In the heart of Wichita Falls, Texas, something beautiful is unfolding at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Known for its historic presence and longstanding faithfulness, this congregation is experiencing a season of renewal, fueled by a fresh vision for mission and love for its neighbors.

In October of 2023, I was invited to preach at St. Paul for their Mission Sunday. Following the service, I had the opportunity to meet with Pastor Stinnette and members of the church’s leadership team. Our conversation focused on the hopes and challenges of outreach in their community, and it was clear that the Lord had already been preparing their hearts for a new mission initiative.

Under the leadership of Pastor Eric Stinnette and the heartfelt ministry of his wife, Shari, St. Paul is leaning into a new chapter: one marked by hospitality, connection, and Gospel outreach. The Spirit is clearly at work here, reigniting passion, stirring compassion, and guiding this community to embrace those around them in meaningful, life-giving ways.

The seeds of this transformation were planted through prayer and a simple, powerful question: “How can we serve the people God has placed around us?” That question became the foundation for deep conversations among the church’s leadership, who recognized that being a historic church in a changing neighborhood requires more than preserving the past; it calls for stepping out in faith, listening with humility, and acting with love.

In response, St. Paul formed an Outreach Team and partnered with leaders from the Texas District’s Hispanic Ministry to better understand their community’s needs. Together, they conducted surveys and distributed flyers, planting the first seeds of what would become an ESL (English as a Second Language) ministry. Their commitment to this endeavor came to life on September 12, 2024, when the church welcomed 53 students for its first ESL registration.

From the beginning, the classes were about more than grammar and vocabulary. They were a vehicle for connection. A ministry of presence. A way for the church to say, “You are welcome here.”

And people responded with enthusiasm, vulnerability, and gratitude.

Since then, the ESL program has become a cornerstone of community outreach. While some students have moved on, a faithful core of students remains. Classes continue weekly; this fall, the church plans to launch a second level to meet growing needs. One student, preparing to take her U.S. citizenship test in May, credits the program for giving her both language skills and confidence. Another began participating in the women’s retreat and now meets weekly with the Crocheters for Christ group. These are not just educational moments; they are spiritual milestones.

During Christmas, the church hosted a joyous La Posada celebration, complete with food, music, and a bilingual worship service that beautifully reflected the unity of cultures and hearts gathered in Christ. We deeply appreciate the support, collaboration, and partnership of Pastor Juan Zamora and his wife, Deaconess Alma Zamora, whose involvement has been a great blessing to this ministry at St. Paul. These events have not only enriched the life of the congregation but have drawn new families into fellowship and worship.

What stands out most in this story isn’t just the program, it’s the posture. The way the Outreach Team and congregation embody “mercy ministry” with intentionality and grace. Their love is clear and consistent, offered through warm smiles, shared prayers, and open doors. In a world often marked by division and fear, St. Paul offers something profoundly different: a place of belonging.

As Pastor Stinnette reflected, “All the many great things that have happened are by the hand of our Lord. To God be the glory!”

Indeed, this is the Lord’s doing. A story still being written by faithful people who looked not for distant mission fields but saw one right across the street and stepped into it with courage.

In a time when many churches are asking how to engage with their changing communities, the witness of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wichita Falls reminds us that sometimes, the most impactful ministry begins with prayerful listening and continues with one word spoken in love, one welcome offered in grace, and one act of faithful witness at a time.

By: Rev. Lincon Guerra