Mission Statement

Shaped by the grace of God, Gloria Dei's mission is to be the community of Christ for all people. We the people of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church define our mission based on the following principles:

 • to celebrate salvation by grace through faith

 • to be a welcoming and nurturing community for all

 • to stand for justice and peace 

• to be good stewards of our natural environment 

• to serve and involve the University of Iowa community 

Ministry Focus Areas 

Diversity and Inclusivity 

In a world that draws lines and builds walls, we believe we are called to be a community where lines are erased and walls are bridged. Our desire is to keep growing a church where diversity is both celebrated and evident. Some of the areas in which we seek to be more inclusive and diverse include age (with a specific desire to reach more effectively to young adults and children), race, income levels, culture, marital status, and sexual orientation. 

Visibly Inviting and Welcoming.   

Many who come to Gloria Dei say they experience such a gracious welcome when they get here. We believe we are called more actively and visibly to extend our invitations and our welcome to those who are not here.

God’s Work Our Hands 

We believe we are called to be generous stewards of our time, talents and resources in order to make a difference for good in the community and in the world. There is much in this area we do already. We believe we are gifted and called to do more. 

God’s Work Our Voice 

(i.e., evangelism). We believe we are called to grow the ways in which we make known and speak of our God of grace in the world. 

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Fall, 2021