Welcome to
Shepherd!
In 1977, a small group of Christians felt called to establish a Gospel-focused Lutheran Church in the St. Croix Valley. They began meeting in a local city hall and although small, they were committed to the work of the church and God added to their numbers.
Since then, Shepherd of the Valley has grown to be a regional ministry reaching people and families throughout the St. Croix Valley and surrounding areas. While the church is now larger in size, it remains committed to the Gospel focus and Lutheran roots.
Mission
Connect all people to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through worship, small groups, and serving.
2025 Vision
Endearing the Community
Vision, at its best, always exists to serve our mission to connect all people to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our three-year vision is that Shepherd of the Valley will leverage our strength in personal relationships to endear our community so that the community knows we’re here and is better off because we’re here.
Simply said, Shepherd is For The Valley.
We prayerfully believe that aligning our resources, time, and energy will make a difference in the Valley:
MAJORS
- Our neighborhoods
- Parents
MINORS
- Schools
- Sports
Our goal is that by 2025, others will say of Shepherd,
“You’re the church that…”
- Earns a peculiar reputation in the community: The unchurched community recognizes and respects Shepherd by their in person and online presence
- Equips, connects, and celebrates parents: Parents know Shepherd cares about and supports them with their needs
- Serves, invites, and supports our neighborhoods: The Shepherd community knows how to endear their neighbors
- Partners with our community’s schools: School staff know they can find resources to fill needs and a supportive community for families at Shepherd
- Influences sports environments through players, parents & coaches: The leaders of sports look to Shepherd for ways to make a difference with their teams
Our goal is that by the end of 2023, others will say of Shepherd,
“You’re the church that…”
KNOW
- Has that logo I see all over town
- Was part of a community event I attended
- I recently read or heard a story about
NEIGHBORHOODS
- Equips people to get to know their neighbors
- Seeks to understand the differences and challenges in our communities
SCHOOLS
- Stillwater schools call for help
- Teaches people to assist their local schools
SPORTS
- Is the best encourager of FCA East Metro
- Explores a growing relationship with Lucy Winton Bell
PARENTS
- Seeks input from parents on the needs of our families
- Offers a resource to parents that addresses a real need
Values
Who We Are
We value creating an environment where all people gather together to worship Christ as one community. We design authentic worship services which embrace time-honored practices and modern expressions that form us to be more like Jesus.
We seek to connect people to growing relationships with Jesus and one another. We are transformed and become more like Jesus as we gather in small groups to study God’s word, pray, and build community.
We believe spiritual growth happens as we serve others by putting their needs above our own. We follow Christ’s example when we invest our time and resources with others in our community and across the world.
We equip the family to raise up the next generation of Christ followers and foster environments for kids and students to build growing relationships with Jesus that last a lifetime.
We give out of love for Christ in the area of our faith. We believe financially giving expands God’s Kingdom and expresses the tangible, sacrificing love of God.
What We Believe
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We call this the Trinity. God is the creator and sustainer of all life. Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 3:16–17, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. He modeled God’s love for people through a life of service and self-sacrificial love. His death and resurrection redeemed us from sin, conquer death, and offer all who believe ever-lasting life. John 3.16–17, 1 Timothy 3:16, Mark 10:45, Colossians 1:15-20
The Holy Spirit calls us to faith and by living in us, acts as a helper and guide. The Holy Spirit’s supernatural gifts empower all Christians to serve others and tell others about Jesus. Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 12:1–31, 1 Corinthians 14:1–25, Romans 12
Sin separates all of us from God. Sin is our rebellion against God’s will and our brokenness in relationships—with God, others, and ourselves. Jesus alone, through his death and resurrection, provides forgiveness, restoration, and salvation from the punishment of sin, death, and the power of the devil. This is the free, unmerited gift called grace. We participate by faith alone and enter into a lifelong process of change and growth. Acts 4:2, John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8–9, John 5:24, Romans 3:28, John 3:16, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20
The Bible is God’s word to us about who God is and who we are. It is inspired by God, written by human authors, useful for teaching, and is our final authority in matters of faith and life. 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Psalm 119:105
We are part of one true Church made up of all who believe Jesus is Lord. While the church is made up of many different expressions, Shepherd identifies with the renewal movement begun during the Reformation and guided by the themes of Martin Luther’s teaching on grace through faith in Christ. We are rooted in the sacramental traditions of Baptisms and Communion. Our current church affiliations include Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). Ephesians 4:4–6, Romans 12:5, Matthew 28:18–20, 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, John 3:16-17
