The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd sits on Burlingame Avenue in the heart of Burlingame, California, a single congregation in the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Its self-stated identity is "a reverent and relaxed community centered on worship, curiosity, and care for one another," with a tagline that says: "Come as you are. Stay for something deeper."
Sunday Worship at 9:15
The congregation gathers every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. for a service built on the Lutheran pattern of Word and Sacrament. Scripture, prayer, music, and a sermon that connects faith to everyday life shape the hour. Some parts are spoken together, some sung, and some quietly received. The service is livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person.
Communion Every Week
Communion is celebrated every Sunday, and the invitation is open. Members and visitors, the certain and the still-searching, are all welcome at the table. Those who prefer not to receive are welcome to remain seated or come forward for a blessing.
What to Expect on a First Visit
The church has no parking lot, but street parking is available around the building. Dress ranges from jeans and sweaters to dresses and button-ups, with no expectation either way. The building is handicap accessible, and anyone with specific accessibility questions is encouraged to reach out. Children of all ages are welcome in worship, and a children's sermon is offered occasionally. The guidance for new families is plain: "Children sometimes make noise or like to move around. They're not a disruption. They belong here just as much as you do." After the service some people linger to chat; others head straight out. Both are fine.
Pastor Joshua
Joshua Serrano became pastor of Good Shepherd in 2025. He holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and completed additional graduate work through the Certificate of Advanced Theological Study program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He is married with two children and describes his ministry as "relational, curious, and deeply rooted in grace." Outside the church he reads and practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The congregation's ministry is supported by a council led by Treasurer Janet Finer-Moore and members Kathi Graham, Birte Scholz, Lisa Stiles, and Heather Sauer.
What the Church Believes
Good Shepherd centers on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who meets people where they are and leads with compassion. The congregation teaches that God's love is a gift, not something earned, and that grace shows up in ordinary moments as much as holy ones. The mission statement reads: "To grow in the light and love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd: and to be advocates of His light and love to others." Members are encouraged to bring questions rather than answers, and to let faith grow over time. "We value tradition, but we don't cling to it for its own sake," the church writes. "We take faith seriously without taking ourselves too seriously." Reverence and ease sit side by side, and the building is meant to feel like a place where people can breathe.
Generosity and Staying Connected
Generous giving is framed as a free response to grace rather than obligation. Gifts support worship, learning, fellowship, and outreach beyond the congregation's walls, with one-time and recurring gifts available through the church's giving page. A weekly newsletter, the Shepherd Signal, carries news and events, and a Google calendar is embedded on the church's site for the full schedule. The YouTube channel hosts the livestream as well as a video archive of past services.