Pray for St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas

We are praying for St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas.

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church is pastored by Rev. Ed Mease. Once a thriving LCMS congregation on Wichita’s west side, St. Andrew’s has experienced major transitions in recent years due to neighborhood demographic changes and pastoral challenges beyond their control. What remains is a faithful group of older adults who continue to serve their community; now on the edge of Wichita’s largest Hispanic population.

For the past seven years, St. Andrew’s has faced four pastoral vacancies. They are now over two years into their current vacancy, with Pastor Ed Mease serving part-time after retiring from 41 years of full-time parish ministry. The church’s active membership is under 100, with around 40 attending weekly worship. As they continue the pastoral call process, they are prayerfully considering candidates from the next class of seminary graduates. Without a new pastor by next summer, there is a strong possibility the church may close by the end of 2026.

Despite these challenges, the congregation remains hopeful and committed to God’s direction. Pastor Ed and his wife, Becca, recently moved to Wichita to be near their daughter and grandchildren. Becca’s joyful witness through her part-time job and their plans to start a neighborhood house church reflect their desire to continue ministering wherever God leads.

Prayer Requests:

• For the Lord’s blessing in calling their next permanent pastor.

• For the Lord’s guidance in determining their long-term ministry direction.

• For the current membership to remain patient and faithful through the pastoral call process.

• For opportunities to support other area Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod congregations, especially if they end their own parish ministry.

• For Pastor Ed and Becca as they follow the Lord’s leading into neighborhood ministry.