Who we are and
How we came to be

WOLD is one of a small number of Deaf congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  

WOLD was formed as a mission start of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lancaster, PA. Deaf people were part of St. Matthew’s life, who recognized the need for Deaf people to have their own expression of worship.

The Rev. Kim L. Lengert was called as the pastor-developer for the congregation, and WOLD’s first worship service was on Christmas Eve 1989 at St. Matthew’s.

WOLD began congregational life with worship twice a month, Bible Studies, and fellowship events. On Sept. 19, 1993, WOLD’s charter was opened, and Deaf people started joining the new congregation. On Feb. 20, 1994, the 1st Sunday in Lent, WOLD closed its charter and was received into the ELCA as an official congregation. 44 names were signed to the charter. After chartering, WOLD “left the nest” and relocated to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Lancaster.

In 1998, Pastor Lengert resigned her call from WOLD, and it was three years until WOLD could call another pastor. Council President Donald Johnston, Sr., and his wife, Pauline (council secretary), are credited with keeping the congregation going during this time. The Rev. Jack Hoffman from the synod office helped WOLD find a new pastor.

In August 2001, the Rev. Russell A. Rockwell, then serving at Bread of Life Deaf Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, was called to serve WOLD. Pastor Rockwell served WOLD for 25 years, retiring at the end of July in 2026.

WOLD’s home from 1989-1994 was at St. Matthew’s. From 1994 to 2006, WOLD’s was housed at Holy Trinity. Since the beginning of the church season of Advent in 1996, WOLD has resided at St. Peter’s. It was at St. Peter’s where WOLD was able to increase the frequency of worship from twice a month to every Sunday.

‍WOLD's unique ministry draws people from 13 different zip codes, some from as far as 30 miles away. Only 6 WOLD members live within a 3-5 mile radius of St. Peter’s. Non-members actively contribute to the life and mission of WOLD, and are a mix of Hearing people who know sign language and non-Lutheran Deaf.

WOLD faithfully supports the work & mission of ELDA and of local, PA-based Deaf social service agencies. WOLD itself remains a mission-support congregation, receiving support from the synod, the national church, local and out-of-state congregations.

Did you know…?

WOLD receive the
“City on a Hill”
award from ELDA!

The “City on a Hill” award is based on Matt. 5:14. The award is “for any congregation or organization in recognition of their donation of resources, programs or ministries that strengthen the Church’s outreach to Deaf people with the Gospel anywhere.”

WOLD council members expressed their gratitude at receiving this honor with these statements: “We feel humble to receive it, and we feel encouraged to do more.” “The award helps us to think not about ourselves, but about others.” “It reminds us that ‘church’ is also what we do outside of worship.”

A charter member of WOLD said the award “…helps us see the difference in ourselves from long ago to now.”

WOLD’s church council recognizes what it means for any ELDA member to receive this award, by saying in a council meeting, “It is important for this award to exist, so others know there are Deaf churches doing God’s work.” This is why WOLD proudly bears the award.

Did you know…?

WOLD celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2024!

WOLD was founded on Feb. 20, 1994, to give Deaf people in the Lancaster area an authentic expression of worship through American Sign Language (ASL).

ASL allows – in ways that interpreted English cannot – ministry that Deaf people can experience personally, through their own culture and language. ASL “breaks down the walls of disability,” and gives Deaf people a means to participate in God’s grace, furthering and empowering their discipleship of the Risen Lord.

WOLD's unique ministry reaches beyond Lancaster, and draws Deaf people from 13 surrounding zip codes! WOLD’s mission statement is “We share God’s love in the Deaf community, so that together, we can develop our Christian faith.”

WOLD’s priority in outreach is for Deaf people. Locally, WOLD supports the work of social service agencies serving the Deaf population. Nationally & internationally, WOLD has helped the Texas School for the Deaf, a Puerto Rican Deaf agency, a Deaf mission in Jamaica, the Deaf Centre of the Lutheran Christian Church of Nigeria, and ELDA.

Here’s to 30 more years of
Deaf ministry in
Lancaster County (and beyond)!