Congregational History

  

   Word of God Evangelical Lutheran Church of Pana was founded in June, 1983 by former members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod who realized that the LC-MS had left its Biblical foundation.

  The charter members wanted to establish a church that stood on Scripture alone and preached, taught and practiced only the Bible.  Thus they chose the name "Word of God".  The first worship services, Bible classes and meetings were held at the Senior Citizens Center in downtown Pana.  From the start, attendance at worship and Bible class was almost 100% of the membership.

    The congregation immediately called as its first pastor, the Rev. Dennis W. Rieken, a graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary.  The congregation also immediately joined the Lutheran Churches of the Reformation.

  On July 5, 1983 the congregation purchased property at 406 W. Dewitt St. in Pana.  A new building project was started on the purchased property.  On Oct. 6, 1985, the congregation occupied its new building, most of the construction work having been done by members.

  In Aug, 2000, the congregation left the Lutheran Churches of the Reformation over doctrinal issues.  In June, 2002, the congregation was received into the Church of the Lutheran Confession.

  Over the years the congregation, by the grace of God, has remained true to its founding principle-preaching, teaching and practicing only the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures.