Local Church

In the Twin Cities Metro

Our mission is simple: Follow Jesus. Multiply Disciples. Transform Lives.

We envision a growing movement of everyday people discovering their identity in Jesus, becoming more like Him, and helping others do the same. We call it The [Disciple] LIFE—and it shapes everything we do.

Woodbury Lutheran Church is a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), grounded in Scripture, centered on Jesus, and committed to sharing the hope we have in Him with our community and beyond.

Our Beliefs

Our Values

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness…”
— 2 Timothy 3:16

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7b

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for one another.”
— 1 John 3:16

“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
— Matthew 9:36

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28

“Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.”
— 1 Timothy 6:18

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…”
— 1 Peter 2:2

Our Beliefs

We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day, He rose again. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

We believe in one God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three distinct persons, yet one God.

  • God the Father: Creator and sustainer of all things. (Hebrews 11:1–3)
  • Jesus the Son: Fully God and fully man. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again to bring us forgiveness and new life. (John 3:16; Colossians 2:8–9)
  • The Holy Spirit: Brings us to faith in Jesus, grows and strengthens that faith, and equips us to live for God’s kingdom. (1 Corinthians 12:3)

We are born sinful and separated from God, but through Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s grace, we are forgiven and made new. (Romans 3:23; John 3:1–8)

Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is God’s gift that brings new life and marks us as His children. (Romans 10:9–10; Acts 2:38)

The Bible is God’s true and powerful Word, guiding and transforming our lives. (2 Timothy 3:14–16)

Jesus gives us His body and blood in the bread and wine, offering forgiveness and strengthening our faith. (1 Corinthians 10:16–17)

Our Process

Everything we do is rooted in a clear vision and a proven process we call Worship :: Connect :: Contribute. We believe every disciple grows through:

Prioritizing weekly gatherings, prayer, and time with God.

Building authentic relationships in groups and community.

Using your God-given gifts and passions to bring Jesus to the world.

What We Believe

Where We’re Going

God has given us a bold vision, and we’re trusting Him for the catch. Just as Jesus told Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish” (Luke 5:4), we are stepping out in faith, dreaming bigger, and living generously so more people can experience the hope we have in Jesus. Together, we’re strengthening ministries, renewing our campuses, and supporting mission partners — believing that what we cast out in faith will bring in a harvest of transformed lives.

Learn More
A man holding a book raises one hand while speaking to a group of people in front of a stone wall with a lit candle, creating an intimate scene inside the local church.

Meet Our Pastors

At Woodbury Lutheran, our pastors are here to walk with you, encourage you, and help you take your next step with Jesus. Whether you’re exploring faith or looking for a church home, we’d love to get to know you.

Tom Pfotenhauer - Senior Pastor at Woodbury Lutheran Church

Tom Pfotenhauer

Senior Pastor
Dean Dunavan, Campus Pastor of Oak Hill Campus in Stillwater at Woodbury Lutheran Church.

Dean Dunavan

Campus Pastor, Oak Hill Campus in Stillwater

Daniel Langewisch

Campus Pastor, Valley Creek Campus in Woodbury
Joel Symmank, Campus Pastor of Wakota Ridge Campus in South St. Paul at Woodbury Lutheran Church.

Joel Symmank

Campus Pastor, Wakota Ridge Campus in South St. Paul
Pastor Tim Marshall, Pastoral Care Ministries Pastor at Woodbury Lutheran Church.

Tim Marshall

Pastoral Care Ministries Pastor

Meet Full Staff

Pizza with the Pastor

If you’re new around here, this is the perfect first step. This is a place where you can meet a pastor, hear a bit of our heart as a church, and ask any questions you have. Kids are absolutely welcome. Yes, there’s plenty of pizza!

Our History

Back in 1967, Pastor Paul and Rhoda Pfotenhauer moved to MInnesota from Canada with a clear calling: to start a church in what was then a quiet, growing town called Woodbury—mostly fields and a few homes. They began Woodbury Lutheran Church (WLC) in a school gym at Royal Oaks Elementary, trusting God to do big things in small places. Since those early days, God has been faithful—growing WLC into a multi-campus family that’s all about helping people Follow Jesus, Multiply Disciples, and Transform Lives!

  • 1967 – WLC launches, meeting at Royal Oaks Elementary in Woodbury.

  • 1969 – First building phase on the Valley Creek Campus is completed (Preschool Wing + Genesis Room). WLC Preschool and Kindergarten begin.
  • 1977 – First full-time ministry staff hired.
  • 1982 – Second building phase: Isaiah Room, Fireside Room, and offices are added.
  • 1983 – Christian Cupboard Food Shelf launches to serve local families in need.
  • 1993 – New sanctuary built on the Valley Creek Campus.
  • 2000 – Founding Pastor Paul Pfotenhauer retires. Pastor Dean Nadasdy becomes Senior Pastor.
  • 2005 – Land purchased in Afton for future vision.
  • 2007 – The Bridge is added to the Valley Creek Campus; the Alley Church is planted in Cottage Grove.
  • 2012 – Pastor Nadasdy is elected District President. Pastor Tom Pfotenhauer is installed as Senior Pastor. The Oak Hill Campus (formerly Risen Christ) launches in Stillwater.
  • 2019 – 404 children in Tongi, Bangladesh are sponsored by WLC members through Chosen.
  • 2021 – Pastor Dean Dunavan installed as Oak Hill Campus Pastor. The Wakota Ridge Campus (formerly Concordia Lutheran) launches in South St. Paul.
  • 2023 – Pastor Daniel Langewisch installed as Valley Creek Campus Pastor.
  • 2025 – Pastor Joel Symmank installed as Wakota Ridge Campus Pastor.

Want to Get Connected?

We’d love to meet you!