On the corner of Hayden Lake Road and West River Road in Champlin, Minnesota, Servant of Christ Lutheran Church has grown from a small founding group in 1976 into an active ELCA congregation with a strong presence of young families. The church describes itself as a Bible-based community organized around a single mission: Making Disciples. That mission is worked out through six marks of discipleship - prayer, biblical literacy, spiritual friendship, weekly worship, serving and giving - that shape every program on the calendar.
A Bible-Centered Identity in the ELCA
Servant of Christ is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The congregation confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. Members hold that Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom everything was made and through whose life, death and resurrection God fashions a new creation.
The proclamation of God's message as both Law and Gospel is central. The church accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith and life. Through them God's Spirit speaks, creating and sustaining Christian faith and fellowship for service in the world.
What to Expect on Sunday Morning
Sunday is the rhythm of life at Servant of Christ. Worship is held at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on most weekends, with services livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Summer hours run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, when the congregation gathers at 9:00 a.m. only. The church sits at 740 East Hayden Lake Road, easily reached by anyone traveling through Champlin.
First-time guests are welcomed with a simple invitation: "Wherever you are in your spiritual life or in your process of being comfortable in church or finding a church home, you are welcome here." The congregation is filled with families, and a Rally Sunday each fall brings the whole church together for one combined 10:00 a.m. service followed by food, bouncy houses, bingo and fellowship.
For those who want to take a next step, Baptism Classes are offered for all ages throughout the year, and New Member Classes are held twice a year for anyone interested in formally joining the community.
Next Generation Ministry: Children, Middle School and High School
Children's ministry at Servant of Christ is built around three commitments: being confident in faith, compassionate to others and committed to Christ. Sunday School meets at both 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the basement for children ages 3 through fifth grade. The mission is to make disciples - teaching the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Holy Scriptures while partnering with parents in their child's faith formation.
The Confirmation Program for sixth through eighth graders meets on Wednesday evenings. The night begins at 5:30 p.m. with pizza and socializing, followed by a large group gathering at 6:00 p.m. and small group time at 6:30 p.m. Students explore scripture, God and their own spiritual lives over three years. Sermon note assignments are part of the curriculum, and adult Faith Guides are recruited each year to walk alongside students.
Senior High Youth, for ninth through twelfth graders, meets Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The goal is to grow as fully devoted followers of Christ through worship, studying the Word, prayer and serving others - all while deepening friendships and having fun. A High School Calendar keeps students connected to retreats, service projects and social events throughout the year.
Next Generation Ministry Director Avery Hawley oversees the entire children's and youth program. A graduate of Augustana University with a background in sociology and business, Hawley joined the staff in September 2021 and brings experience from ministry in Texas and the Midwest.
Bible Study and Adult Formation
Bible study is one of the church's six core values, and several groups gather throughout the week. A Women's Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at the church for about an hour; women of all ages are welcome to come and go as their schedule allows. A Men's Bible Study is offered as well, with information available from Associate Pastor Bryce Bommersbach.
Additional Bible study opportunities are added throughout the year, giving adults regular chances to grow in biblical literacy alongside peers.
Music Ministry
Music Ministry at Servant of Christ is dedicated to sharing the love of God through music. The purpose of the program is clear: to proclaim the truth, use gifts to encourage others, sing love and thanks to God, invite the Holy Spirit into worship and call on the name of Jesus Christ.
The Celebration Choir rehearses Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Rehearsals run from mid-September through May. Vocalists and instrumentalists who want to use their gifts for God's glory are invited to connect with Choir Director Britta Kilber, a Champlin native who was baptized at Servant of Christ and now leads the singing ministry she grew up with.
Serving the Community and One Another
Service is one of the church's six marks of discipleship, and many hands make it happen at Servant of Christ. The Social Action Committee, led by Pastor Bryce, organizes volunteer efforts and donations throughout the year for partners including CEAP, CROSS, Feed My Starving Children, Operation Christmas Child and Champlin Shores Senior Living.
A Quilting Group meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall (with a break from May through August). Volunteers cut, tie and sew quilts that are distributed to local organizations such as Hope 4 Youth, CEAP, Sharing and Caring Hands and Bridges. No experience is required.
Other ways to serve include the Hospitality Team (ushering, greeting, serving communion, helping in the kitchen), Building and Grounds (lawn care, snow removal, painting), the Prayer Garden team, the Care and Prayer Ministry (Prayer Chain and Praying Together team), and the Family Advocate Program, which helps individuals and families connect with resources for food, housing, child care, budgeting and more across northwest Hennepin County.
For fellowship and fun, the SOC Servant Circle gathers women for monthly community service projects and outings, while a Scrapbook and Craft Weekend offers a once-a-month overnight retreat at the church for crafters looking for time and space to work on their projects.
Staff and Pastoral Leadership
Senior Pastor Melissa Maltman has served Servant of Christ since Easter Sunday 2010. A graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and Luther Seminary, she previously grew up on a farm near Green Isle, Minnesota, and brings more than fifteen years of ministry to the congregation.
Associate Pastor Bryce Bommersbach joined the staff after graduating from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California. His background spans congregational and youth ministry, outdoor ministry, campus ministry, global ministry in Madagascar, chaplaincy and nonprofit social work.
Avery Hawley directs Next Generation Ministries for children and youth, and Britta Kilber leads the Celebration Choir. Office Manager Tammy Lund, who has served the church since Thanksgiving 2002, keeps the weekday office running Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Getting Connected and Giving
Anyone curious about Servant of Christ is invited to call the church office at 763-427-5070 or email the office manager. New visitors can join the congregation through New Member Classes held twice a year.
Stewardship is taught as a spiritual discipline rooted in abundance rather than scarcity. Giving options include secure online donations, text-to-give at 1-833-300-7570, the Vanco mobile app, and the Simply Giving Program endorsed by Thrivent Financial Bank. Thrivent members can also direct Choice Dollars to the church. A separate Crisis Resources PDF lists help available across northwest Hennepin County for those needing food, financial or family support.
Worship is livestreamed on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. on the church's Facebook page and YouTube channel, so anyone unable to attend in person can still join the service from home.