Discover Hope Lutheran Church: A Pillar of Faith and Community in Des Moines

At the heart of Des Moines stands Discover Hope Lutheran Church—a beacon of spiritual renewal, generous outreach, and deep community connection. Rooted in Lutheran tradition yet alive with contemporary purpose, the church serves as more than a place of worship; it is a living testament to hope, inclusion, and service in one of Iowa’s most dynamic urban centers. With a mission centered on grace, truth, and action, Discover Hope has transformed physical space into a sanctuary where faith is lived daily through compassion, education, and outreach.

More than 60 years old, Discover Hope began as a modest congregation responding to the spiritual and social needs of a growing city. Today, it draws hundreds each Sunday from diverse backgrounds—families, professionals, retirees, and newcomers—united by a shared commitment to living out Christian values in practical ways. The church’s current facility, a welcoming blend of modern architecture and meaningful symbolism, reflects this evolution.

Inside, natural light streams through stained glass depicting biblical stories, inviting reflection and connection.

Central to Discover Hope’s identity is its staff and leadership, guided by a vision of Lutheran theology expressed with clarity and compassion. Pastor Emily Stoltz, who has served since 2019, emphasizes that “our faith isn’t confined to sermons—it’s in how we welcome a lost soul, serve a hungry family, or stand with those facing hardship.” Her leadership underscores a core principle: hope is not passive, but active.

“We don’t wait for hope to find us—we seek it and bring it into the world alongside others,” she explains. Under her stewardship, the church has expanded programs focused on mental health support, senior outreach, and intergenerational activities that bridge age and experience.

Discipleship at Discover Hope goes beyond Sunday services.

Weekly small groups, crafting intimate spaces for spiritual growth and peer encouragement, draw consistent participation. The church offers robust Bible studies, including contextual courses exploring faith in the Midwest context and practical applications in urban ministry. Youth programming stands out with both traditional confirmation classes and innovative ministry projects, such as college readiness workshops and service initiatives like the church’s annual Food for Hope campaign.

Beyond Sunday gatherings, Discover Hope is defined by its outreach.

The church’s Food for Hope pantry operates as a critical resource for hundreds of Des Moines residents facing food insecurity, distributing thousands of meals monthly. Partnering with local nonprofits and city agencies, the initiative ensures no family goes hungry during meaningful liturgical seasons like Lent and Advent. “We see serving others not just as charity, but as Kingdom service,” notes outreach coordinator James región.

Blood drives, winter coat needs, and holiday gift baskets round out annual efforts, reinforcing a culture where compassion becomes practice.

Education and musical worship anchor the spiritual rhythm at Discover Hope. The church’s music program, led by director Maria Kovács, integrates traditional Lutheran hymns with contemporary worship, creating a sacred space that resonates across generations. Weekly services conclude in carols and hymns that lift both heart and soul, while Sunday children’s worship features interactive storytelling and arts integration—making faith tangible for young hearts.

The stained glass and carefully planned altar design support this reverence, guiding worshipers through a visual and liturgical journey that honors tradition while embracing relevance.

Community engagement defines Discover Hope’s outreach beyond its walls. The church hosts weekly open houses, where neighbors learn about resources, attend free health screenings, and connect with clergy on personal matters.

Volunteers staff the facility as a weekend refuge for homeless individuals and families seeking respite, blending spiritual care with practical support. Educational forums and celebration of cultural diversity, including multicultural feasts and faith dialogues, foster inclusion and mutual respect in a rapidly changing urban environment.

The architecture of Discover Hope’s downtown location reflects its dual mission: practical and spiritual.

Designed for accessibility and welcoming, the building features an open sanctuary with flexible seating, modern acoustics, and spaces easily adapted for counseling, classes, or community meetings. Art installations throughout—featuring community-created pieces—tell stories of hope and perseverance, reinforcing the church’s deep roots in the city. The setting itself invites participation, reflecting Lutheran values of stewardship, service, and shared responsibility.

Internally, the culture thrives on transparency and shared responsibility.

Members actively contribute to committees managing outreach, facilities, youth, and spirituality, ensuring decisions reflect collective wisdom. Faustina Larson, a long-time board member, captures the spirit: “We don’t just receive hope—we cultivate it. Every eye turned toward ministry, every dollar given in generosity, every voice shared builds a stronger, more hopeful church.” This collaborative model fosters ownership and deepens the sense of belonging that keeps people coming back.

Discover Hope Lutheran Church in Des Moines exemplifies how a faith community can balance timeless doctrine with dynamic, responsive service.

Grounded in Lutheran teachings yet fully present in local life, it offers not just doctrine on Sunday, but tangible hope every day. Through worship, outreach, mentorship, and unwavering compassion, Discover Hope stands as a living out of faith—proof that in the heart of Iowa’s capital, the message of hope continues to grow, strengthen, and touch lives across generations.