Loving God, Helping Others
and Serving our Community

A Sanctuary of Grace, A People of Light

Where Every Soul Finds a Place to Belong

Rooted in Sacred Story, Reaching with Open Arms

Walking in Faith, Bounded by Love, Guided by Grace

Where Faith Flourishes,
Hope Abides

Rooted in Legacy, Rising in Faith

Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn is a Spirit-led congregation, born from the deep and faithful roots of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and Redeemer St. John Lutheran Church. Our story is one of unity, transformation, and hope. It is a sacred weaving of past and present, guiding us into a future filled with promise.

We carry forward the gifts of our legacy: our people, our places, our faith. We offer them in joyful service to a world in need of love. In a city that is ever-changing, our call remains the same. We are here to be a living witness of Christ’s grace and compassion in Brooklyn and beyond.

A Tapestry of Welcome

Our congregation reflects the beautiful diversity of this borough. Founded by immigrants, shaped by resilience, and bound together in Christ, we open our arms to all. We celebrate not just where we have come from but where we are going together.

Through worship, fellowship, and shared ministry, we are forming a vibrant, intergenerational community. Whether it is in Sunday worship, at the ELCA Youth Gathering, or around the table with neighbors and friends, we see God at work in every face and every story.

One Body, One Spirit, One Future

We worship together. We serve together. We dream together. What began as a collaboration between three congregations has grown into a single voice of hope and healing. As we share buildings and staff, we also share a vision. We are a church alive with the Spirit, grounded in love, and ready to respond to the needs of the world around us.

We believe in a church that bridges generations, cultures, and experiences. A church that welcomes your gifts, your story, your spirit.

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Pastor Khader Khalilia, Lead Pastor

Pastor Khader Khalilia was born and raised in Bethlehem, Palestine, the very town where Jesus was born. He was baptized and nurtured in the Greek Orthodox tradition, where he was shaped by the richness of ancient liturgy and sacramental life. Over time, he was drawn to Lutheran theology, particularly its evangelical catholic expression, grounded in the Word, the sacraments, and the theology of the cross.

He attended Talitha Kumi Lutheran School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Christian education from Bethlehem Bible College. In 2005, he was invited by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to continue his theological education. He received his Master of Divinity from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, and was ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament in January 2009.

Pastor Khader first served as Associate Pastor of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in San Mateo, California. In October 2013, he was called to serve as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, where he continues to lead the congregation in worship, preaching, and community ministry with joy and dedication.

He currently serves as Dean of the Southwest Brooklyn Lutheran Conference. Pastor Khader Khalilia represents the Metropolitan New York Synod on the New York Council of Churches, and serves on the Board of the Arab American Association of New York. He is actively engaged in several local and national organizations, contributing his voice to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.

Pastor Khader is passionate about proclaiming Christ crucified and risen, celebrating the sacramental life of the Church, and building bridges of justice, compassion, and understanding

among people of different cultures and faiths. He also leads regular pilgrimage trips to the Holy Land, inviting others to walk where Jesus walked and to encounter Scripture in new and transformative ways.

He proudly calls Brooklyn home and finds deep joy in its vibrant, diverse, and resilient community. In his free time, he enjoys reading, cooking, working out, biking, and sharing meals

and stories with family and friends. Come and be part of the Grace community, where faith is lived, love is shared, and all are welcome.

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Charbel Zgheib, Salam Arabic Lutheran Pastor

At Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, we are blessed to have Rev. Charbel Zgheib as our Pastor of Salam Arabic Ministry. Rev. Zgheib also founded Salam Radio Station, the first Arabic online ecumenical radio platform, and serves as pastor of Salam Arabic Church. Born and raised in Lebanon, his Catholic upbringing and deep commitment to justice, compassion, and human dignity shape his ministry every day.

With over twenty years of experience, Rev. Zgheib is a mission developer and church planter within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is passionate about building inclusive faith communities that nurture spiritual resilience. He also champions holistic mental health care, especially for vulnerable and frontline populations.

Rev. Zgheib’s academic journey reflects his commitment to both faith and psychology. He earned a Master’s in Clinical Social Psychology from the Lebanese University in 2007, followed by a Master’s in Theological and Pastoral Studies from Antonine University in 2010. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in 2020. His education and ministry experience span Lebanon, Syria, and the United States, bringing a truly global and multicultural perspective to his work.

Throughout his career, Rev. Zgheib has led meaningful programs for organizations like ABAAD, MAAN Foundation, and the Justice and Mercy Association. He has developed and managed initiatives focused on gender equality, interfaith cooperation, prison reform, and psychosocial care. His work with the United Nations and various non-governmental organizations includes training, counseling, and program management—equipping frontliners with trauma-informed care, self-care, and community healing strategies.

In addition to his ministry and humanitarian work, Rev. Zgheib has over 20 years of media experience. He has hosted impactful talk shows on Voice of Charity and Charity TV in Lebanon, sharing messages of hope and faith. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, he brings a unique blend of spiritual depth, clinical insight, and cultural understanding to every aspect of his ministry. Whether preaching, counseling, or serving on the front lines of humanitarian efforts, Rev. Zgheib’s work is always guided by a heartfelt commitment to faith, justice, and human dignity.

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