Our Mission

Messiah is a 21st Century Mission Church Living Jesus and Sharing Jesus in Our Community and Our World

Everything we do begins here. From worship to relationships to outreach, it’s all about living out the love of Christ in daily life.

Living & Sharing Our Faith Together

Rooted Worship

We worship with beautiful rhythms and traditions that have grounded Christians for centuries, including Scripture readings and Communion. Worship connects us to something bigger than ourselves: the mercy of Christ and the hope that comes through Him.

A Community For All Ages

At Messiah, 3-year-olds and 70-year-olds worship side by side. Kids are part of the service, with a children’s message every week. We’re small enough to know each other by name, yet large enough to have active ministries and ways to connect.

Faith in Action

Sharing the love of Jesus starts by noticing where He is working, and then joining in. We serve meals downtown, walk alongside people through Stephen Ministry, and show up in practical, everyday ways.

A Place For Families

Your kids are welcome here, in worship, in Sunday school, and in the life of our church.

We believe families belong together on Sunday mornings, with a children’s message in each service and nursery care available when you need it. We also have weekly Sunday school, VBS every summer, and opportunities for kids to connect with members of all ages.

About Family Ministry

What We Believe

Messiah Lutheran Church is part of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Our faith centers on Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. We believe that God’s Grace is a gift, received through faith. Grounded in Scripture, we trust in God’s steady and unfailing love.

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Rooted Here Since 1957

Messiah Lutheran has been part of the Greenhills community since 1957. In more than sixty years, we’ve had just five pastors. Some families have worshiped here for generations, while others found us recently. Our building overlooks Winton Lake, with a prayer garden and Little Free Library open to anyone who stops by.

We’re thankful for the faith and care that built this church and hopeful for what God continues to do here as we grow and serve together.

1958

Faithful Beginnings

Twenty-two Christians gather in Emil and Jo Martin’s home to pray and plan a Lutheran congregation in Greenhills. They name it Messiah Lutheran Church and begin worshiping in the Greenhills Community Building.

1959

Our First Pastor

Rev. Paul Kettner arrives fresh from seminary to serve as Messiah’s first permanent pastor. Over the next seventeen years, his faithful preaching and pastoral care guide the young church as it grows in faith and in number.

1963

A Place for Worship and Witness

After years of planning and prayer, Messiah dedicates its permanent sanctuary on a hill overlooking Winton Lake — a visible sign of God’s provision. One LCMS official later calls it “the most beautiful church in the Ohio District.”

1969-1986

Nurturing Young Hearts

For nearly two decades, Messiah operates a Lutheran preschool, teaching children foundational skills while surrounding them with Christian love and care. (The same space later hosts Greenhills Cooperative Preschool from 2017 to 2025.)

1976

Faithful Leadership Continues

Rev. Michael Volk is installed as pastor, serving faithfully for the next 31 years and helping Messiah deepen its roots in Word and Sacrament.

1978

Serving the Hungry

Messiah’s Women’s Guild begins preparing and serving meals for the unhoused and those experiencing food insecurity at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Over-the-Rhine. A partnership that continues to this day, this ministry has prepared hundreds of thousands of meals.

1990

Partnering to Serve Our Community

Messiah helps establish Tri-County S.O.U.L. Ministries, a food pantry and community support organization serving Greenhills, Springdale, and Forest Park — an ongoing partnership in practical Christian service.

1993

New Pathways to Worship

Messiah introduces a Saturday evening service at 5:30 PM, making worship more accessible in busy lives.

1996

A New Mission

Messiah adopts its mission statement: “Living Jesus – Sharing Jesus.” This focus renews the congregation’s commitment to authentic discipleship and joyful witness in daily life.

2008

Fresh Perspective

Rev. Tessin arrives, bringing new ideas and helping shape Messiah’s current identity — including the concept of ministry “within & beyond the walls,” new governance structure, and updated logo and color scheme.

2013

Faithful Interim Leadership

Pastor Mitchell serves as interim pastor while maintaining a full-time career in software. His varied experiences and heart for ministry bless the congregation during a time of transition.

2015

A New Season

Pastor Stuckwisch joins Messiah’s pastoral staff. During his ministry, the congregation pays off its mortgage and refines its vision through a Ministry Clarity process, positioning itself to call another full-time pastor in the coming years.

2024

One-to-One Christian Care

Messiah launches Stephen Ministry, training lay caregivers to provide confidential, Christ-centered support to those walking through hard seasons.

Our Staff & Leadership

Meet the Team

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