Our History

History of Amazing Grace – A timeline

  • 1985 – The first organizational meeting was held on August 18th at All Saint’s Lutheran Church in Lilburn and led by Pastor Jim Panos. It was announced that the new mission church would be called “Amazing Grace Lutheran Church”. Steering commitees were formed for Finance, Worship, Witness, and Property.
  • 1985 – The first worship service was held on September 22  at Sweetwater Middle School on Cruse Road.
  • 1986 – An after-church fellowship was held on January 26th at the property purchased for the site of the church building, six acres purchased for $194,000 on Highway 29.
  • 1988 – The ground-breaking ceremony was held on the new church property on March 18.
  • 1989 – New facility opened on March 12 and dedicated on April 23rd.
  • 1995 – Pastor Jim Panos resigned his call from Amazing Grace and went to start a new mission church in McDonough, Ga.
  • 1996 – Pastor Mark Orvick was called to be pastor of Amazing Grace, beginning on May 24th.
  • 1999 – Pastor Karoline Lewis Orvick was called as an part time Associate Pastor of Amazing Grace. The congregation enjoyed much growth during the time with both Pastors Mark and Karoline.
  • 2001 – The second mortgage was retired.
  • 2002 – Pastors Mark and Karoline Orvick resigned their calls to Amazing Grace. Pastor Mark Orvick took a call to a church in Minneapolis.
  • 2003 – Pastor Jason Talsness accepted the call to serve as pastor of Amazing Grace, he is the third full-time pastor in AGLC’s history.
  • 2008 –Powerpoint Screens installed in sanctuary to enhance worship.
  • 2009 – “Workin’ on Our Building” capital improvement appeal launched.  Improvements to the facility made.
  • 2010 – A new Website is introduced for better communication with our community.
  • 2011 – Amazing Grace celebrates its 25th Year and a new message board Sign is instructed.
  • 2013 – Significant sanctuary remodeling with installation of new seating and carpeting.
  • 2014 – Pastor Jason Talsness resigned his call to Amazing Grace. Pastor Jason Talsness took a call to serve as a pastor at a church in Savannah, Georgia.
  • 2016 – Pastor Scott Seeke accepted the call and begins on February 1, as Senior Pastor of Amazing Grace.
  • 2017 – Pastor Scott Seeke resigned his call to Amazing Grace.  Pastor Scott Seeke took a call to serve as a pastor in Michigan.
  • 2017 – Pastor Michael Millum accepts a call as interim pastor.
  • 2018 – Pastor Millum accepts a call for a two year term as pastor.
  • 2020 – Pastor MIllum accepts an open-ended call as pastor of Amazing Grace.
  • 2020 – Pastor Justin Eller was called to serve as Amazing Grace´s Part-time Associate Pastor as well as Assistant to the Bishop for Latino Ministry Strategy.