St. John's Lutheran Church

What St. John's Lutheran Church does

St. John's Lutheran Church (Saint John's Lutheran Church) is an ELCA-affiliated religious nonprofit congregation located at 587 Springfield Avenue in Summit, New Jersey. Founded in 1925 and now in its centennial year, the church operates as a traditional Lutheran parish within the ELCA's New Jersey Synod, serving Summit-area residents, the Latiné community through its Camino de Vida outreach ministry, children and youth (PreK through grade 12), and adult congregants including seniors. Its core offering consists of weekly worship services (Sundays at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM, summer schedule at 9:15 AM) delivered in-person and livestreamed on YouTube, supplemented by a comprehensive faith formation program, an intergenerational music ministry (children's choirs, adult choir, Luther Ringers handbell ensemble), and an extensive social ministry portfolio spanning local food insecurity and homelessness support (Family Promise, Bridges Outreach, Community Foodbank of NJ, GRACE, Loaves and Fishes) and global mission work (ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, Christmas at Sea). The church also pursues advocacy through the Summit Interfaith Council and LEAMNJ.

The underlying technology stack is entirely composed of standard third-party SaaS platforms: YouTube for livestreaming, Squarespace for the church website, Mailchimp for weekly email announcements, Zoom for virtual Bible study and meetings, Google Forms for pledge cards and event registration, and Servant Keeper Giving for secure online contributions. The church maintains no proprietary software, no API surface, and no native mobile application; its digital footprint is essentially a configuration of consumer and small-business SaaS tools layered over an in-person worship and community model.

The business model is a nonprofit stewardship model rather than a commercial revenue model. Income is generated almost exclusively from member contributions: weekly cash and check offerings during services, pledged annual contributions to the 2026 Annual Fund (totaling $539,980 across 99 pledges), one-time and recurring online donations through Servant Keeper (credit/debit card and electronic funds transfer), and dedicated capital campaign contributions (Radicle Grace campaign has raised $1,339,657 toward sanctuary renovation and parking lot replacement). Pricing mechanics are nominal — altar flowers at $85/week, new sanctuary chairs at $430 each — and are best characterized as voluntary community contributions rather than product pricing. The go-to-market motion is community-led, relying on worship attendance, outreach events (Fiesta Latina, Pride, Juneteenth, interfaith gatherings), word-of-mouth, and a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) public commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion to attract and retain members.

Name

St. John's Lutheran Church

Website

https://stjohnssummit.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

St. John's Lutheran Church is an ELCA-affiliated congregation in Summit, NJ, founded in 1925, offering weekly worship services (in-person and YouTube livestream), faith formation for all ages, music ministry, and social outreach including food insecurity and homelessness programs, supported by member contributions and pledges.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious services and worship

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling) (BPAGAJAG)

Keywords

• Lutheran worship services
• Faith formation programs
• Religious education
• Community outreach ministry
• Congregational music ministry

Headquarters

HQ city

Summit

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Member Contributions and Offerings: The church receives financial support from congregation members through weekly offerings, pledged contributions, and special donations. Members can give via cash, checks, or online through the Servant Keeper Giving platform with one-time or recurring options.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

St. John's Lutheran Church is a Lutheran congregation that offers weekly in-person and livestreamed worship services, comprehensive faith formation programs for all ages (PreK through adult), and multi-tier music ministry. The church operates local social ministry programs in partnership with food banks, homeless shelters, and hunger-relief organizations, plus global mission programs supporting ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and the Camino de Vida Latiné outreach ministry.

