"Led by the Shepherd...Leading the Sheep": Forty-Five Years of Grace in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Abstract

Timothy L. Bode’s essay chronicles the 45-year history of Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Beginning with its founding in 1952 by Pastor Neil Jordahl, the paper traces the congregation’s growth, challenges, and milestones. Bode highlights key transitions, including the shift from ELS to WELS support, the construction of church and school facilities, and the development of Christian education. The essay also addresses internal controversies, such as the split that led to the formation of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and the eventual reconciliation between the congregations. Through interviews, archival records, and personal reflections, Bode illustrates how Good Shepherd remained faithful to its mission—“Led by the Shepherd ... Leading the Sheep”—by preaching the Gospel, expanding outreach, and nurturing future pastors through its vicar program. The essay celebrates God’s grace in guiding the congregation from humble beginnings to a thriving ministry. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).