About St. Lukes

Welcome! We are...

Rooted in Christ

with Open Hearts and Open Doors

We envision a vibrant, Spirit-led community where God's grace transforms lives and generations grow together in faith. Grounded in Word and Sacrament, we seek to build a church family where relationships flourish across all ages and where the hope and love of Jesus are shared generously with all.

Our Ministry Vision

Our faith is rooted
in the salvation that is only possible through Christ’s saving grace.
Our hearts are open
to loving God and sharing God’s love with our neighbor. 
We invite you
to walk through our open doors and build a relationship with Christ.
We welcome all people
of all ages who seek the good news and to become adopted into God’s family.

Our core Values

Being Distinctly Lutheran as Christians

As LCMS Lutherans, we hold a rich theological and doctrinal heritage rooted in Scripture, grounded in God’s grace, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This theological richness equips us to navigate life’s challenges and witness to non-Christians with confidence and hope, anchored in the promises of God. 

Sacramental Life

The practice of sacrificial worship, incorporating the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, is central to our faith. These tangible means of grace connect us deeply to Christ and to one another. We encourage all to be baptized and to regularly partake in Holy Communion. 

Discipleship

Discipleship is the shared journey of children, youth, adults, and elders learning to follow Jesus together. Grounded in God’s Word and nourished by the Sacraments, we equip all generations to grow in faith, support one another, love our neighbor, and live out our God-given vocations. Focused on multigenerational relationships, we form lifelong disciples who remain connected to Christ and His Church.

Vocation & Service

God’s word teaches that every person is called by God to love and serve their neighbor. This perspective equips us to see our daily work and interactions as opportunities to serve God and our neighbors with love and purpose. 

What We Believe

About God

 One divine essence exists as three co-equal and co-eternal persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. 

About Sin 

 Since Adam's fall, all people are born sinful, unable by nature to truly fear or trust God, and this inherited sin condemns unless one is reborn through baptism and the Spirit.

About Salvation

Forgiveness and righteousness come not from human merit or works, but as a grace-given gift through faith in Christ's suffering on our behalf.

About Sacraments

Sacraments are outward signs of God's will toward us that awaken and strengthen faith, and are rightly received only in faith.

About Baptism

Baptism is necessary, conveys grace, and should be given to children, entrusting them to God.

About Communion

 The true body and blood of Christ are truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper.

About the Church

The Church is the assembly of believers where the gospel is purely preached and sacraments rightly administered; unity requires agreement on the gospel, not uniform human ceremonies.

About Christian Disciplines

Faith naturally produces good works commanded by God, but these works must never be trusted as a means of earning grace.

About Free Will

Humans have freedom to choose good or evil in worldly, external matters, but lack the spiritual capacity for true faith or fear of God apart from the Holy Spirit's work.

About Lutheranism

The LCMS teaches the Triune God's saving work and follows Luther's Reformation teachings, summarized as Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone — salvation is by God's undeserved grace, received through faith, as revealed in the inerrant Bible.

Meet Our Leadership Team

We encourage you to meet and connect with any of our leadership group. They are here to serve you and help you better understand all of what St. Lukes offers.

Church Staff

Michael Benke

Pastor Emeritus

Sharise Chatfield

Administrative Director

Korynna Ventmilla

Engagement & Communications Director

John Nummela

Custodian

Church Council

Steve Tate

President

Nancy O'Brien

President Elect

Stephanie McCollum

Treasurer

Patty Cappa

Secretary

Sean O'Brien

Building & Property

Chuck Alvey

Stewardship

Meet the Elders

One of the ways St Lukes cares for its members is through our Elders. They are a dedicated group available to offer support, prayer, and guidance when you need it. Find your Elder and their contact information by clicking the button below. 
Contact your Elder

How St. Lukes Started

St. Lukes was officially chartered and incorporated in 1912 with the Rev. F.E. “Franz” Martens as Pastor. The original church property was constructed at 2nd and Bell Streets (with a tidy price of $16,753.00) and was dedicated June 17, 1914. The current property on Lakeside Drive was built in 1972 and dedicated March 10, 1974. After eight Pastors, 2,355 baptisms, 2,189 weddings, and 449 member funerals, St. Lukes celebrated its 100th anniversary on September 23, 2012. St. Lukes Lutheran Church is a member of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.
St. Lukes at 2nd Street and Bell in downtown Reno.