"Raising 10% of the funding for the home was difficult because the congregation has already given so much toward building the new church," says Pastor Rich Rentner. But their belief in the importance of the Thrivent Builds program in their area overcame the shortages.

The new homeowner has really been impressed

A culture for doing good

As a congregation, Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for the past eight years.  In fact, Pastor Rich Rentner has been very active with the Lenawee County, Michigan, Habitat for Humanity affiliate, having served on their board of directors for a number of years.

However, resources for the Thrivent Builds project—both time and assets—were tight since his congregation was in the process of constructing a new church.  “Raising 10% of the funding for the home was difficult because the congregation has already given so much toward building the new church,” says Pastor Rentner.  But their belief in the importance of the Thrivent Builds program in their area overcame the shortages.  “This type of experience is a part of our church culture.”

Part of the reason may be that the need for decent, affordable housing in Adrian, Michigan, is huge.  “There used to be a lot of manufacturing in the area, but those jobs have disappeared,” he says.  Many in the community were small farmers who used their factory jobs to supplement their income.  “Now that the factory jobs are gone, many are having financial difficulties.”

As a volunteer on the project, Pastor Rentner helped with framing and hanging drywall.  Doing so gave him a first-hand opportunity to see how the experience affected other volunteers.  “The people from this congregation see it very clearly as an expression of their faith.  As they work, they talk about their faith and are able to share these things with others.”

He also sees the impact the project has on the Lutheran church.  “The new homeowner has really been impressed that Lutherans would do this kind of thing.  Projects like this bring together the different synods and bridge-building will happen,” Pastor Rentner says.