lawrenceville, the first worship service was held on January 14, 1979, with 174 people attending.  The congregation was formally organized in May of 1979.

Pastor Bob Mitchell began his ministry here in July of 1984, following his graduation from seminary.  He has led the congregation through tremendous growth, both spiritually and numerically.  We have had three major building programs and are making long term plans to accommodate our continued growth.

And we have grown in others ways as well.  Our staff has grown from 1 to 8 and we have developed unique ministries such as The Special Needs Preschool, Friends of Faith, and  an annual musical.  With rapid growth and increased activities as a congregation and community, we called a 2nd pastor, Pastor Terri Stagner-Collier in 2002, following her 10 year service as pastor of a nearby congregation.  In December 2006 Pastor Terri moved on to be Senior Pastor of a church in MS.  In August of 2007 Pastor Julie Ehlers-King was called to be our associate pastor.

Don't miss our "Wall of History" in the office hallway at the church.

1^st Sunday:
If you are would like to take a 1st Step to learn more about our congregation, 1st Sunday ~ 1st Step is for you. On the first Sunday of each month, following the 11:00 service, Pastor Bob and Pastor Terri are available in the sanctuary – to meet you, to answer your questions and hear your concerns, and to step forward together in faith. All are welcome!

  We are Lutherans

First and foremost we are Christians - from a Lutheran perspective!  What does this mean?  We emphasize:

• GRACE  We cannot earn God's love, it is a feely given gift

• FAITH  A faith relationship with Jesus Christ assures us of God's forgiveness

• WORSHIP  When we worship, when we receive Holy Communion, we are strengthened for daily faith and life

• WELCOME  All of God's diverse children are welcome here

• GROWTH  In response to God's love, we strive to grow in faith and trust

• SERVICE  We are called to use our resources to care for the needs of others

• MINISTRY OF ALL  In baptism, we are all made ministers of Christ, a calling expressed in daily life.

Dr. Martin Luther lived in Germany during the 1500's.  Frustrated with the teachings of the Roman Catholic church of his day, Luther emphasized the gift of salvation received through faith in Jesus Christ.  While we certainly do not worship Luther, we do appreciate his teachings about Christianity and accept some of his writings as formal doctrine.  For more information about Lutheranism, please see the ELCA website at http://www.elca.org

Please click here for our "Staff" page.

Please click here for membership information.