Product overview

Saint John's Lutheran Church is a traditional Lutheran congregation offering a unified portfolio of worship services and community programs. The core offering is in-person and livestreamed Sunday worship services at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM (summer at 9:15 AM). Supporting programs include Faith Formation (children, youth, and adult education), Children's Music Ministry (choirs for all ages), Adult Choir, Local Social Ministry (food banks, homeless support, Family Promise), Global Mission Programs (ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, Christmas at Sea), Camino de Vida Latiné Ministry, and Online Giving via Servant Keeper. These programs work together to fulfill the church's mission of worship, education, and social outreach while serving the Summit, NJ community and beyond.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Camino de Vida: Latiné outreach ministry centered in Summit
• Radicle Grace: Rise, Transformed

Products and services

• In-Person Worship Services Traditional Lutheran worship services held every Sunday at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM (with summer schedule at 9:15 AM) at the Summit, NJ sanctuary, featuring traditional liturgy, music from around the globe, and inclusive fellowship. Available to congregation members and visitors seeking spiritual community.
• Online/Livestream Worship Sunday 10:30 AM worship services are livestreamed on YouTube, allowing remote participation for members and visitors unable to attend in person.
• Faith Formation Programs Religious education for all ages including Children's Faith Formation (PreK-Grade 6), Youth Confirmation (grades 7-9), and Adult Education classes covering Bible study, Lutheran theology, and social justice topics.
• Children's Music Ministry Children's choral programs including Saint John's Children's Choir (grades 2-6), Ye Little Saints & Singers (PreK-grade 1), and Luther Ringers Handbell Choir for middle school through adults. Rehearsals Sundays 9:30-10:00 AM.
• Saint John's Choir (Adult) Intergenerational choral group of high school through adults including professionals, semi-professionals, and talented amateurs. Helps lead the 10:30 AM Sunday Eucharist and performs various styles and traditions, with rehearsals Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 PM, September through June.
• Local Social Ministry Programs Local community outreach ministry including support for Family Promise homeless families, Bridges weekly lunch distribution, Community Foodbank of New Jersey, GRACE food assistance, Loaves and Fishes food pantry, and seasonal coat collections.
• Global Mission Programs International outreach programs including support for ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response (earthquakes, fires, floods, refugee crises with 100% of donated monies going to relief), and the Christmas at Sea program (knitting/crocheting hats and scarves for Seamen's Church Institute's Port Newark headquarters).
• Online Giving Secure online financial contributions via the Servant Keeper Giving platform supporting credit/debit cards and electronic funds transfer for one-time or recurring donations. Also accepts cash and checks during worship services. Weekly altar flowers cost $85 per week; new sanctuary chairs are available at $430 each. Annual pledge campaign with suggested amounts.
• Camino de Vida Latiné Ministry Mission developer ministry focused on the Latiné community in Summit, including Spanish Bible study (Caminando Unidos en Cristo) on Thursdays at 8:00 PM, Basic Spanish classes, mental health education series (Salud Mental), and Latiné cultural events. Approved as a Synod Approved Outreach Ministry on September 29, 2024.
• Community Events and Fellowship Congregational gatherings and fellowship events including Fellowship Time (Sundays 9:00 AM-Noon), Lunch Bunch Bible study (biweekly Wednesdays), Youth+ young adult group, Summer Fun Nights, Christmas Market, Halloween Hoopla, and seasonal celebrations.

