More Than 75 Years at Decorah and Indiana
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School has stood at the corner of Decorah Road and Indiana Avenue on the south side of West Bend for more than 75 years. The congregation, kindergarten through eighth-grade school, and Little Lambs Childcare Center together form a Christ-centered community serving families from West Bend, Jackson, Slinger, Kewaskum, Hartford, Germantown, and the rest of Washington County. As a member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Good Shepherd teaches that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, that Jesus is the Son of God who lived, died, and rose again for sinners, and that salvation is by grace through faith. The church is known for its strong Christian day school, its wide range of Bible studies for every age, and a recently completed Building Connections to Share Jesus expansion that added a new high-school-size gymnasium, additional classrooms, and roughly 50 new parking spaces.
Worship on Saturday Evenings and Sunday Mornings
Worship at Good Shepherd centers on Word and Sacrament. Services are held on Saturday evenings at 5:00 PM and Sunday mornings at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM. A typical service lasts 60 to 70 minutes, with special services running about 45 to 50 minutes. The congregation describes its worship as a vibrant celebration of Jesus' transformative love that combines modern and traditional songs, Scripture readings, and a sermon, all centered on the gospel.
Ushers and greeters welcome visitors at the door, signs point the way to the sanctuary, and a printed program walks newcomers through the service. Screens at the front display the order of service and announcements. There is no dress code; people come in ties, jeans, and everything in between, and what matters most is that you are there.
Music plays a significant role in the worship life of the congregation. Members participate through the choir, handbells, instrumental ensembles, youth choir, and special music throughout the year, and Good Shepherd's school students regularly help lead worship during the school year. The result is a multi-generational blend of voices that reflects the rest of the church family.
Children are welcome in the main service. A children's message is offered on non-communion Sundays, and activity bags and books are available outside the nursery near the back of church for little hands. If a child needs a break, a nursery with a window into the sanctuary and an audio connection is provided.
Most services include an offering, but giving is never expected from visitors. Online giving is available, and offerings can also be mailed to the church office. Those who cannot attend in person can watch recorded services on the church's YouTube channel at any time.
A K-8 School and a Childcare Center Across the Street
Good Shepherd Lutheran School has educated West Bend-area children from preschool through eighth grade for decades. The school is fully accredited with exemplary status through WELSSA (WELS School Accreditation) and NCPSA, and students in grades 3 through 8 take the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments from the Northwest Evaluation Association. Good Shepherd students regularly score far above grade-level averages in math, reading, language, and science.
The school operates in three divisions: Little Lambs Childcare for children ages 6 weeks and up, a preschool for 3K and 4K, and a K through 8 grade school. Preschoolers meet in the school building at 777 South Indiana Avenue, with 3K classes held two days a week (Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM) and 4K classes three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM).
The K through 8 curriculum is rooted in the same biblical worldview that shapes the rest of the congregation. Subjects include phonics and reading, spelling, English and grammar, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, and physical education, alongside daily Bible lessons. Grades 5 through 8 add Word of God and Catechism, world history and geography, language arts and literature, physical science, U.S. history, and art history.
Students in grades 3 through 8 use Chromebooks in a one-to-one technology environment, while younger grades balance traditional tools with teacher-guided technology. Special education is supported through Katie Donaldson's classroom.
Extracurriculars are a major part of school life. Rams athletics include cross country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, track, and cheerleading for grades 3 through 8. Fine arts include band, choir, handchimes, piano lessons, musicals, and forensics. The school belongs to the Kettle Moraine Lutheran Grade School Athletic League and partners with Kettle Moraine Lutheran Elementary School for its band program, which offers weekly lessons and Monday-evening rehearsals for fifth through eighth graders.
Each year, older and younger students are paired as Chapel Buddies and meet weekly for all-school chapel. Mixed-age Olympic Day teams meet throughout the year, culminating in a Friday of games and challenges at the end of the school year. The school counseling program supports students' academic, social, and emotional development, with topics including emotional regulation, problem-solving, personal safety, decision-making, growth mindset, and career exploration.
Tuition for K through 8 runs $2,585 for member families and $7,600 for community families, with discounts, scholarships, and grants available. The school participates in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, which covers tuition for qualifying families entering 4K, kindergarten, or first grade. Currently, more than 90 Good Shepherd and Shepherd of the Hills families use the program.
Little Lambs: Christ-Centered Care from Six Weeks Up
Just across the street from the church and school, at 325 East Decorah Road, Little Lambs Child Care Center has provided accredited, Christ-centered care for children ages 6 weeks and up for more than 20 years. The center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM and welcomes both part-time and full-time families.
Director Mari Leininger leads a team of lead teachers for each classroom, from the infant "Love" room up through the "Faith" room for older preschoolers, along with a sizable group of assistant teachers. Bible stories, songs, prayer, and Christ-centered conversations are woven into each day in age-appropriate ways.
Little Lambs is a state-licensed group childcare provider and accepts Wisconsin Shares state payments. Before- and after-school care is available for Good Shepherd K through 8 students, and care is offered on most school days off, with the exception of a handful of major holidays. For preschoolers who attend Little Lambs full time, the 3K preschool class is included free of charge.
