ABOUT US
We are the body of Christ at Shepherd of the Lake in Two Harbors, Mn. Because of God's love for us in Jesus, we, His children, are called to love others with that same love. This can be summed up in the phase "Caring about people - Sharing about Christ." To this end we seek to show the Love God has for us through word and deed to the people of Two Harbors and the surrounding community.
At Shepherd of the Lake, our mission is gaining souls for Christ by reaching out to all people: rich and poor, young and old, by faithfully proclaiming God's Word.
It is recorded in Acts 2:42, "The believers devoted themselves to the Apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers" This picture of the early church is what we should seek to be through God's Spirit.
WHO WE ARE
OUR MISSION
At Shepherd of the Lake, our mission is gaining souls for Christ by reaching out to all people: rich and poor, young and old, by faithfully proclaiming God's Word. Jesus said, “Go make disciples of all nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.”
OUR VISION
We strive to be a church without walls. Jesus calls for us to go outside the walls to reach the lost and the broken. It is there that the lost will be found. Most churches find it is comfortable to stay within the walls, but we make it an effort to be like the church from the book of Acts, to see Two Harbors changed.
OUR VALUES
We highly value our relationships with one another. We look to grow through His Word. We seek to make disciples. We value the Word of God, and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We look to announce grace to all of the lost and broken, and lead those with no hope to the hope of Jesus Christ.
OUR HISTORY
Shepherd of the Lake has its roots in Hope Lutheran LCMS in Two Harbors. Hope was first organized in the homes of Leonard and Hazel Glaser and Fred and Eileen Ojala. Allen and Jane Krause and Ray and Netty Buschena were also charter members.
In 1960, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Walter Bouman, 26 communicate members started Hope Lutheran parish in Two Harbors, and became a sister congregation to Faith Lutheran in Silver Bay, Mn.
Hope rented, then purchased the Episcopalian, the oldest church in Two Harbors, where they worshiped for 44 years until it was purchased from the synod.
With Hope sold and a congregational plan to move forward, members adopted the new name Shepherd of The Lake Lutheran for their church, and plans for a new location and building were begun.
In 2004, Shepherd of the Lake began as a mission church of the LCMS and no longer was a sister church to Faith in Silver Bay. Until a call could be made, Reverend Dennis Brostrom, pastor of Faith in Silver Bay, continued to serve the congregation.
In July 2004 Reverend Kirk Schield began his internship at Shepherd of the Lake and in August was called by the congregation to serve as their first full-time pastor. On August 14, 2004 Pastor Kirk Schield was installed. December 24th 2007 The first service was held in the newly constructed LCMS Shepherd of the Lake Church.
April 13, 2008 the completed church building of Shepherd of the Lake was dedicated.
Pastor John Bonk first came to us as an interim Pastor in March of 2015. We called him to serve as our Pastor in 2018. He has served as a part-time Pastor ever since. He also has the Tiny Workshop our on Hwy 61.
Pastor John C. Bonk
Pastor John was first called to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Aurora Mn in 1987. He was then called to serve the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Babbitt Mn in 1997. First Lutheran Church in Ely joined into a partnership with Babbitt in 2005. Pastor John was called to serve both congregations. He lived in Embarrass, MN, where they built a loghome and raised a bunch of kids. In 2014, He resigned as Pastor of the partnership after getting a divorce. He then was asked to serve at the Shepherd of the Lake in Two Harbors, MN.
HELPING PEOPLE FOLLOW JESUS
Looking for a church but not sure where to turn? We want to help you find a home. Shepherd of the Lake is dedicated to helping everyday people grow in Christ by increasing their joy. Click below to find out more and plan a visit.