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaint John's is a member congregation of the ELCA, part of the NJ Synod. The church participates in ELCA-wide initiatives including ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Churchwide Assembly.
• Family PromisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn conjunction with Family Promise and other Summit congregations, Saint John's provides support to homeless families through financial grants and volunteer coordination.
• Bridges OutreachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly lunch distribution program for homeless persons in Newark and New York. Saint John's prepares lunches every week and operates annual distribution runs.
• Community Foodbank of New JerseycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFBNJ is a member of Feeding America and the leading anti-hunger organization in New Jersey. Saint John's supports through financial grants and regular volunteer work days.
• GRACE (Giving and Receiving Assistance for our Community's Essentials)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram at Summit Community Center offering free fresh food to Summit residents. Saint John's contributes fresh items from church garden and special program support.
• ELCA World HungercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSignificant supporters of ELCA World Hunger, which works through congregations in the US, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and overseas Lutheran churches to address root causes of hunger and poverty through health clinics, microloans, water wells, and advocacy.
• Lutheran Disaster ResponsecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs members of the ELCA, Saint John's supports Lutheran Disaster Response for relief efforts including earthquakes, fires, floods, and refugee crises. 100% of donated monies go to relief efforts.
• Seamen's Church Institute (Christmas at Sea)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaint John's knits and crochets hats and scarves for delivery to Seamen's Church Institute's east-coast headquarters in Port Newark each December.
• Summit Interfaith CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Summit's 19 houses of worship to advocate for affordable housing, poverty, anti-racism, homelessness, and inclusion issues.
• LEAMNJ (Lutheran Engaging in Advocacy Ministry of NJ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLEAMNJ represents official ELCA positions, focusing on executive and legislative branches of state government while empowering congregations with advocacy issues that embrace Baptismal calling to strive for justice and peace.
• St. Stephan's Grace Community (Newark)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner congregation in Newark with annual Partnership Sunday celebrations. Saint John's participates in joint service projects, toy drives, and support programs.
• Appalachia Service ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual service trips to Perry County, KY (and previously McDowell County, WV) where volunteers renovate homes for families in need. Saint John's has conducted 25+ service trips.
• Cross Roads Camp & Retreat CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaint John's hosts events and sends members to Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center, which brings people together in faith, friendship, and fun through summer camps, family retreats, and youth gatherings.
• InterweaveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Interweave for Light Bearers series featuring monthly gatherings where leaders share about reformers who impacted their faith, with interfaith dialog opportunities.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Summit Interfaith Council: Coalition of 19 Summit houses of worship (including Saint John's) collaborating on affordable housing, anti-racism, homelessness, and inclusion. Comparable ecosystem peer because it represents the interfaith network Saint John's operates within for community advocacy and joint programming.
• ReconcilingWorks: Organization that awards and supports the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) designation Saint John's holds. Adjacent to the church as the certifying/affinity body that connects Saint John's to a wider network of affirming Lutheran congregations and shared advocacy resources.
• Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center: ELCA-affiliated retreat and camp center that Saint John's hosts events with and sends members to for summer camps, family retreats, and youth gatherings. Comparable as a faith-based community/formation partner in the same Lutheran ecosystem.

Regional players

• Fountain Baptist Church (Summit): Active Summit Interfaith Council partner and local house of worship. Comparable as a Summit congregation engaged in worship, formation, and social outreach for the same community catchment as Saint John's.
• First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens: NJ-based congregation that hosted the installation of the new NJ Synod bishop in 2025. Comparable as another mainline Protestant congregation serving a New Jersey community with active worship, formation, and outreach programming.
• Central Presbyterian Church (Summit): Summit Interfaith Council member and a fellow mainline Protestant congregation in Summit. Comparable in theological orientation, congregational scale, and community-facing programs serving the same Summit demographic.
• Calvary Episcopal Church (Summit): Member of the Summit Interfaith Council alongside Saint John's. Comparable as a mainline Summit house of worship offering weekly worship, formation, and community outreach to overlapping congregants in the same geography.
• St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church (Summit): Local Summit parish that co-operates the Loaves and Fishes food pantry with Saint John's. Directly comparable as a Summit house of worship serving overlapping community members through similar worship, formation, and food-security programs.

Broad incumbents

• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA): Denominational parent of Saint John's; the largest Lutheran body in the U.S. Comparable in faith tradition and Reformed theology, but operates at a national, multi-state scale across worship, formation, and global mission.

Direct peers

• St. Stephan's Grace Community Church (Newark): ELCA partner congregation in Newark with which Saint John's shares an annual Partnership Sunday and joint service projects, toy drives, and support programs. Same denomination, similar size, and same NJ Synod, making it the closest operational peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/StJohnsSummitNJ
• Facebookfacebook.com/stjohnssummit
• Xx.com/sjscs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about St. John's Lutheran Church