Tracing Our Roots

Bread of Life can trace its' roots back to 1980, when a door-to-door survey was taken to determine if there would be support for a Lutheran church on the south side of the city. Existing Lutheran churches were located near downtown and in northwest Minot, so the need for a congregation in south Minot seemed to make the most geographic sense.

The survey results indicated that there was indeed much interest in the development of a new congregation. However, about that same time, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod established Our Savior Lutheran Church in the area, and it was decided to put the American Lutheran Church plan for a mission congregation on hold. In June 1986, Our Savior Lutheran chose a building site south of Dakota Square shopping center, and talk was renewed of an ALC mission congregation. A new congregation interest meeting was held in July 1986, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with about 50 people in attendance. An open discussion took place with views expressed in favor and in opposition to the endeavor to establish a mission church in southwest Minot.

The Need For A New Congregation

The discussion for a new congregation centered on several common needs:

There were still many unanswered questions, particularly in regard to how a new church could be financed, so a vote was taken and the decision made to continue discussions and obtain more information about establishing a mission congregation.

The First Step

Service-Mission Director ALC, Rev Harold Everson, met with the church councils of Bethany, Christ Lutheran, First Lutheran, and Zion Lutheran. Augustana Lutheran, an LCA church, was asked to participate, as they too would soon become blended into the new Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Rev. Everson was able to provide information about forming mission congregations. Financially, the new congregation would become self-sufficient within a period of about eight years. It was at that meeting the decision was made to set up a Task Force, made up of at least two representatives from each of the local congregations, to pursue the project.

A Pastor is Called

The Task Force moved swiftly ahead to make it happen. The first matter was to locate the "just right" pastor to serve in this new ministry. Pastor Craig S. Carlson was issued a pastoral call in August 1987, and by October, he and his family had moved to Minot from Westhope, North Dakota.

The fall of 1987 was a busy time as Pastor Carlson and the Task Force worked together making plans and preparing for the new mission church. There was the matter of selecting a name for the congregation, development of a church logo, the preparation and printing of letterheads and brochures. Office space was acquired and the equipment located as well as determining a place for worship. A proposed budget was drawn and many other preparations made to get off to a good start.

By December 1987, Pastor Carlson began the house calls. He found people gracious and interested. By February 1988, calls had been completed and the Carlson family invited people to their home for Sunday evening fellowship.

A Congregation is Born

And then it began! Bread of Life Lutheran Church held the first worship service on Sunday, March 20, 1988, at Edison School. A visiting pastor said that he sensed the enthusiasm and the "spirit of mission" in the people of Bread of Life Church. That same spirit has encouraged people to become involved in the work... Bible School, Sunday School, serving for fellowship, ushering, reading scripture, singing in the choir, maintaining church property... the list goes on of people and pastors making willing commitment to the Lord and serving His church.

Building A House of Worship

In January of 1991 a building committee was elected at the annual meeting. On April 19, 1992, bids for construction were opened. The building process began with the selection of mission builder foreman, Mel Johnson of Kenmare. Ground breaking was May 17, 1992. Other mission builders and their wives arrived and were commissioned on May 31. Many evening meals and fellowship were enjoyed with the mission builders.

The first floor was poured on June 16, and on June 27 the first of the rafters was put in place. Work progressed rapidly in the wings; on July 6, with the assistant of many volunteers, the high rafters for the sanctuary started to go into place. Throughout the summer, many construction volunteers enjoyed Saturday noon potluck dinners. On August 4 the roof was completed and the next day the last exterior door was in place and also the cross window was installed.

Farewell To Pastor Craig

On August 23 the first official function held at the new church was a farewell party for Pastor Craig and family. He had accepted a Chaplaincy Residency and left on September 5.

In August work continued on the exterior with siding and bricking. Much of the staining and varnishing of the interior trim was done at the Renner and Schmidt garages. Painting parties were sponsored by AAL.

Moving In!

The first Sunday school and worship service was in the fellowship hall on September 27. The first worship service in the sanctuary was October 4 and was led by interim Pastor Charles J. Taft. Dedication service was held October 18, 1992.

Spiritual Leaders

Pastors Craig Carlson, Charles Taft, Steve Anderson, Curt Hanson, Jim Gustafson, Tim Solberg, Jeff Hoverson, and currently Curt Hanson have spiritually led Bread of Life.

During this time the congregation has been "The Welcome Place" adding many new people to the congregation. It started with 60 households and has grown to 200 households.

Bread of Life is the "Learning Place" where children and adults come to learn about God through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation classes, adult Bible class, Men in Mission, Bread of Life Women and new member readiness gatherings.

A Caring Community

The congregation has expanded into the community through Christmas Adopt-A-Family, Community Food Pantry, the Rummage and Bake Sale, Bazaar, Buffalo Dinner, Turkey Dinner, Hostfest, Community Family and Carnival night, sponsorship of Cub Scout Pack 411, hosting weekly meetings of REM. The Men in Mission cook and serve breakfast after the early Easter Service and serve breakfast on Saturday mornings in the fellowship hall. These breakfasts are open to all men and women of the church and friends of the congregation.

Membership growth, along with the desire for a contemporary and a traditional worship style, have made it possible for Bread of Life to have two services each Sunday during the school year. There is also a service each Saturday.

The path traveled was often a challenge, one filled with sacrifice, and certainly rewards. From the Word of God grows good things - a congregation of people with new dedication to Jesus Christ.