What do the letters LLT bring to mind? Let Love Triumph? Looks Like Trouble? For a group of Lutherans in Lancaster, Ohio, it stands for Lancaster Lutherans Together (LLT).

LLT evolved from a challenge presented by the Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod (SOS) to the congregations of Lancaster, Ohio in October 2016.  Congregations were asked by the Bishop to “imagine the possibilities”, the ministries, the impact of a collaboration among five congregations.  A group of individuals representing five Lutheran churches in Lancaster, Ohio started meeting to talk about their five congregations thoughtfully and prayerfully committing to share resources, talents, ideas, and community service. Over a period of two years and out of those conversations grew a vision for sharing ministry in a new way. Five congregations began sharing ministries and worship services and the title “Lancaster Lutherans Together.” The LLT collaborative was created with the goal of involving more members from all congregations in ministries that would serve the community and further the work of sharing God’s love and resources.  With this goal in mind, LLT formed its Mission Statement: “Uniting to embody God’s love and grace in our community.”

During the organizational development of Lancaster Lutherans Together, a retreat was held so that congregations could begin to form a cohesive group, to define LLT’s purpose, and to create a charter. A formal collaborative agreement was approved by all five participating congregations and then recognized by the Southern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. From 2019 to 2022, LLT became incorporated, adopted its Code of Regulations and By-Laws and was granted non-profit and tax exempt status.