Our Founding Documents
Concordia's Constitution (PDF)
Concordia's By-Laws (PDF)
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Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church grew out of the vision and faith of
a core group of believers, with several families first gathering for worship
at the home of William Diskau on December 27, 1931. While all of the
original group have gone on to glory, their commitment to their Lord and one
another lives on at Concordia through the fellowship of believers.
In 1936, the first class of young people was confirmed at Concordia. In
1938, Concordia became officially incorporated in the State of Delaware and
a charter member of the Southeastern District of the Lutheran Church -
Missouri Synod. The Ladies Aid Society, the first women's organization at
Concordia, was also formed in 1938.
January 7, 1940, The Reverend Howard W. Tepker was installed as the first
Pastor of Concordia and the congregation started a program for a church
building of their own. World War II put all non-defense building on hold.
October 20, 1946, was the happy day of dedication for the 140-member
congregation.
The Reverend George H. Mueller, the second pastor called by Concordia,
served from 1943 to 1971. He shepherded the congregation through membership
growth, building programs, and mission churches. To meet the needs and
direct the talents of the growing congregation, Sunday School, Adult Bible
Study, Junior Choir, Senior Choir, and the Ladies Aid Society were created
or expanded. Two mission congregations were established from Concordia:
Faith Lutheran, New Castle, in 1950 and Our Redeemer Lutheran, Newark, in
1957.
Pastor George Mueller retired in 1971 and The Reverend Edmond W. Fritz
was called and served until 1978.
In 1974, Concordia established CONTACT Tele-ministries in Wilmington. The
congregation supplied financing, office space, and the first two directors
of CONTACT until it grew large enough to be "on its own."
From 1974 to 1977, The Reverend Carl R. Sachtleben served as CONTACT
director and Concordia's Assistant Pastor. In 1977, The Reverend David E.
Mueller became director of CONTACT and Assistant Pastor of Concordia.
1978 was Concordia's 40th Celebration Year. To mark the
occasion, the George H. Mueller Endowment Fund was created.
In 1979, The Reverend David E. Mueller became Concordia's fourth full
time pastor. He led Concordia through its years of establishing its
Cooperative Preschool, expanding community outreach, and building its new
church. Today, Concordia's Preschool has more than 100 students and 20 staff
members, and has become a well respected unique gift to the community.
On November 3, 1985, Concordia celebrated the dedication of its home on
Silverside Road.
In July of 1988, Scott A. Callaway was ordained and installed as an
Associate Pastor. Pastor Callaway joined Concordia's staff with special
responsibility for developing programs for high school youth and Adult
Christian Education. Scott left Concordia on September 13, 1992 to become
pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Topsfield, Massachusetts.
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Concordia welcomed Pastor David Kummer to lead our congregation in 2008. We praise
God for His many blessings. Pictured above with Pastor Kummer are his wife, Amira, and sons Clark (left) and Ethan. |
In October of 2006, Reverend David E. Mueller retired from full-time
ministry at Concordia and is currently using his gifts in interim ministry.
In March of 2007, Reverend David Betzner was installed as our Intentional
Interim Pastor. Pastor Betzner served, and ministered to, our congregation
and led us through a process focused on reviewing our history and preparing
for the future, calling our next settled pastor in particular. This process
reinforced God’s mission for us as revealed through Strategic Ministry
Planning, Serving Community by Sharing Christian Hope.
On September 28, 2008, Reverend David J. Kummer was installed as
Concordia’s fifth full-time pastor. He has previously served as an associate
pastor in California, and most recently as the pastor of Bethel Lutheran
Church in Chicago. We give thanks to God for Pastor Kummer, who has embraced
the members of Concordia and our mission and ministry—within our walls, in
our community, and beyond.
The second article of our constitution states our purpose as "…that of a
Christian congregation: to tell others of God's love in Christ; serve others
as Christ served us; keep each other strong in faith; rejoice and offer
praise to God for His goodness; manage our lives and resources to serve God;
and care for and serve one another."
We attempt to fulfill those purposes through our worship services, Sunday
School and Adult Study, Youth Activities, Senior, Children’s and Bell
Choirs, Outreach and Fellowship programs; and in serving the community
through Lutheran Community Services, L.I.F.E., Meals on Wheels, Emmanuel
Dining Room, Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center, Sojourner's Place,
Interfaith Housing, Habitat For Humanity, our Preschool, and much more.
All
to the glory of God |
