History & Mission
Our mission is to Connect more with Christ and Love Kitsap and the World.
Who We Are now
Connect More to Christ
Our primary purpose is to deliver the promise and blessings of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Through the hearing of the Word and receiving the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Super, we are connected to Christ and receive forgiveness, mercy, and eternal life. Extending this blessing to all in worship is what Silverdale Lutheran is all about.
Loving Kitsap and the World
Once connected to Christ, we are made into a new creation. Because God has blessed us we seek to be a blessing to our relationships, community, and world. We are free now to turn to our neighbors here in Kitsap and the world, extending God’s love to all.
Our Story Begins: 1949
History—Silverdale Lutheran Church was formally established in 1949 in the original Log Cabin Church, on what is now Silverdale Way, with 88 members, one pastor, and an annual budget of $4,000. Today, there are over 900 baptized members, two pastors, a staff of full- and part-time employees, and an approved annual operating budget of over $900,000. Much has transpired over our history, but our focus remains the same—worshiping and serving our Lord, Jesus Christ.
A New Home: 1959 Church Dedication
The original building, though charming in its own way, had its share of problems, and by 1956, the members had purchased land on the corner of Clear Creek Road and Silverdale Lutheran Church Way for $8300. By 1959, a new church building was dedicated on the new site. The new building facilitated the ministries of Silverdale Lutheran Church for the next thirty-plus years.
Fire, Growth, and Renewal in the 1970s
The 1970s were marked by steady growth and devastation. On January 15, 1978, a fire gutted the education wing of the church and caused heavy smoke damage to the sanctuary. But our members regrouped and quickly restored the building. In 1979, sustained membership growth necessitated the addition of a second worship service.
Expanding Vision in the 1980s
The 1980s saw the face of Silverdale Lutheran Church rapidly changing. A Blue Ribbon Committee was formed to study what our mission in the area was to be and if our location was going to serve that vision. The result was the purchase of five acres of land, our new home, in the yet undeveloped Ridgetop area above Silverdale Lutheran Church. In 1989, the congregation sold the existing church facility and property to Kitsap County.
Relocation & Renewal in 1990
The congregation moved to its current location on Ridgetop in 1990 and built an addition in 2004—The Gathering Place—which has classrooms for Sunday School and a large multipurpose room. Since 1990, Silverdale Lutheran Church has remained a strong and vibrant faith community on the “hill.”
Growing in Faith and Community
The past years reflect many changes and much growth in Silverdale Lutheran Church. As we look back to our beginnings, we are reminded of the many blessings and opportunities that our church family has received.