Today we’d like to introduce you to William Flippin, Jr..
William, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Some 41 years ago, a group of Lutherans met in Pastor David and Jo Hood’s home and began to dream of a Lutheran congregation on Germantown Parkway in Cordova. Some future thinking synod planners had pre-purchased some land in east Shelby county, on a two-lane road, with the hope that one day the city of Memphis would grow east in this direction. Today, St. Luke is alive and well because God honored the dream, and the saints gave of their time, talents and treasure. St. Luke grew from a rented gymnasium of folding chairs and an altar under a basketball goal into the Reconciling in Christ congregation and permanent building you see today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many spiritual communities, our path has had some bumps – getting enough people to form a healthy congregation, raising money, building and updating our facility. Many stories can be told of failed starts and missed opportunities. Through the grace of God and hard work we continue building our congregation and church.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
St. Luke emphasizes being an inclusive Christian community that welcomes people of all races, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, ages, and abilities. We host regular worship on Sundays at 10:00am, with Sunday School at 9:00am and opportunity for fellowship following service.
We have a growing youth ministry and strong inclination for community service and involvement, such as Service Over Self, Mid-South Pride, and our on-site food pantry. We love opportunities to meet folks in the community and host annual Trunk or Treat and Easter Egg Hunt events. This is what sets us apart – our strong, public commitment to welcome and inclusion and our outreach efforts.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
We understand risk through the lens of faithful discernment rather than fear or avoidance. We believe the Spirit often calls the church beyond comfort toward trust, courage, and love of neighbor.
We have taken meaningful risks—such as investing in new ministries, adapting long-held practices, and stepping publicly into reconciliation and justice work—knowing these choices may bring uncertainty. In each case, we sought prayer, communal discernment, and alignment with our baptismal call.
We do not pursue risk for its own sake, but we are willing to take faithful risks when we believe God is calling us to deeper welcome, greater service, and renewed mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stlukememphis.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlukememphis?igsh=MThpOG40MGdocDRuZQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JRfumE9s4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@stlukelutheranchurchmemphis?si=xN_zAac3rwpwEqpf
