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About Us OUR MISSION As a congregation created by God in Christ, St Paul's Lutheran Church, is responding in faith to the call of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel; uniting together to preach the Word, administer the sacraments and carry out God's mission. We are called to bear witness to God's creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world. OUR HISTORY Few in Number, But Strong in Faith Several years ago, a few Lutherans from the area kept running into each other. Conversation usually turned to how much they missed going to church. In past years, a Lutheran Church had been located in Hazard, with a circuit-riding pastor. The group met at different places and finally shared the church building with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, but for whatever reasons, the church wasn’t able to continue. Several members found other churches, a few tried other churches, but just weren’t happy with them. Transient members, in the course of things, moved away. And there were those who just failed to go back to church at all. But these few folks kept running into each other. Pastor Tom Kershaw, a former intern pastor at the previous church, was called upon for his thoughts and ideas. Following his advice, the faithful group decided to have Bible study, taking turns in each other’s home. In July 1995, a meeting was held to organize a Lutheran church in southeastern Kentucky. Those present were: Bob & Barb Miller, Roger & Pat Draughn and Cheryl & Dan Stacy. The goals in this endeavor were to find a pastor to hold monthly communion and Sunday School, ultimately obtaining a full time pastor. The group decided to meet every Sunday evening, going through the “Service of the Word”, but instead of a sermon, there would be bible study, Sunday lessons, and Gospel readings. The Miller family generously donated 12 hymnals. Membership for the church, a meeting place and other issues were also discussed. A motion was made and carried to name the foundling assemblage St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Few in number, but strong in faith! St Paul’s Lutheran Church met at the home of Roger and Pat Draughn on August 6, 1995, using the Service of the Word. Hymns were sung; Psalms, Lessons and Gospel for the Sunday in accordance with the Book of Worship were read. Arrangements were made with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for the foundling congregation to use their building for services, and in August 1995, the group held services and a bible study. The pastor of St. Mark’s invited members of St. Paul’s to take communion with them at any time. In February 1996 the congregation contacted the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America for southeastern Kentucky for guidance and assistance with the foundling church. A meeting with Pastor Bob Franklin of the ELCA and the members of St. Paul’s took place on 3/28/96. Pastor Franklin explained to the members that due to the demographics of the area, reduction of pastors, and the small size of the congregation, membership in the ELCA was not feasible at that time; but Pastor Franklin gave suggestions on how to continue and grow. At a business meeting on 4/14/96, the membership decided to become a Lutheran church independent of any synod and to re-evaluate its position at the end of one year. The congregation chose Danny Stacy as Lay Pastor. In November 2000, a building at 227 Morton Blvd. Hazard came up for sale. The congregation discussed finances, and with much generosity from its members, St. Paul’s decided to purchase the building. The Miller family helped the church by installing a new kitchen, buying furniture, stained glass windows, and many other things the struggling congregation could not afford. St. Paul’s is a congregation of diverse Lutheran and non-Lutheran religious backgrounds and has remained independent of any synod. We minister not only to our permanent members, but also to transient Lutherans who reside in this area for a short time. We are a congregation small in number, but strong in faith and with God’s blessings and guidance, will continue to grow.
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