Who We Are
OUR MISSION
KNOW Christ as Savior, Lord and Friend
GROW in Christ through Worship, Bible Study, Prayer
and Christian Fellowship
GO in Christ’s name to proclaim the Good News of His love,
care for the needy, and make Disciples of all
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Rooted In Grace
As a Lutheran congregation, we trust that God’s love is a gift. We do not earn God’s grace by having all the right answers, living perfect lives, or proving ourselves worthy. In Jesus Christ, God comes to us with mercy, forgiveness, and new life.
We gather around God’s living Word, Baptism, Holy Communion, prayer, and sacred music, trusting that the Holy Spirit meets us there — healing us, shaping us, and sending us out to love our neighbors.
We believe faith is not about having everything figured out. Questions, doubts, joys, struggles, gifts, and wounds all have a place in the life of faith. We learn and grow together as people who are still being formed by God’s grace.
We know that some people have been judged, excluded, or wounded by a church. Because grace is at the heart of our faith, we seek to be a community known by how we love — a place where people can worship, heal, grow, serve, and belong.
God’s grace shapes how we worship, how we care for one another, and how we serve our neighbors in Salinas and beyond.
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For more information about ELCA beliefs and teaching, visit the ELCA website.
A SUMMARY OF OUR VISION
Where Love is Leading Us this Season
These themes came out of our June Vision Retreat and the vision statement later approved by the Council.
Spiritual Growth and Discipleship — Growing in faith through prayer, reflection, community, and service.
Welcoming Across Language and Culture — Building community across language and cultural differences.
Belonging for Those Wounded by Church — Welcoming people who have been judged, excluded or told they don't belong.
Care Across Generations — Supporting children, elders, caregivers, and those facing mental-health challenges.
Connecting with Our Neighbors —Deepening relationships through presence, partnership, and care.
A Ministry of Blessing — blessing the people, creatures, places, and things our neighbors love.
Music as Ministry — Deepening worship, building community, and opening new connections through music and the arts.
All are welcome at Good Shepherd!