What Part Will You Play?

By: Vickie Denning, Communications

In 1973, a group of forty ordinary families began worshipping in an apartment clubhouse on the southeast corner of Pantano and Wrightstown. One of the group’s leaders was Pastor Robert Linder, Mission Developer, who would become the first pastor of the church.

The growing mission congregation moved to Wrightstown Elementary School on Wrightstown Road in 1974 and made plans to build at the church’s current site. The group had big dreams to build a community church to serve the sparsely populated but growing area. They chose the name “Tanque Verde Lutheran Church” to emphasize their connection to the community.

A sanctuary, fellowship hall, offices and Sunday School space were dedicated in 1977. These four buildings on the east side of our campus are still in use today.

Pastor Linder left to accept another call in 1982 and Pastor Frank Nausin was installed as Lead Pastor. Pastor Frank served until 2002. During his tenure, a new education building was completed, the MPR, kitchen and nursery were expanded, and the columbarium and Family Life Center were built along with expanded office space.

Pastor Jim Cords served from 2003-2010 and Pastor Gayle Bintliff was installed in 2011. Pastor Josh Auchenbach was installed as Associate Pastor in 2014. During Pastor Gayle’s tenure a capital campaign raised over $500,000 for much needed campus renewal.

Pastor Susan Swanson served the congregation during 2017 and Pastor Josh was installed as Lead Pastor in 2018. Pastor Stephen Hilding was called as Associate Pastor in 2019.

Sounds pretty straight-forward, right? Pastors and buildings to support and enable ministry. But, it wasn’t that easy. Much like the stories in the Bible, there were challenges and squabbles — some big and some little. Our path seemed to meander and at times, we may have felt like we were lost in the desert.

But, and this is a big “but”, through it all the community of believers at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church thrived. Our devotion to children and students has been a hallmark of the church. Our food ministry flourishes. Other ministries originate and prosper as needs arise. And, through it all, our dynamic worship and music programs provide inspiration and respite.

Our story is a messy one, yes, but it is an ongoing story about ordinary people’s passion to participate in God’s mission for our world by following Jesus and sharing his love. This story has an unlimited cast and ALL are welcome. YOU are welcome. What part will you play?