Reformation Lutheran Church is...
Engaged. We are not just the church for ourselves. The people of Reformation are constantly looking for a way to make their community a better place. We empower our members to make a difference in the world and we speak often about the ways that the Gospel calls us to serve the most vulnerable among us.
Passionate. We are people who care deeply about our faith. Our worship gatherings are exuberant and soulful. Our Bible studies are thoughtful and spirited. Our community events are joyful and lively.
Historic. For over 80 years Reformation has been engaged in ministry in the East Mt. Airy neighborhood. We are committed to this community and its people.
Our Mission and Vision
Our Mission:
By the grace of God we are disciples of Christ reaching out and welcoming all.
Our Vision:
To grow in discipleship and expand our ministry to those we serve.
FAQs
What does this congregation care about?
Our community life is anchored in worship, strengthened by educational and fellowship activities, and expressed through ministries of love within and beyond the congregation. The good news about Jesus is at the center of who we are and what we do. We are striving each day to be a mission-oriented church, looking outside our walls to serve the community and world around us.
What kind of Lutheran church is this?
Reformation Lutheran Church is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (SEPA).
I am ________ will I be welcomed?
Yes. All are welcome at Reformation Lutheran Church. We are progressive congregation that strongly believes God’s grace extends to all people. We are not here to condemn or judge you, rather, we want to grow together as followers of Jesus and we invite all, who have a desire, to join us on this journey.
What is worship like?
Our worship is a unique blending of the church’s ancient patterns and modern-day Gospel music and praise hymns. We are people who care deeply about our faith and so our worship gatherings are exuberant and soulful. We hope that you'll leave worship feeling inspired, filled, challenged and comforted.
Each week are gathering has extended time for singing, prayer, preaching, and Holy Communion. It's probably not quite like anything you've experienced before, so come and see for yourself!
Worship
“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His Name…the voice of the LORD is powerful and majestic…the LORD gives strength to His people and blesses His people with peace.”
Psalm 91
Can I take communion?
All are welcome to share in the sacrament of Holy Communion. This invitation comes not from Reformation, nor the Pastor, but from Jesus Christ himself. As Lutheran Christians we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in, with, and under the communion elements.
Leadership and Staff
Pastor
Rev. Dr. Anthony Scott
Dr. Scott is Reformation’s 9th pastor. A native of St. Louis, MO, Dr. Scott is pleased to call Philadelphia home. Pastor Scott received a B.A. in Religion from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. In 2013, he received the Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Scott received the Doctor of Ministry at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. His ethos of ministry is grounded firmly in the example of Jesus Christ; ministering to the needs of the hurting and the broken in a holistic manner - mind, body, and spirit. Above all else, Rev. Scott strives to be a vessel in the service of Jesus Christ and a conduit for God’s blessing in the world.
Minister of Music
Andre Leonard
Andre Leonard, a dynamic and accomplished pianist, conductor, and music director, with a diverse range of experiences that speak to his passion for music and dedication to his craft, joined Reformation’s staff as Minister of Music in 2023. In 2022, Andre was honored to add the Gold Medal from the Boston International Piano Competition to his Gold Medal from the 2017 Aloha international piano competition, cementing his reputation as one of the foremost pianists of his generation. He is known for his work as Music Director for the installation of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune statue in the U.S. Capitol, as the conductor for the iconic Howard Theater production “The Return of Jakie Mom’s Mabley,” and as an Artist in Residence at the Kennedy Center and the Kettering Legacy Center. He is committed to serving diverse audiences with varied and groundbreaking works, acting as Music Director for Adventure Theater and the CAPPA Chorale and as vocal coach and pianist for the world premiere opera “On the Road to Arivaca” with Alliance for New Music-Theatre. Andre can be heard regularly as a recitalist for the Washington Piano Society and an Artist in Residence for the Friday Morning Music Club.
Church Administrator
Lina Baker
Ms. Baker has been a member of Reformation for over 40 years. She has been heavily involved in the life of the church, since her baptism at age five. She has served the church as Acolyte, Gospel Choir Director, Sunday School Teacher and Youth Group Leader.
Financial Associate
Tracey Beasley
Ms. Beasley has served as Reformation’s Financial Associate for over a decade. She is a faithul member of Reformation and serves in various leadership capacities, as Vice President of the Southeast Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Sexton
Teddy Parker
Brother Teddy joined Reformation’s staff as Sexton after over a decade of membership.
Congregational Council
The Congregational Council is the body of elected representatives of the congregation. They are entrusted with serving as trustees and general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Council Members
Sis. Doris Edwards, Sis. Melinda Hamilton-Griffin, Sis. Margaret Garner(Treasurer),Rev. Dr. Anthony Scott(ex officio), Dr. Addie Butler (Secretary), Dr. Moses Williams (Vice President), Sis. Gwen Redmond (President), Sis. Luvenia Johnson
History
Reformation Lutheran Church was founded in 1942 as Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation .
In December of the previous year, The Lutheran Church sent a pastor, Wilton Ernst, to develop a congregation. He found a family on the 1400 block of Cardeza Street who became charter members and opened their home for the first service. By May of 1942, the congregation was organized. Before the end of the year, a home was purchased on Cliveden Street, which became the temporary church building. The congregation worshiped there until it moved into its new church facility on Vernon Road. In 1958, a second stage of the building, educational unit of three large classrooms, was added to the rear of the church. Pastor Ernst remained at Reformation until 1967. By the early 1960s the congregation had over 700 members. By the time Pastor Ernst left, Reformation was ready to make a transition.
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a rapid racial change in the East Mt Airy neighborhood as thousands of young African American families moved to the community. Reformation was pastored by Victor Pieschl (1966-1971) and Larry Miller (1972-1980). By the end of the 1970’s Reformation was a racially mixed congregation, smaller that it had once been, but active and again rooted in its neighborhood.
Julius Carroll served as pastor from 1981-1983 and William Robertson from 1984-1987. In 1987, Gordon Simmons began his ministry at Reformation. Under his pastorate, the congregation was blessed with significant growth and outreach. Pastor Simmons ended his tenure in February 2006 and was followed by Rev Lamont A. Wells, who served as pastor of Reformation from April 2008-January 2014.
In March of 2018, Rev Nathaniel Preisinger was installed as the 8th pastor of Reformation Lutheran Church. Pastor Nate served as pastor until early 2019.
The Rev. Dr. Anthony L. D. Scott was invited to serve Reformation as its 9th pastor, in April 2023.
Reformation Lutheran Church is a congregation with a rich and vibrant history and we welcome you to join us as we continue to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and in service to our neighbors. Welcome!