All six of our congregations were founded in response to a need from local Palestinian-Christians. In some cases, it was graduates of the Evangelical Lutheran Schools that came together in search of a parish. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hope in Ramallah and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Amman, were created in response to the needs of Palestinian refugees.
We worship on Sundays, and our churches hold various other Bible study groups, social gatherings, and cultural events throughout the week. Most of our parishes also hold youth and women’s programming as well.
Our pastors here in the ELCJHL are very committed to their congregations. All of the presiding pastors of the ELCJHL have roots in the Lutheran church. Many graduated from ELCJHL schools and were involved with congregational and educational programs since birth. These future pastors then went on to study theology internationally, and were eager to return home to begin their ministry in Jordan and the Holy Land.
The congregations of the ELCJHL are interwoven with our educational ministries. Each congregation is a vibrant part of their respective community.
- In Beit Sahour, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, strives to “build awareness about the role of Christians in Palestinian society and the importance of non-violence as a means for change.”
- In Ramallah, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hope is very involved and active in Women’s ministries and the ELCJHL Women’s Desk. Their ministry “strives to be a good example of promoting gender awareness in all its work, ministries, and institutions.”
- In Jerusalem, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer caters to parishioners of three different languages: Arabic, English, and German. We serve folks who have lived here their entire life, in addition to travelers and international members only here for a short while. Our congregations reflect the wide depth of the ELCJHL’s ministry.
- In Bethlehem, the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church continues to grow in service to the community in the heart of Bethlehem. Similar to the Church of the Redeemer, during non-Corona times Christmas Church attracts many tourists who wish to worship in the birthplace of Jesus Christ. This church is home to a very strong local congregation with active youth and parishioner events.
- In Beit Jala, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation, offers a place of rest to pilgrims at its Abraham’s Herberge guesthouse, with a vision to be open to all. Congregants from Beit Jala enjoy weekly service and companionship in Christ.
- In Amman, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd caters to the Jordan community of Lutherans, with frequent community events and gatherings in addition to weekly worship.