Living Word was born from a gift. Its humble beginnings sprang from the benevolence of a local farmer, who by the mere act of donating a piece of property, planted the seeds of sharing that thrive in the congregation today. We are a Christ-centered community: Living by Grace and Sharing our Faith.

​

Otto H. Meyers started it all in February 1972 when he donated a piece of land -- bounded by Hamilton, Hamlin, and Foskett Roads just outside of Medina -- to Capital University with the proviso that five acres be reserved to build a Lutheran Church or serve another Lutheran ministry facility at the discretion of the American Lutheran Church. Meyers' grandson, Jonathan Steingass, would later serve Living Word as an interim pastor.

​

Capital sold its portion of the land, and a mission director of the American Lutheran Church envisioned a new congregation on the five-acre site. Pastor Bill Lucht of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Medina was approached about forming a new church. Pastor Lucht put out the word and subsequently, several St. Matthew parishioners and other local Lutherans formed a Mission Task Force to pursue the idea. The property was deeded to the American Lutheran Church in December 1981 and then to Living Word in May 1984. The church was launched. 

​

The American Lutheran Church called the Rev. H. Michael Sayre in February 1981 to be the mission development pastor. A parsonage was purchased, surveys were done, visits made, meetings of the task force held, a core group gathered for the first worship service on Pentecost Sunday, June 7, 2981, in the Medina Township Hall. 

​

The next task was to come up with a name for the new mission congregation. Much of the discussion focused on the Word of God as the "heart and core of all we do". Thus, the name "Living Word" was decided upon, and the congregation was officially chartered on November 29, 1981. On that day 39 new members were received, 2 were baptized, and 23 baptized, but not confirmed, individuals -- totaling 64 -- became charter members. At the current time there are 2 charter members remaining from the original 64 -- Judy Schuster and her daughter Lori Smith. During these early days many congregations helped to support the new congregation.

 

Groundbreaking for a new church took place on Pentecost Sunday, June 10, 1984. Ground was broken with an old plow pulled by congregational members in one direction and mission partners in a perpendicular direction to create a cross where the altar would be located. The congregation worshiped for the first time in their new building on November 21, 1984. The building was officially dedicated on Sunday, April 28, 1985. From 1998 to 2000 additional renovations to the building and property were made.

​

Throughout its history Living Word's pastors have included: Rev. H. Michael Sayre (1981 - 1989), Rev. Jonathan Steingass (Interim - 1989 to 1990), Rev. Marshal Begley (1990 to 1993), Rev. Harold Krull (Interim: 1993 to July 1994), Rev. Fredrick "Fritz" Wiese (1994 to 1996), Rev. Judy Wozniak (Interim: 1996 to 1997), Rev. James Lutz (1997 to 2007), Rev. Jeffrey Steel-Steeber (2010 to 2013), Rev. Loranell Breyley (2016-2017), Revs. John Butchko and Elizabeth Hadler (Interims affiliated with the United Methodist Church (2017-2023), Rev. Barbara Holzhauser (Interim: 2023-present). In the intervening years where there have been pastoral "gaps", Living Word has been faithfully served by numerous supply pastors. 

​

The priesthood of all believers -- pastors and faithful laity -- have labored together for over 43 years so that Living Word remains a beacon of hope in Jesus Christ to Medina county and beyond.