The Lutheran Saints in Ministry (LSIM) is a collaborative of five ELCA and one independent congregations organized around the purpose of joint mission; pursuing economies of scale and mutual growth in discipleship and service to our respective communities. Each congregation is a member of or related to the Southern Ohio Synod, ELCA.

In September of 2010 we petitioned the Council of the Southern Ohio Synod (ELCA) to allow us to work through a resolution of joint agreement. The Synod agreed, naming us a “Synodical approved worshipping site”. In 2018, the amended Constitution of the ELCA redefined our effort as a “Parish” (chapter 20) and our Synod redefined us as a “collaborative”. In 2019, all member congregations adopted and approved a constitutional amendment defining us as part of a formal collaborative. This arrangement was updated in 2021. The collaborative currently consists of Abiding Christ Lutheran Church in Fairborn (the anchor church), Arise in Christ Lutheran Church in Donneslville, First Lutheran Church in Xenia, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in West Milton, Saint John Lutheran Church in Vandalia and Emanuel Ministries also in Fairborn.

The anchor church provides services for all congregations, the other congregations focus on local strengths in order to create disciples and strengthen local mission. Each congregation and its facility are used to enhance our formal vision plan for mission, adopted and reviewed annually when congregational rostered leaders and boards meet in a retreat setting.

Abiding Christ Fairborn
Abiding Christ Fairborn
First Lutheran Xenia
St. John Vandalia
Good Shepherd 
West Milton
Emanuel Ministries