What is Main Street Living?
Main Street Living is a distinctly Lutheran worship service, broadcast Sunday mornings on 10 television stations in 8 states. These regional broadcasts feature pastors and members from upper midwest Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations.
A Brief History
On September 12, 2001, seven congregation representatives of the Sioux Falls, SD area, a grant writer, and the president of the South Dakota District LC-MS gathered to plan a Lutheran worship service that would air on local television. This project was given the “temporary” working title of “Main Street Living” and was scheduled to air in 4 months’ time. The initial program aired on January 6, 2002, with Rev. Vernon Schindler, president of the South Dakota District officiating as it aired in the Sioux Falls area.
Twenty years later, Main Street is now broadcast on 10 television stations in six states, covering eight LCMS districts. Six unique regional programs are produced each week in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. These services are broadcast on regional television and also available online to those who are unable to attend in-person worship. It is estimated that the program is viewed weekly in about 20,000 households, with approximately 37,000 viewers. Each week local pastors proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and invite the viewing audience to attend local services with their congregation.
Main Street still follows its original format of area LCMS pastors leading an abbreviated worship service that includes confession, absolution, scripture lessons, hymns, Apostle’s Creed, and sermon. The program was started to assist ministers to reach their shut-in population but has evolved into a more universal role in spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ. We do not intend to be a replacement for in-person worship but are here to provide a liturgical service for those who are unable to attend a local congregation. We regularly hear from individuals locally, and around the world, about the positive impact, this weekly service has in their lives.
Explore the links below to find a congregation near you for worship, or to learn more about the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. You may contact us at the email and address below for more information or to comment on the program. We would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!