Athens Lutheran Church began in late 1968 when a number of Lutheran families were transferred into the area with Westinghouse Electric along with a few other families native to Athens. The first services of this Lutheran congregation were held on Sunday evening at St. Paul’s Episcopal church, eventually holding Sunday morning services at the local Seventh Day Adventist church. In 1975 ALC was officially formed and became a church in the Mid-South District of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.  Pastor Mongomery served as the first pastor in 1977. After purchasing land, a building program culminated in moving into our current church building in June of 1980. 

Pastor Jan Munch served at Athens Lutheran from 1983-2007, followed by Pastor Jace Detrie (2008-2017), Pastor Donald Coulter (2017-2025), and now, Pastor Benjamin Heinz (starting in 2025). God has served us in many ways through each pastor, and it is our hope, prayer and confidence that our Lord will continue to bless our church, and by His grace, continue to grow His Kingdom here at Athens Lutheran.