About Us
For many years the Florida-Georgia District of the LCMS had been preparing the way for a new mission start in Southwest Broward County. By 1988, demographics for the area warranted the new church. Beginning with “in-home” Bible study groups, interest in the new church grew quickly.
In accepting the great missionary’s name, St. Paul seemed destined for several trials along the way. The year of 1989 brought complications with the initial building site and changes in pastoral staff. Through the strength of our congregation’s lay leadership, the support of the District and the prayers of dedicated members, our young congregation weathered these storms. St. Paul soon moved to larger facilities at Hawkes Bluff Elementary School in Davie and issued a call for a new Pastor.
The crowning event of St. Paul’s first year was the charter Sunday worship service on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, 1988. Over 300 members and friends of St. Paul attended the first service at the portable site of Silver Ridge Elementary School.
Rev. Timothy Hartner accepted the call, moved to South Florida with wife, Laurie, and daughters Deborah and Cindy, and was installed on June 17, 1990. The congregation’s longed for goal of its own building was realized when on September 26, 1993 worship and education space was dedicated in Weston.
By God’s grace, St. Paul has grown into a faith community of over 1000 members. St. Paul Child Enrichment Center has touched the lives of hundreds of area families through its preschool ministry. In 1998, a commitment to youth and family ministry caused St. Paul to call a Minister of Youth and Education. Ground was broken in January of 1999 for additional youth and education space. In so many ways, St. Paul continues to be a “loving family of servants committed to … worshiping, welcoming, growing and caring, as we joyfully respond personally and communally to the Gospel.” Thanks be to God!