2025 Annual Report > A ‘home of our own’ energizes Mara Lutheran Church
A ‘home of our own’ energizes Mara Lutheran Church
MARA LUTHERAN CHURCH | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Published on June 10, 2026
When Mara Lutheran Church in Indianapolis recently purchased its first church building, it secured more than a space for worship. It established a permanent home for ministry.
“Having a home of our own strengthens ministry by providing a stable and welcoming space to practice the ministry of nurturing relationships and modeling Christian hospitality,” says the Rev. Khai Cho, Mara’s lead pastor. “In addition, a consistent home allows for establishing routines like meals and prayer that build, strengthen and support mission.”
Supported by a loan from the Mission Investment Fund (MIF), the congregation was able to take this significant step toward long-term stability and expanded ministry.
NEW CONGREGATION, NEW HOME
“We felt like we won the lottery when the building became a reality,” says Pastor Cho, noting the excitement among members about future possibilities. Expanded facilities like kitchen space and classrooms have sparked ideas and enthusiasm for increased ministry to the neighborhood.
“Worship is expressed through both daily devotion and gathered community,” explains Pastor Cho, “building up fellow believers and serving the spiritual and physical needs of the person,” all of which is amplified with dedicated space and opening the church building for use by the wider community. “With casual and active participation rooms, the church will be seen not as a building, but as a vibrant place for spiritual, educational and social enrichment.”
Of particular importance is appealing to young people. More than 30 youth attend weekly services. “Creating dedicated, engaging spaces for youth with an inviting and inspiring atmosphere ensures that faith remains for young people both today and into the future.”
When a loan was needed to purchase the new space, the congregation partnered with MIF. Learning about MIF through the ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod, the congregation found a lender who understands its vision. “We were able to build a relationship with MIF,” Pastor Cho says. “We appreciate that MIF is part of the church, providing loans for congregations and other ministries. MIF is welcoming and helpful to those looking to purchase a building.”
“We were able to build a relationship with MIF. We appreciate that MIF is part of the church, providing loans for congregations and other ministries. MIF is welcoming and helpful to those looking to purchase a building.”
CHARTING A COURSE
Welcomed into the ELCA as a new congregation in 2024, the history of Mara Lutheran reflects the congregation’s desire to look to the future—embracing the faithful possibilities of change.
The broader Mara community comes originally from regions of Myanmar and India. Many of the Mara community in the U.S. today are refugees who fled violence from the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. In 2019, 128 people left an existing Mara congregation in Indianapolis, and began a new worshipping community, calling themselves the Mara Evangelical Lutheran Church in Indianapolis (MECI).
“We are more progressive,” notes Pastor Cho, “and have become contextualized to the U.S., desiring a progressive mode of leadership and governance.” Women and young people are prized voices, serving freely on committees and the Congregation Council.
With the idea of a new congregation firmly planted, the group made overtures to the Indiana-Kentucky Synod about becoming part of it and the ELCA. The synod supported the idea enthusiastically, enabling Pastor Cho to become the congregation’s lead authorized minister for four years and then its lead pastor.
The congregation’s focus on community service drew Pastor Cho to the opportunity. “There are numerous ways members engage in community outreach and share the gospel,” he says. Indianapolis plays host to one of the nation’s largest communities of people from Myanmar in the U.S., with about 30,000 residents in the metropolitan area in 2023.
A HOME FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
“The commitment to the gospel drives our efforts to share the love of Christ, making disciples and living out a relationship with God based on grace through Jesus Christ,” says Pastor Cho.
Mara’s new church home is an integral asset as the congregation shares Christ’s love, a spiritual home serving all.
“Mara Lutheran is hopeful that we will be able to leave not only the word of God with the next generation, but also the difference it makes in our lives,” says Pastor Cho. “Kindness, forgiveness and transformation in faith.”
To learn more please visit Mara Lutheran Church