Welcome to Central

You are welcome. No exceptions.

Central Lutheran Church experiences God’s expansive love and strives to share it abundantly. We affirm all people without regard to age, race, biological sex, housing status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, immigration, refugee or migration status, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, and physical or mental health or ability. All are a part of God’s family, created in God’s image.

We strive to practice radical hospitality with all people. Everyone is invited to immerse themselves in the life of this community of faith as we explore the promise of God for all.

Who We Are

Plan Your Visit

Worship Times

Central has four different services every week, each with its own unique style and tone. There are two services on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., a service at 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and a service on Monday mornings at 11 a.m., which is followed by a community meal. Take a moment to find out which service feels right to you!

Learn More about Worship
Location and Directions

Central is located in downtown Minneapolis at 333 South 12th Street. We do offer free parking for those attending worship or Central activities during the day. Please check out the directions and parking information before you visit.

Directions and Parking

Opportunities for Everyone to Connect, Learn, and Serve

At Central, no matter what your stage of life, we have somewhere for you to plug in.

Kids and Families
Adults of All Ages
Volunteers

“Never have I been a part of a congregation that lives its mission so authentically. ‘You are welcome, No exceptions’ is way more than a tag line. I feel called to worship, serve, and discover my God-given gifts all in the context of feeling accepted just as God has created me to be.”

- Tom Edelen, member since 2017

“The staff’s hospitality and professionalism created a warm, welcoming, and seamless experience. The sanctuary’s beauty and exceptional acoustics elevated our music and made the evening truly special. We are thankful for the church’s generosity and strong support of the arts.”

- Matthew Erickson, 2025 Augustana Choir Tour Manager

“Central Lutheran Church is a place with heart. When I’m here, engaging in worship or helping with a project, I feel the warmth of this community. We have a long history of music and community engagement, and we are just as vital as ever.”

- Abigail Pribbenow, member and meal volunteer

“Central is a place where we immediately felt welcomed and loved even if you didn’t seem to “fit-in” at other churches. Central is the church where you are loved just the way you are.”

- Judith Hedman, member since 2014

“I have found my work with the Prayer Ministry especially meaningful because its mission is to encourage enrichment and deepening of congregation members’ spiritual lives.”

- Bobbie Spradley, member since 1990

“Participating and leading in various ministry teams has been a reward in itself. To see the growth of programs, the growth of individuals, and the growth in generosity has been most exciting.”

- Bonnie Weisenburger, member since 1978

“Besides the beauty and superb acoustics of the sanctuary space, the staff of Central were outstanding! From facilities staff, to technical assistance, to the administrative and ministry staff, we were welcomed and supported through the week!”

- Jane Ramseyer Miller, Gala Choruses LGBTQ Festival

“For me, faith is a gift of the understanding of God’s peace and a life of blessings, mercy, and gratitude. Congergation life at Central Lutheran allows me to simply enjoy being in the presence of Christ’s Spirit in worship and in communion with others.”

- Bill Nicol, member since 1987

“I came to Central for the music. I stayed for the wonderful relationships and the heartfelt message.”

- Sara Klomp, member since 1986

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Central offers a nursery at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sundays.

Learn More

Free parking is provided in Central’s lot and ramp for all attending worship at Central. Just take your ticket inside with you and get it validated at the Welcome Desk.

There are three entrances to Central parking, ALL of which are “open air” entrances (you do NOT turn directly into the ramp):

  1. One entrance on 3rd Ave S near the far end of the lot
  2. One entrance on 4th Ave S next to the church
  3. Another entrance on 4th Ave S, directly across from the 15th Street bridge.

The main entrance to the church is on the south side of the building, closest to the lot and handicap parking.

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Yes. Our entrances and bathrooms are all handicap accessible. There is handicap accessible seating in the sanctuary. We have an elevator to get to the lower level, located near the kitchen. On most Sunday mornings and at special events (weather permitting), there is a golf cart available to transport folks from the parking lot to the building.

Click the “Livestream” button in the top right corner of your screen. You can also view the livestream on our Facebook page. We stream all services with the exception of the Monday 11 a.m. service.

Mondays, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Numbers to enter the Free Store are handed out at 8:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Monday; and 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.  If you have an emergency, call the church office at (612) 870-4416 regarding scheduling a Tuesday appointment.

Learn More

Our donation hours are:
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Learn More

If you have a car full, pull up to the loading dock on 4th Ave., ring the bell, and someone will help you unload. If you only have a bag or two, you can bring in your donations to the red bin by the Welcome Desk.

Learn More

Central is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Visit the ELCA website to learn more.

Learn More

Yes. At the 2019 Annual Meeting, Central successfully voted to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation.

If you are interested in membership or would like to learn more about Central’s membership process, please email Pastor Peter Nycklemoe.

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