Our Mission
We exist to develop committed Christ-followers.
Our primary mission at Lakeshore is to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Everything we do comes back to that. We strive to point people to Jesus and hope that, little by little, one change at a time, our lives will look more like his example.
Our Vision
Vision 360: More Committed Christ-followers.
The challenge of Vision 360 is twofold. First, we want to see people commit to Jesus in every area of their lives. It’s not just about checking a box on Sunday morning. It’s about becoming a 360-degree follower. Second, it’s about investing in people and inviting them into lives of discipleship as well.
Our History
Our Story: 70 Years of Faithful Service.
The story of Lakeshore Christian Church began with a simple conviction: this community needed a church committed to the teaching of the New Testament and the good news of Jesus Christ.
In 1955, a group of Christians surveyed the Twin Cities area and recognized the need for a new congregation. With the prayer, encouragement, financial support, and hard work of sister churches in Niles, South Bend, Buchanan, and Bangor, along with many faithful individuals, that vision began to take shape.
The first midweek service was held in the home of H.J. and Mrs. Coon on November 16, 1955, followed by the first Sunday service on March 4, 1956. What began in a family’s home would soon become a growing congregation.
In September 1956, the church purchased the former Brown School on Brown School Road in Shoreham Village for $5,000. After preparing the building for worship, the first Sunday services were held there on November 18, 1956, with Leonard Johnston serving as minister. The congregation became known as the Brown School Road Church of Christ.
As the church grew, so did the need for space. A new building was constructed in 1963, designed with the future in mind. By 1974, continued growth led the congregation to purchase five acres of land and construct a new church building at our present location, 5565 Washington Avenue. With the move, the congregation became the Lakeshore Church of Christ.
Another major renovation took place in 1992, including replacing the building’s flat roof with the peaked roof seen today. During this season, the congregation adopted the name Lakeshore Church. Then, in 1996—our 40th anniversary—the church once again stepped forward in faith with a major addition that doubled the available space and provided a fellowship hall, classrooms, and offices.
Today, as Lakeshore Christian Church celebrates 70 years, we are grateful for every person who prayed, gave, served, sacrificed, taught, led, and shared the gospel throughout our history. Buildings have changed. Names have changed. Generations have changed. But our calling remains—to faithfully follow Jesus and help others do the same.
We are thankful for the legacy entrusted to us, and we believe the story is still being written.
We honor the legacy behind us by faithfully building the legacy ahead of us.
Taking Next Steps
Discover. Transform. Activate.
How will we know if we’re accomplishing this mission and vision? It’s not all about programs and numbers. It’s about helping people take the next step in their faith (whatever that may look like). Are people Discovering more about Jesus? Are lives being Transformed by him? Are we responding by Activating our faith in new ways? If so, then we’re accomplishing what we have set out to accomplish!