In the thriving and growing southeast corner of Sioux Falls, Gloria Dei stands as a beacon of faith and community engagement. Back in 2008, the congregation made the decision to relocate its campus from its original site (where Embrace Church is now) to its current site. The planning and building process took just a few short years, and in the summer of 2011, Gloria Dei moved to its new location. The decision was intentional, driven by a recognition of the church’s role in the community. Sara Dannen, Council President, reflects on this decision, acknowledging factors such as congregation growth, accessibility, and visibility.
“For us, being in a growing part of the city provides an opportunity to actively engage with a dynamic and expanding community,” says Dannen. “Our mission at Gloria Dei is to spread the word of the Lord both deep and wide. Where we are positioned, we have an amazing opportunity to be an integral part of the community’s growth and development.”
Dan Blue, At-Large Council member, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Gloria Dei’s mission to Gather, Grow, Give, and Go. “In our DNA and our roots, we are a Mission congregation, very much about growth not just for the numbers but to do God’s work and spread and grow his kingdom,” says Blue.
Senior Pastor Tim Selbo sheds light on the 2008 decision to move. “Having met with city officials and coming to an understanding of the growth this part of Sioux Falls would be experiencing, it made sense to move from a campus we were already growing out of, into a new facility that would allow the space needed to continue to reach out with the Good News of Christ,” explains Pastor Selbo. “Ultimately it is all about the gospel. Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations and to bring his message of love, grace, and forgiveness to as many people as possible.”
In fact, since the move back in 2011, Gloria Dei has almost doubled in size, while adding numerous opportunities for growth in faith, fellowship, and outreach beyond the walls of the building.
Reflecting on the continued growth of the congregation, Dan Blue expresses confidence in Gloria Dei’s future. “Once again, we are ready to tackle issues that include our current facility, perhaps additional facility needs, and providing a future safety net for Gloria Dei members,” says Blue.
The Church Council has once again recently met with city planners. SE Sioux Falls continues to grow and will for years to come. And with the completion date for Highway 100 set for some time in 2028, the opportunity and need for a strong Christian presence continues as well.
Pastor Selbo emphasizes the dual focus on existing members and potential new members. “We want to make sure that we are really taking care of this congregation, but we firmly believe that we can do that for one another while also reaching out to those who are not here yet,” says Pastor Selbo.
The church’s outreach extends not only locally but globally, with involvement in mission work in Nicaragua and Haiti. “We come together for Worship, Bible Study, Fellowship, and Care. As we do, we hear of God’s love and forgiveness for us, centered in Christ. And then, as people set free by Christ, we are sent out beyond the walls to love and care for others. In that way, the church campus serves as a mission center where we learn and hear of our identity as children of God. But then, we don’t stay on campus, we go into our families and into our community to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Since its beginnings in the mid 1980’s until now, Gloria Dei’s mission to proclaim and live out the gospel remains the same. And its purposeful presence in Sioux Falls is poised to last long into the future.
