About Us

Our Mission

With abiding faith in the intrinsic value of all God’s children, Metro Lutheran Ministry connects those in need with food, housing, health care, education, employment services, and other resources in order to nurture greater hope, health, opportunity and peace.

MLM: 51 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 (then) Lutheran Church of America (LCA) and the American Lutheran Church (ALC) in metropolitan Kansas City began to explore how their churches could serve and support mission work in a changing urban climate.

After several years of discernment and planning, the Kansas City Metro Lutheran Ministry became a reality on December 5, 1971 with the primary purpose to serve Jesus Christ more effectively in the metropolitan area. Dr. Walter Kloetzli, former director of the Lutheran Church-USA, Department of Urban Planning was the first Council President. Luther Johnson became the first Executive Director.

Local congregations continued to join in the efforts until a total of 48 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Lutheran churches are partners of MLM today. MLM serves clients from community assistance center locations in Jackson, and Clay Counties, Missouri, and Wyandotte County, Kansas.

Our Vision

To be a community that acts justly, loves mercy and walks humbly with God. (Inspired by Micah 6:8)

Get Assistance

MLM helps families and individuals in need with a variety of emergent needs services to promote housing, food, health, and financial stability.
Rent & Utility Assistance
Emergent Needs
Food Pantry
Eileen's Place
Orchard & Garden
Financial Opportunity Center
Christmas Store
Minor Home Repair