MLM: More than 35 Years of Serving the Community

Roots of the Kansas City Metro Lutheran Ministry can be traced to the 1960s. Pastors and lay member of the Lutheran Church of America (LCA) and the American Lutheran Church (ALC) in metropolitan Kansas City began to explore how their churches could more effectively fulfill their mission in changing the urban scene.

Throughout the intervening 35 years, a consistent theme has been a flexibility and diversity that has helped MLM achieve its goals. “One of the geniuses has always been the diversity and inclusion,” notes Loyd Dykman, a former executive director, board member and active volunteer. “We get support from all over and it makes us stronger. I’m very proud of what we’ve done.”

In the beginning…

In February 1964, five LCA pastors and laypersons began a series of meetings to discuss the nature, scope and purpose of such an organization. Areas of concern included relationships with non-church agencies, including those with racial, ethnic and special-interest groups, and to interdenominational and ecumenical endeavors. Other issues were identifying opportunities for Christian witness, developing ministries for implementation and developing financial resources.

Following additional meetings, formal organization of the LCA’s Metropolitan Church Development Council (MCDC) occurred on Feb. 19, 1968. Pastors and two laypersons represented each of the 20 participating congregations. Les Pihiblad was elected chairperson and, in 1969, the Rev. Jack Davies became coordinator.

In 1967, a group of 11 laypersons and three pastors from 10 American Lutheran Church congregations met to discuss how the Church could respond to the upheavals and challenges in society. Their meetings led to the formation of the Kansas City Metro Ministry Council, with the charter group comprised of eight congregations, each represented by the pastor and two laypersons. Kal Makela was elected first president. Metro Ministry was focused on reaching into the community through financial support for community services, information for congregations and volunteer enlistment.

Because Pastors Jack Davies and Luther Johnson shared an office and already cooperated in their efforts, the pathway to merger of these two groups was in place in 1971 when Davies accepted a post as regional secretary for the LCA’s Board of American Missions, leaving a vacancy at MCDC.

Providential move…

Later that year, Dr. Walter Kloetzli, former director of the Lutheran Church-USA, Department of Urban Planning, was transferred to the Kansas City regional office of Housing and Urban Development. He was subsequently elected president of MCDC, and merger possibilities with ALC were explored in depth.

A joint study committee drafted a constitution, which incorporated some components of both predecessor organizations. The two-level structure was retained, with a council comprised of pastors and two lay representatives from each member congregation, an executive committee elected by and from the council membership. The constituting meeting was held Dec. 5, 1971, with Kloetzli elected president and Johnson first executive director.

The Kansas City Metro Lutheran Ministry became a reality in Kansas City with the primary purpose to serve Jesus Christ more effectively in the metropolitan area.

The first Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Trinity Lutheran Church, Mission, Kansas, joined the following year and many other churches have continued to join until a total of 48 Lutheran churches are now members of MLM.

MLM also enjoys the participation and support of many other churches as well as synagogues. Early in its development several programs were initiated and still continue to grow to help those who need these resources. These are the Family Care Centers (previously Emergency Assistance and Advocacy Centers), Services to the older adult, Christmas Stores, Minor Home Repairs and the Homeless Services Center.

Grassroots Support

Then and now, MLM is financed by individuals, churches, synagogues, and government contracts, United Way, corporations, foundations and a number of fund-raising activities.

Volunteers have been an critical and necessary component of MLM from the beginning. Young and old have helped to further the ministry in all programs. Some people have volunteered their service from the first organizational meetings to the present day. Others joined early and still continue to give their time and talents over these past many years.

Other MLM historic highlights included the 1984 formation of the MLM Foundation, established to broaden the financial base of MLM and provide stability for funding of services.

The evolution of MLM’s Family Care Centers is another significant development. Originally named Emergency Assistance and Advocacy Centers, their purpose has been to assist people in crisis who need food, clothing, financial assistance, information, referral and advocacy. These centers included several locations throughout Jackson County, a center in Kansas City, Kansas beginning in 1974, and the Northland Center, which opened 1975. A Johnson County Center opened in 1993 but closed in 1995. Although the name and organization of these services have changed over the years, these services continue today at MLM’s three locations in Jackson, Wyandotte and Clay counties.

Among the most visible and symbolic programs are the MLM Christmas Stores, which began with three families served in 1971. In 1974, formal applications were taken at St. John’s Lutheran Church and the first official store was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church. In 1984, Lutheran Mission of the Good Shepherd, which had assisted for 10 years, began a store of their own.

Although numbers tell only part of the story, the Christmas Stores serve thousands of area families and individuals. Each year, the MLM Christmas Stores are among the largest such programs in metropolitan Kansas City.

A number of fund-raising events have been developed to support the Christmas Stores, including festivals and other event, special Christmas card sales and other activities such as walk-a-thons. The Spring Fling events began in 1987 and have evolved into the largest support.

Services to the older adult

MLM’s focus on services for the older adult began 30 years ago. A minor home repair service was the first program, helping with leaking faucets, locks, steps and other needs to help seniors remain independent. A major component of the effort was the help of skilled volunteers and staff members.

Following creation of a Task Force on Aging, the older adult Program took shape in 1983. A key decision was recognition that low-income older adult have many special needs, but also much strength that would be supported.

MLM’s homeless services have taken many forms. In 1988, MLM took over operation of a center at 1007 McGee, which moved to 917 McGee in 1995. Today, MLM continues a number of services, including its Project CARE, and explores additional services for the area’s homeless population.

Other MLM programs have included counseling services, child abuse prevention, and job development and refugee resettlement. MLM has also helped create other organizations, such as the 1979 effort that led to Harvesters Community Food Bank.