a new chapter in our ministry

Water is one of the simplest and best gifts we have from God. 

The Bible tells story after story of Jesus welcoming and connecting with people at the water’s edge. Jesus invited his disciples to follow him at the water’s edge. He gathered curious crowds to hear the Good News at the water’s edge. Jesus miraculously fed 5000 hungry people with only five loaves and two fish at the water’s edge. People experienced the life-changing love of Jesus at the water’s edge.

At the baptismal font we are claimed by God and through the waters of our baptism we are called to share the light of Christ with a world in need.

Just as water sustains life and nourishes the earth, this ministry nourishes the souls of those who encounter it. The sites of Green Lake Bible Camp, Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp, and Camp House, along with the ministries of summer camp, retreats, day camp, and service learning, merge like currents converging in a body of water. They are not separate entities, but parts of our shared journey. Together, they create a beautiful, nourishing, and powerful force that sustains, enriches, and propels us all.

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries has a long and cherished history of innovating in response to evolving needs, of fostering faith, creating community, and connecting individuals to the life-changing love of Jesus. It is here, at the water's edge, where growth happens. It is a sacred space where individuals find community, inspiration, rest, and a deeper connection to God's abundant grace.

As we look to the future, we are excited to present an opportunity to align our name with our evolving mission, audience, and vision: renaming Green Lake Lutheran Ministries to Water's Edge Ministries. 
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This proposed change reflects our commitment to staying relevant, accessible, and deeply connected to the core of our ministry—meeting people at the “water’s edge” where faith and life intersect.




Following a unanimous vote at our Annual Meeting on February 11, 2025, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries will be renamed Water’s Edge Ministries. This new identity reflects both our roots and our future. The name captures the powerful symbolism of water—the place where Jesus called, healed, and transformed lives.

So, why the change? Our current name sometimes creates confusion. Donors sometimes write checks to “GLBC” while attending events at “Shores,” and the name “Green Lake Lutheran Ministries” can feel too tied to one location, even though our reach now extends across the country through programs like Serve Boldly. In contrast, “Water’s Edge Ministries” speaks to a broader audience and highlights the spiritual and metaphorical significance of water as a source of life, renewal, and transformation. The transition to our new name will roll out intentionally, beginning in the fall of 2025 and continuing into early 2026.


Our ministry continues through sites of Green Lake Bible Camp, Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp, and Camp House (those names won’t change) —and through our diverse programs including summer camp, retreats, day camp, and service learning. These elements will continue to flow together as a unified force that nourishes souls and enriches lives. 
Most importantly, our mission remains steadfast: to invite all people to experience the life-changing love of Jesus in vibrant settings in community and creation.

The heart of this ministry has never been in a name. It’s in the friendships, campfires, songs, worships, and memories made. It’s in the many hands working together in service. It’s the young adults who guide the experience and the moments when faith comes alive.

​As Water’s Edge Ministries, our heart, mission, and impact remain the same. We are deeply grateful for you—our campers, families, volunteers, and supporters—and we’re excited to walk this new path together.

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For questions or more information, please contact:
Kenzie Ruiz, Director of Marketing & Communications – [email protected] or 320-796-2181
Travis Aufderheide, Executive Director – [email protected] or 320-796-2181