About Our Church – Center Grove Lutheran Church (LCMS)

About Center Grove
Lutheran Church (LCMS)

Deeply Rooted in Christ Since 1876.

Learn The History of Center
Grove Lutheran Church

From its beginning, Center Grove has stood on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the faithful confession of the Lutheran faith.

We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), holding to the same truths that shaped the Reformation: Grace Alone. Faith Alone. Scripture Alone.

For nearly 150 years, Center Grove has been a place where the Gospel is preached, the Sacraments are received, and God’s people are nurtured in faith. Through changing times, we continue to proclaim Christ crucified, offer weekly Holy Communion, and teach from the truth of God’s Word.

Our story is not just about the past—it’s about God’s faithfulness in every generation. We give thanks for those who came before us and look ahead with hope, knowing Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

Guided by Scripture. Living by Grace.

Pastor Christopher Stout

Rev. Christopher Stout 3 churches and is the Pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church & Center Grove Lutheran Church, Kannapolis, North Carolina and Abundant Life Lutheran Church, Charlotte, North Carolina. He has a Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary (2012) and a B.A. from Ball State University.

He and his wife, Kelly, have been blessed by 5 children: Solomon, Henry, Dorothea, Josephine and Lazarus. In addition to the Lord’s gift of his three congregations, he and Kelly are active in Trail Life, American Heritage Girls, their homeschool co-op and love learning and making music with their children.

This is the most important
question we can ask:

Who is Jesus?

In a world in which information is readily available and opinions abound, this fundamental question stands above all other inquiries and considerations.

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod believes Jesus is exactly who He said He is. Along with the ancient Church, we confess that Jesus is true God and true man in one person. He is the Son of God who was crucified and raised from the dead for the salvation of all who trust in Him.

Christ is not Jesus’s last name, but identifies Him as the Messiah (Christ is the Greek translation of Messiah), the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises that God saves His people.

This fulfillment and salvation happened in history in real time and in a real place (first century AD in Israel) through a flesh-and-blood person named Jesus.

The Bible is the true and trustworthy Word of God that records God’s love for the world through His Son Jesus. The miracles recorded in the Gospels and the teachings of Jesus are true and accurate.

Jesus physically died on a cross and physically rose from the dead in three days. He physically ascended into heaven, and the Church awaits His second coming when He will judge all people.

Those who trust in Jesus as their Savior will rise to eternal life in heaven. Those who deny Jesus and live in their sin will be cast out of His presence to hell.