Our story began in 1964 when the development of the space program in southeast Houston led the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) to purchase the 3 1/2 acres of land on Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay, Texas.  This is the site where the Gloria Dei Chapel is now located.  This site for a future congregation became Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in 1966 when the 14 families from Hope Lutheran Church in Friendswood started the new congregation.

This gathering of believers grew gradually in the next few years under the leadership of Pastor Leo Symmank.  In 1974, John H. Kieschnick and his wife, Elaine, along with their children arrived to begin the over 30 years of pastoral service at Gloria Dei.  Blessed by the grace of God, Gloria Dei has now grown from the small beginning of 60 members to our current membership of over 3,200.  The size of our church staff has grown over the years from 1 to 32 on the church staff; and, when we include the early childhood and nursery staff, we are approaching 90 paid staff who are devoted to our purpose to develop fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.  In addition to those "paid" for their ministry, our congregation has an incredibly dedicated group of volunteers committed to over 200 ministries who are just as dedicated to reaching out with the gospel message of Jesus Christ in a variety of ways.

Over the years, the look of our facilities has been in almost constant transition.  The 200 seat Chapel in the round, the first structure built, serves us today as our Commons gathering space where our guests and members enjoy each other's company with coffee and conversation.  Today we gather to worship in both the Chapel and the Worship Center on Sunday morning with five different worship services and three different worship styles.  In August of 2005, we debuted our sixth Sunday morning service, Student Worship, which meets at 11:00 in the Student Center.

The Life Center Auditorium and classrooms provide space for a multitude of Bible studies, events and classes for us and for our community.  Our Early Childhood Ministry has grown from 12 students 25 years ago to our current enrollment of over 260 children from infants through Kindergarten.  In 2001 the construction of the Student Center with a gymnasium, Chat Room, classrooms and offices allows us to share the love of Jesus with children and adults through education and recreation minisitries.  

As we move into the future, we know the God has more wonderful plans for us.  This future includes a second site south of Clear Lake in League City.  We have felt God's hand in the selection of the land and in the planning for this property which is located in the center of much new home development.

We invite you to join us at anytime to discover Gloria Dei - you'll never to the same. 

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come to pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29:11-13