Our History
1995 – The Sioux Falls Area Strategy Committee determines that there will
be a need for a new Lutheran congregation in Sioux Falls.
March, 1996 – At the urging of Sioux Falls area congregations, the South
Dakota Synod, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Division for
Outreach, ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund purchases 11 acres of
land near 69th Street and Western Avenue for $200,000.
1999 – With the acceleration of population growth in the area, and prayer
and financial support from neighboring congregations, Lutheran leaders decide to
launch a new mission in 2000.
June, 2000 – Pastor Jeff Eisele is appointed by the ELCA and called by
the South Dakota Synod to serve as mission developer of the south side mission.
Pastor Jeff, Katherine, Ben and Samuel Eisele move to Sioux Falls
from Birchwood, Wisconsin.
July, 2000 – The new mission is named Spirit of Joy
Lutheran Church.
August, 2000 – Pastor Eisele begins ringing doorbells on the south side
of Sioux Falls to survey the community, and to invite people to consider
becoming part of a new mission church.
Sept-Oct, 2000 – Eighteen people participate in a six-week Bible study
entitled “God’s Vision for God’s People.”
Dec. 3, 2000 – Spirit of Joy holds its first worship service in the
Good Samaritan Society’s Jerstad Center, the place the congregation
will call home for the next 5 years.
April 29, 2001 – First Charter
Sunday - 65 people sign our charter.
Jan. 2002 – Congregation charter opened for a third time. Began
sponsoring of and partnership with C. John Hildebrand, ELCA missionary in El
Salvador.
Nov. 3, 2002 – Spirit of
Joy formally organizes as a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America with 144 people having signed the charter. Congregation adopts
a constitution and budget, elects lay leadership and calls Jeff Eisele to serve
as pastor.
March-April, 2004 – Spirit of Joy conducts “Forward in Faith, Growing to
Serve” capital campaign to raise money for its first mission center. Initial
pledges top $300,000 and will eventually climb to $500,000.
April 24, 2005 – Spirit of Joy
breaks ground for the future mission center by praying, singing, and
pulling a plow together across the building site.
February 12, 2006 – Spirit of Joy
dedicates its mission center to the glory of God, and finds new ways in
its new space to carry out its mission of inviting, growing, and serving.