Kids, Teens, and Two Years of Catechism
Sunday School runs during the Bible study hour at 9:15 AM for children ages 3 through seventh grade, meeting in the upstairs school classrooms. Children under 3 are cared for in the nursery. The curriculum includes Bible stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Lutheran Pioneers, a hands-on outdoor and learning program, supplements classroom faith formation for kids.
For teens, Shepherd Youth brings together students in grades 7 through 12 from both Good Shepherd and Shepherd of the Hills, offering Bible studies, service projects, and fellowship. Youth Sunday Mornings is a separate gathering for 8th through 12th graders that meets a few Sundays during the program year for icebreaker games, praise songs, a message from Pastor Matt Mueller, and breakout discussion groups, with Crumbl cookies on hand.
Students in seventh and eighth grade who attend public school (or are otherwise not enrolled at Good Shepherd Lutheran School) can prepare for Confirmation through the Public School Catechism Class, a two-year course that meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM during the school year. Students are encouraged to attend worship and Sunday School alongside the class.
Adults in the Word: Studies, Classes, and Small Groups
A wide range of Bible study and fellowship opportunities meets the needs of adults at every stage of life.
Between Sunday services, Sunday Morning Bible Study meets at 9:15 AM. Recent studies have included a journey through 1 Corinthians. Childcare is provided for children ages 0 to 2 during the hour. The Bible Information Class meets Sundays at 9:15 AM or Mondays at 6:30 PM. Anyone curious about what Good Shepherd teaches, what the Lutheran confession is all about, or what it means to become a member can attend. The class is offered several times a year and does not obligate anyone to join.
Midweek, a Wednesday Bible Study meets from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. GriefShare provides a caring, Christ-centered support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Women's Bible Study meets twice a week during the school year: Wednesday evenings at 6:15 PM and Friday mornings at 8:00 AM. Studies have included series on The Chosen and on Ruth. Childcare is provided for preschool-age children.
Head & Heart is a community for adults ages 18 to 29, and Growth Groups are small-group Bible studies hosted in member homes, typically meeting in eight-week sessions to dig deeper into the previous Sunday's sermon topic. The Men's Bible Breakfast gathers men of all ages around a hearty breakfast and a short Bible study led by one of the pastors.
Jesus Cares, GriefShare, and the Ministry of Compassion
Jesus Cares Ministry offers a simplified, joy-filled worship service on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM, designed specifically for individuals with special needs. The service includes music, singing, rhythm instruments, and time for participation in a supportive environment. All are welcome to attend and worship together as one family in Christ.
The Ministry of Compassion organizes acts of kindness within the congregation and community, including meal support for families experiencing illness, hospitalization, or life transitions, food and clothing drives, the annual Giving Tree, community outreach projects, and disaster relief collections.
Building Connections to Share Jesus
A major milestone in Good Shepherd's recent history is the Building Connections to Share Jesus facilities expansion project. With construction now complete, the project added a new high-school-size gymnasium for athletics, ministry, and community events; transformed the former gymnasium into eight additional classrooms and flexible meeting spaces; expanded the parking lot by approximately 50 spaces; and renovated two existing classrooms into new restrooms, concessions, and changing rooms.
The expansion was made possible through the generosity of the congregation, donors, dedicated volunteers, and the partnership of Builders for Christ. The new spaces are intended to serve generations of West Bend families for Christian education, athletics, fellowship, outreach, and community connection.
What Good Shepherd Believes
As a member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Good Shepherd teaches that the Bible is the verbally inspired, inerrant Word of God and the ultimate authority for faith and life.
The church confesses faith in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and especially in Jesus Christ, true God and true man, who lived a perfect life, died on the cross for the sins of all people, and rose again on the third day. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Holy Baptism is understood as a means of grace in which God adopts the believer into his family, washes away sin, and strengthens faith, and the congregation practices and treasures the baptism of infants. The Lord's Supper is celebrated as the true body and blood of Christ given for the forgiveness of sins.
The Holy Spirit works through Word and Sacrament to create and sustain faith. In response to God's love, believers are called to worship, grow in the Word, serve others in love, and share the good news of Jesus with all people. The congregation's stated mission sums it up: "Compelled by the love of our Good Shepherd, we gather around God's Word to worship our Lord with joy, grow in our spiritual lives, serve God and others in love, share the good news of Jesus with all people."
Getting Connected at Good Shepherd
Visitors and newcomers are encouraged to use the online Plan Your Visit form, which helps the church prepare to greet them. Personal Member Ministry walks members through a Discovery Workshop, a Ministry Guide session, and a connection to a specific ministry role, supported by a written description and a clear time commitment. Members who want to suggest new ministries are welcomed to do so.
Online giving is available, the church publishes a monthly newsletter, and the Church Center app keeps members connected to events, registrations, and the church calendar. Visitors and members can also access the church library, daily devotions from WELS, and counseling referrals through Christian Family Solutions.
Good Shepherd's pastors are always available to talk and provide biblical counseling.