A group of newly arrived German immigrants came together with Rev. Louis Nollau to found St. Johns in 1838. They had left a rigid and restrictive social system in Germany, where their “place” in community was determined by rulers and customs. They were among a flood of German Immigrants arriving in this region in the 1830s. They brought with them an extraordinary faith. They built a new community, sharing God’s love with all people.

At a time when most religions placed carefully defined expectations on their followers, our German Evangelical predecessors brought with them a radical living faith. Their faith was not based on doctrine and rules; it was based on living out the gospel. It was of the heart.

Our Church Structure is organized around mission and ministry through the work of Staff, Church Council, Commissions, Committees, Aspirational Goal Teams, Organizations, Informal Groups and Individuals. Each works to live out our vision statement.

The Church Council serves as the governing board of St. Johns. It is comprised of 12 members, including the church officers, all elected by the Congregation. Its duties are to set policy, review the work of the church, transact the business of the congregation, and to hire non-clergy staff. Ordained Clergy are called by the congregation.