Centered in Christ
Our theology is centered in the life and death of Jesus Christ.
About Mount Olive
Who We Are
A welcoming, unapologetically Lutheran community of faith in northwest Rochester — part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
01 Our welcome statement
All are welcome at the table.
“We trust that God calls Mount Olive Lutheran Church to a ministry of reconciliation. We embrace as a gift the diversity of our neighborhood and the world, and we extend God’s hospitality by welcoming, hearing, and treasuring:
- All gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations
- All races and ethnicities
- All ages and abilities
- All economic statuses and education levels
- All faith journeys and personal histories
We work for racial equity and commit to anti-racism as the way of right relationship with God and one another. As Christ welcomes all, we too welcome the full inclusion of all people into the life, ministry, and sacraments of Mount Olive, joining in a journey toward greater love, understanding, and mutual respect.”
02 Lutheran identity
Unapologetically Lutheran
We are also an unapologetically Lutheran community of faith. This means:
Sacramental
We are part of a long line of historic churches which celebrate infant baptism and weekly Holy Communion.
Grounded in the Word
The Word of God is the norm and basis for our life together.
03 ELCA
Part of a wider church
We are also part of one particular group of Lutherans — the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Through the ELCA we are networked with thousands of other congregations, mission sites, social service agencies, and educational institutions that live out the faith of Jesus Christ in similar ways. Locally, Mount Olive belongs to the Southeastern Minnesota Synod.
We would love to have you join us for worship on a weekend. Our communion table is open to all as God draws you. Please come. If you like, you may even want to stay for coffee, introduce yourself, and strike up a conversation.
04 Our values
What has sustained us since 1960
The congregational values that have carried our ministry and mission — and still do today.
Weekly worship
With a deep love for the great hymns of the Church.
Hospitality & fellowship
Welcoming and caring for one another.
Open, engaging study
Of scripture and the theology of the Church.
Service to the poor
Specifically centering on food and shelter.
Care for the vulnerable
Specifically children.
Global mission
Specifically with our sister congregation in Kijota, Tanzania.
Your calling
Christ calls each person to some kind of ministry.
We also believe that our lives are enriched when we do ministry together. You are welcome to explore your calling in this community of God’s people.