Any story that’s true and lasting begins with God. So it has been with Christ the Shepherd. God put upon the hearts of members of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Buckhead to plant a church in Alpharetta. So a call was extended to Pastor Kevin Elseroad as missionary-at-large and church planter. His work began on November 19, 1989 with a small group of people meeting in a public school cafeteria.

A unique aspect of this church plant was the construction of a first facility that provided space for both a Lutheran Church and a Child Development Center. So less than one year after preliminary work had begun in forming a new church Open Arms Child Development Center opened on October 22, 1990. A growing community and an embryonic church met in this central hub. Then on August 11, 1991, Christ the Shepherd was received as a congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Over the next 18 years Christ the Shepherd has been blessed by God as many people have come to faith in Jesus or have come to find their next church home with us. During that time the congregation has expanded staff and facilities to meet growing ministries among children, youth, and adults.

And the story God began continues as the Lord keeps writing new chapters through the lives of so many wonderful people.

And be assured…there is a place for your story to be added among those chapters at CTS.