Mercy Seat Lutheran Church

Mercy Seat Lutheran Church is an innovative church located in Northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was founded in March 2006 by co-pastors Kae Evensen and Mark Stenberg, with the support of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)[1][3][4]. The church is notable for its unique approach to worship and liturgy, blending traditional Lutheran theology with contemporary music and artistic expressions[1][3].

Worship and Liturgy

Mercy Seat commissions community members and non-members to compose and perform original liturgies based on traditional settings. This includes a diverse range of musical styles such as jazz, alt-country, folk, punk, rock, and 1950s doo-wop, reflecting a modern interpretation of Lutheran worship[1]. The church's approach to music and art is deeply rooted in supporting local artists, offering them a platform and compensation for their work, demonstrating the value placed on creative expression within worship[1].

Mission and Community

The church primarily serves individuals from Lutheran and evangelical backgrounds who have reconnected with their faith in an urban setting. It emphasizes a "do it yourself" ethos while maintaining a radical, grace-based, Trinitarian theology[3]. Mercy Seat encourages thoughtful engagement with faith and seeks to provide a message of mercy, grace, and hope rooted in Christian traditions[3].

Leadership and Structure

Mercy Seat is led by co-pastors Kae Evensen and Mark Stenberg. Unlike many traditional Lutheran churches, it does not adhere to typical committee structures or membership guidelines, focusing instead on a more fluid and emerging church model[3]. Mark Stenberg, a founding pastor, holds a PhD from Northwestern University and teaches at Luther Seminary[4].

Attendance and Demographics

The church averages about 100 attendees per week. Its congregation is predominantly white, college-educated individuals who identify with Lutheran and evangelical backgrounds[3].

Support and Recognition

Mercy Seat has received support from the ELCA's Minneapolis synod and has gained recognition for its innovative approach to worship, with its musical liturgies being shared beyond its local community[1].