Metro Lutheran Ministry

Roots of the Kansas City Metro Lutheran Ministry can be traced to the 1960s. Pastors and lay member of the (then) Lutheran Church of America (LCA) and the American Lutheran Church (ALC) in metropolitan Kansas City began to explore how their churches could serve and support mission work in a changing urban climate.

After several years of discernment and planning, the Kansas City Metro Lutheran Ministry became a reality on December 5, 1971 with the primary purpose to serve Jesus Christ more effectively in the metropolitan area. Dr. Walter Kloetzli, former director of the Lutheran Church-USA, Department of Urban Planning was the first Council President. Luther Johnson became the first Executive Director.

Local congregations continued to join in the efforts until a total of 48 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Lutheran churches are partner members of MLM today. MLM serves clients from locations in Jackson, Platte and Clay Counties, Missouri, and Wyandotte County, Kansas. 

Your  tax-deductible donation will help us fully fund MLM's emergency food programs in KCMO, KCK, and NKC for an entire year!

During the month of March, the first $200,000 in donations will be matched 1:1 by our partners in ministry at the Frederick and Louise Hartwig Family Fund, Blessings Abound, and anonymous individuals. 

On behalf of the 10,260 families who visit our emergency food pantries every year, thank you for your care and support!  To donate, click here.

MLM connects those in need with food, housing, health care, education, employment services and other resources.  MLM is partnering with Thrivent to support the local community gardens and food bank.    For every $2 donated, Thrivent will add an additional $1 during this online campaign up to a maximum of $15,000! All donations in support of this online fundraiser will be made through InFaith Community Foundation. Thrivent will pay the online processing fees for personal donations made through InFaith Community Foundation up to $100,000 per calendar year.