Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church

About Us

Who We Are

A city-wide church made up of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives who in weekly worship and daily service encounter the Risen Lord in Word and Sacrament for the work of God: to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, and heal the sick.

What We Believe

Our History

In 1856, just two years after the Nebraska Territory was created and Omaha City founded, a new resident from Ohio, Augustus Kountze, wrote to his former pastor asking for a Lutheran minister to be sent. Within the next two years, church lots were purchased at 12th and Douglas, Rev. Henry W. Kuhns arrived and, with 14 residents, Emanuel Evangelical Church, the first Lutheran Church in Nebraska Territory was established.

Early beginnings of community partnerships allowed for new church locations at 16th and Harney before landing in its present location in 1906. The Kountze sons, though not members, gave funding in memory of their parents, thus ensuring financial stability for the church. The congregation was renamed Kountze Memorial. The early years produced a number of satellite churches and Sunday School Missions throughout Omaha, and the congregation hosted area conventions and meetings for the larger Lutheran Church.

Kountze Memorial has continued to find ways to reach out with the message of Christ’s love, often developing community partnerships in the process. in 1962, a weekly television broadcast began of the Sunday worship. And in the 1970’s, providing low income Senior Housing in downtown Omaha, became an outreach ministry.

As the church continues to evolve, we give thanks for a new building, Kountze Commons, where weekly food pantries, the Del and Lou Ann Weber Healing Gift Free Clinic (by appointment only), a Methodist Health Clinic, and Lutheran Family Services Counseling meets the needs of area residents. Traditional, sacramental Lutheran worship continues to ground members in God’s love, sent out to serve neighbors. Giving thanks for the 165 years of faithful ministry and looking forward to the ways of continuing to grow into Christ’s calling in the future, we listen for God’s call and respond with serving hearts.

Pastors and Staff

The church’s pastors and staff are a dedicated and compassionate team. They provide spiritual guidance and leadership to their congregation. The pastors offer inspiring sermons from the pulpit, lead meaningful prayer services, and create an inclusive atmosphere of comfort and acceptance. They are also active in the community, providing assistance to those in need. The church staff consists of administrative staff, youth leaders, music ministers, small group leaders, and other support personnel who work together seamlessly to ensure that all those that come through the doors feel welcomed and connected to the church family.