Welcome to St. Paul's!

Preaching Christ crucified, devoted to Holy Scripture, reverent in worship, and firmly grounded in the Lutheran confession.

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church and School, established in 1837, is one of the founding congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, a conservative Christian body that traces its theology and practice through the sixteenth century Reformation to the faith of the ancient apostolic Church as recorded once for all in Holy Scripture.

Located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, St. Paul's is the "Mother Church" for many of the area Lutheran congregations, ideally located for those who live in the greater Fort Wayne area and are hungry for a Bible-teaching, Christ-preaching church.

For details regarding upcoming services at St. Paul's, follow the "Worship" link.  To hear the Word of God, select the "Listen to This Week's Message" tab.  Learn more about upcoming events in the box at right.

From the Pastor's Desk

Ash Wednesday, March 6th, marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a forty-day observance that leads to Holy Week, climaxing with the triumphant celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday. However, the beginning of the penitential season of Lent is quite somber. On Ash Wednesday, prior to the Services, we will have the opportunity to receive the imposition of ashes on our foreheads, reminding us that “dust you are and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3: 19). Marked with the sign of the cross, we begin our Lenten observance.

Read full article in the link below...

The Ashes of Lent
Rev. Richard S. Radtke, Pastor Emeritus

East Central Neighborhood Housing Initiative

The Lutheran Foundation has approved a grant to bring back Laborers for Christ this coming summer of 2019! You remember the marvelous work Laborers did last summer, helping a number of our East Central neighbors with repairs and refurbishings to bring their homes up to code. Much of that work was captured in this blog by the Laborers for Christ project director, Mike Vandercar,  East Central Housing Project.

We do this because we truly care about our neighbors’ physical needs, just as our Lord does. No strings attached. We simply want them to have homes that are safe and comfortable and attractive enough to communicate the value the residents have as people. We hope this summer to have many more of our own members participate in the project—cleaning up yards, tearing out old sheetrock, painting, hammering. You know, of course, what just might also come out of that! While five folks are pulling weeds and nailing up new drywall, a homeowner asks one of our laborers to tell him more about St. Paul’s. Or the signs the Laborers put out front lead another neighbor to visit us on a Sunday morning, and Pastor preaching Christ crucified enters her ears and heart. Are all preachers? No, but the same God who gives to one strong arms, hammers, and nails gives to another a pulpit to preach the one Savior of us all. It takes both. God uses both. 

LCMS President's Statement on Expanding
Abortion in New York and Illinois

A statement from the Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, in response to recent gubernatorial actions expanding abortion in New York and Illinois.

40 Days for Life

From Sep 26 through Nov 4 2018, our community took part in 40 Days for Life - a groundbreaking, coordinated international mobilization. We pray that, with God's help, this will mark the end of abortion in our city - and beyond.

A cross display representing the deaths of Allen County babies due to abortion was placed on St. Paul’s lawn at the corner of Barr and Lewis Street. It includes 60 crosses, each one representing 500 babies lost to abortion. From 1978-2013 there were 30,246 babies aborted in Allen County. Also displayed, a sign encouraging women who are facing a crisis pregnancy or who have experienced an abortion to visit the website Optionline.org. Through Christ’s mercy may we protect all citizens, and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.  

Statement on the Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

Same-Sex Marriage Statement
Pastor Peter Cage; June 28, 2015

Being a Witness for Christ

"Interpreting the contemporary world from a Lutheran Christian perspective." That's what the Lutheran Witness is all about.

Pastor Peter Gregory boldly proclaims the light of Christ in a world darkened by sin in each of these three articles submitted to the Lutheran Witness online...

Come to Bethlehem
The Other Side of Marriage
Praying for Life

Religious Liberty

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has mandated that all health plans include coverage of "certain preventive health services." These "services" include contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs. This new rule violates the consciences and beliefs of many Christians and the teachings of many Christian churches.

The Rev. Matthew Harrison, LCMS President, testified before the U.S. Congress in mid-February and has issued two letters to the church regarding this mandate. His statements about this issue, along with more information, can be found here. In addition to asking congregations to pray for the preservation of our religious liberty, President Harrison writes, "I encourage the members of the LCMS to join with me in supporting efforts to preserve our essential right to exercise our religious beliefs."

In response, St. Paul's and some sister congregations are taking part in a local effort to stand for and support religious liberty. For more information, visit "Support Religious Liberty".

A Coram Deo Moment

The Rev. Steven K. Gjerde captured the true essence of the Hymn Festival hosted by St. Paul's as part of the Good Shepherd Institute Conference held in November 2012.  His wonderful article from 'A Coram Deo' Magazine is published with his permission here.