Shepherd of the Hills Church
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Our History
  • Shepherd of the Hills held its first worship service on September 19, 1965 at Island Lake School. 154 people attended.
  • In 1965, 117 people signed the charter, and Shepherd of the Hills officially became a congregation.
  • Groundbreaking was held for the original building in 1968, and dedication was held on March 16, 1969. Pastor Robert G. Ross was the founding pastor and served until June 15, 1970.
  • The pastors who followed were Pastor Lewis J. Sundquist from 1971 to 1973; Pastor Thomas A. Schultz from 1974 to 1988; and Leonard J. Nadeau from 1983 to 1988.
  • The first building addition was dedicated in 1980 and included a sanctuary, narthex and offices.
  • The second building addition, dedicated in 1987, included Sunday School rooms, Choir room, and a Youth room on the lower level.
  • In 1989, Pastor Nathan J. Thompson began his ministry at Shepherd of the Hills as Senior Pastor.
  • In 1992, Pastor Deborah L. Birkeland joined the staff as Associate Pastor.
  • A Building Fund Drive was conducted at Shepherd of the Hills in 1996 in preparation for facility expansion. Groundbreaking for a new sanctuary and building addition was held on April 27, 1997.
  • In the fall of 1997, Shepherd of the Hills Preschool opened its doors.
  • The first worship services in the new sanctuary were held on December 7, 1997. A service of dedication and celebration was held on February 8, 1998.
  • In the summer of 2000, Pastor Vera A. Johnson joined Shepherd's staff as Associate Pastor. The focus of her ministry is to help strengthen Shepherd's mission outreach and our caring ministry for one another.
  • On May 16, 2004, a new C.B. Fisk Op. 122 tracker pipe organ was dedicated in Shepherd's sanctuary. The total cost of $500,000 was given by our generous congregation members and friends and was paid in full at time of installation.
  • A Congregational Visioning Process was conducted in 2005, a Capital Appeal in 2006, and a new $2.2 million dollar addition was constructed in 2007. This addition features a new kitchen; two-story education wing with new preschool rooms, youth room, and family group rooms; and more storage.
  • Shepherd's Senior Leadership Team, with reorganized and additional staff, began implementing a Vision Culture Plan in the fall of 2007 with aggressive ministry goals and strategic plans for the next years. The future possibilities are great.
  • In 2008, Shepherd is currently a congregation of 1800+ members, many active guests, hundreds of children and youth, more than 300 people in small groups, a strong lay-caring Stephen Ministry and Love Your Neighbor (LYN) Ministry, and a committed heart for Christ's mission in our community and world.

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church - 3920 North Victoria Street
Shoreview,  Minnesota 55126
Phone (651) 483-5419 - Fax (651) 483-2296
Send Email to Shepherd Secretary