Redeemer Lutheran Church
History
Redeemer Lutheran Church began its ministry on December 2, 1962, as a humble mission congregation known as the North Las Vegas Lutheran Mission. The first worship service was held at the Moose Hall in North Las Vegas, where fifty-eight people gathered to hear God’s Word. Under the leadership of Pastor Fry, who faithfully served for the next five years, the congregation quickly began to grow. During these formative years, many important milestones were reached, including the construction of a sanctuary on the current property, the dedication of a parsonage, the introduction of weekly Lenten services, the establishment of a weekday school, and the hiring of the church’s first secretary.
In February 1967, Pastor Blau was called to serve as Redeemer’s spiritual leader. Over the next eight years, the congregation flourished both spiritually and physically. Two worship services were introduced, pews were installed in the sanctuary, and additional property was purchased. A Christian nursery was established to serve preschool children of working families in the community, and a new educational wing was constructed. During this time, Redeemer became a self-supporting congregation, no longer relying on support from the Synod. In August 1975, Pastor Blau accepted a call to serve a congregation in Phoenix, Arizona.
A new chapter began in March 1976 when Pastor John Jastor accepted the call to Redeemer. Pastor Jastor played a key role in helping bring to life the vision of a Lutheran secondary education facility. That vision became Faith Christian Jr.-Sr. High School, now known as Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School, has grown to become the largest secondary education campus in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In 1981, the congregation purchased an Allen organ for the sanctuary through a unique “key sale” fundraiser. Around this time, the congregation also raised $50,000 toward the future construction of an elementary school. In November 1983, Pastor Jastor accepted a call to serve in Los Angeles, California.
Following a period of vacancy, leadership by pastors and church elders, Pastor Ralph Buckhorn was installed on October 6, 1985. Under his leadership, Redeemer expanded its educational ministry. In 1987, the congregation began offering kindergarten through sixth-grade classes, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new school facility. This building was dedicated in January 1988 as Redeemer Lutheran Elementary School.
Redeemer also continued to grow in its ministry to youth and families. In 1997, the congregation’s first vicar, Lonnie Gonzalez, helped revitalize youth ministry. In 1999, Vicar Rod McPherson served at Redeemer before returning to Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to complete his studies. That same year, Pastor Buckhorn accepted a call to serve a congregation in California.
Pastor Wally Quandt served as interim pastor from 1999 until 2001, when the congregation called a full-time shepherd. In 2001, Reverend Rod McPherson was ordained and installed at Redeemer Lutheran Church. For nearly two decades, Pastor McPherson faithfully served the congregation, guiding it with a strong emphasis on traditional worship, adult Bible study, and prayer groups. His ministry was a time of great blessing, and he retired in August 2019 after years of dedicated service.
In September 2019, Pastor Steve Cluver became Redeemer’s part-time pastor. Having previously contributed to the development of the Lutheran Mission Society in Las Vegas, Pastor Cluver brought valuable experience and leadership to the congregation. Due to health reasons, he stepped down from his role in January 2026.
Today, Redeemer Lutheran Church continues its ministry with gratitude and hope. The congregation is currently served by a team of retired pastors from the local area, including Pastor Rod McPherson, Pastor Gerhard Mau, Pastor Eric Ash, and Pastor Bo Brink. Together, they share in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. Each brings unique gifts and faithful proclamation of God’s Word, enriching the life of the congregation.
From its small beginnings to its present-day ministry, Redeemer Lutheran Church remains committed to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, nurturing faith through Word and Sacrament, and serving the community in His name. We give thanks for God’s continued blessings and look forward with confidence to the future He has prepared.
Statement of Belief on Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Marriage