Our History

Peace Lutheran Church of Palm Bay was established in 1965 by the Board of the American Lutheran Church. Cutbacks in the U.S. Space program in the early 1970's eroded the community's economy and Peace suffered a drop in attendance and income. There was a serious discussion of abandoning the mission at that time. However, our congregation worked cooperatively with its sister congregation, Grace Lutheran Church of Melbourne Beach, and maintained its ministry during those sparse years.

In 1973, an upsurge in the local economy was cause for renewed confidence. A full time pastor was once again called to serve the congregation. This heralded a period of steady growth. In 1978, Peace established a second congregation, Concordia Lutheran Church in Barefoot Bay, and a third congregation in 1983, Joy Lutheran Church of Palm Bay. In that same year, Peace also opened its preschool. A new Worship Center was constructed in 1996.

During most of its history, Peace has offered a traditional style of ministry. However, in 1998, while calling a new pastor to serve the area, it decided to expand its ministry, reach out to the community, and offer a mix of worship styles. While maintaining and strengthening its ministry and program already in place, the congregation has been vigorous in building the resources, adding the technology and expanding the ministries needed to fulfill its outreach efforts. The church has developed two unique styles of worship: one classical and one contemporary. It has also added a part-time youth leader and developed several small groups. In 2000 we began to offer services of worship in the German language.

The church campus has seven buildings including a worship center, a pre-school, fellowship hall, youth center, offices and meeting house. The church currently shares its chapel with Iglesia El Sinai, a Hispanic ministry.

Each year is a new beginning for Peace as we make every effort to respond to Jesus’ Great Commission, “Go and make disciples of all people...” (Matthew 28:19)