A Confessional Oasis in the Mid-South: Finding Your Home at All Saints
In an age of transience and uncertainty, many Lutheran families are seeking more than just a place to attend on Sunday mornings. They are seeking a parish life—a community where the liturgy is the heartbeat, the school is an extension of the home, and daily life is filled with brothers and sisters in the faith.
At All Saints, we have been humbled to witness the Lord gathering His people from across the country—and even across the ocean—to this “island of strength” here in Jonesboro, Arkansas. No matter where you are coming from, you are not just a visitor; you are family.
Why All Saints?
We often hear from those considering a move: “I never thought I’d look at Arkansas.” Yet, they find here a unique intersection of faithful confession and southern hospitality. We are intentionally building a community that stands on these four pillars:
1. The Centrality of the Divine Service
Everything we do flows from the Altar, the Pulpit, and the Font. We find our identity in the ancient liturgy and the pure preaching of the Gospel. Here, you will find a congregation that cherishes the Scriptures, the Book of Concord, and the historic worship of the Church.
2. All Saints Classical Lutheran School
Our school is not merely an alternative to the secular system; it is a vibrant center for the cultivation of wisdom, virtue, and faith. We provide a rigorous classical education rooted in the Lutheran tradition, ensuring our children are equipped with both the tools of learning and the certainty of their salvation. And, with Arkansas’ new family-directed Education Freedom Accounts, the cost of a classical Lutheran education is easily within reach for any family.
3. The Conservatory at All Saints
Launching soon, our music conservatory aims to reclaim the great musical heritage of the Western Tradition and the Church catholic. By providing high-level training in piano, voice, violin, organ, and other instruments, we seek to beautify our worship and provide our children with a deep appreciation for the “good, the true, and the beautiful.”
4. Deep Community & Catechesis
We believe in thoroughgoing catechesis for all ages. Life at All Saints is built on intentional fellowship—sharing meals, supporting one another in our vocations, and growing together in “the faith once for all delivered to the saints”.
Why Jonesboro?
A Place to Put Down Roots
While the life of the Christian is centered in the Church, we recognize that the Lord also places us in specific earthly neighborhoods to serve our families and our neighbors. Jonesboro offers a unique setting that complements the “oasis” of our parish life.
Stewardship of Life and Time
Those who join us from larger urban areas often remark on the immediate sense of peace they find here. In a world that feels increasingly frantic and disconnected, Jonesboro offers a rare gift: the breathing room to focus on your family, your neighbors, and your life in Christ.
- The Gift of Time: Shorter commutes and a less hurried atmosphere mean more time spent around the family table and in the life of the parish.
- Stewardship of Resources: The cost of living in the Mid-South allows families to be excellent stewards of their resources. For many, this has made the dream of a classical Lutheran education for their children and generous support of the parish a practical reality, even for a single-income family.
A Growing Regional Hub
Jonesboro is large enough to offer excellent professional opportunities—particularly in healthcare, education, and agriculture—yet small enough that you are never a stranger for long. As the home of Arkansas State University and a major medical center for the region, it is a city that is growing and vibrant, yet rooted in the stability and southern charm of the Mid-South.
The Beauty of the Mid-South
Located on Crowley’s Ridge, Jonesboro sits at a beautiful geographical crossroads. From the rolling hills of the Ozarks a short drive to the west to the unique landscape of the Delta to the east, our members enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and a climate that allows for outdoor fellowship and activity through much of the year. Jonesboro is also conveniently situated just an hour from Memphis and four hours from Saint Louis.
“I’m Not From Here, Either”
You won’t be the only one who moved for the sake of the Word. We have families who have relocated from the Mountain West, the Great Lakes, the Midwest, and Europe specifically to be part of this “oasis.”
“We were looking for a strong, confessional Lutheran place where our son could grow up surrounded by the faith, where the school and the church were in total harmony. We found that—and a wonderful and supportive community and pastors—at All Saints in Jonesboro.” — A family in the process of relocating to All Saints
Considering the Move? Let Us Help.
We know that relocating is a significant undertaking for any family. Our desire is simply to extend the hospitality of Christ’s Church to those seeking a faithful home. If you are in a position to relocate and are seeking a strong, close-knit Lutheran community and a confessional stronghold, we would love to assist you in the transition:
- Virtual “Coffee” with the Pastors: Schedule a call with Father Leigeber and/or Father Suelzle to discuss the vision of the parish and how your family might fit into our community.
- Logistical Support: We can connect you with local realtors and members who can give you the “lay of the land” regarding housing and employment in Jonesboro.
- Visit Us: We invite you to spend a weekend with us. Join us for the Divine Service, tour the school, and share a meal with our families.
FAQs
↳ Frequently Asked Questions for Relocating Families
What kind of career opportunities are available in Jonesboro?
Jonesboro serves as the economic and regional hub for Northeast Arkansas. We have a robust job market, particularly in healthcare (with two major hospital systems), higher education (Arkansas State University), and manufacturing and logistics (major employers include Nestlé, Unilever, and Hytrol). Many of our members also work remotely, benefiting from the lower cost of living while maintaining their careers in other states.
Is the cost of living really that different?
Many who relocate here from the Midwest or the Coasts find that their resources go much further. On average, housing costs in Jonesboro are significantly lower than the national average. This often allows families to better practice the stewardship of the home—making it more feasible for families to live on a single income and to prioritize their children’s classical Lutheran education.
How does All Saints School integrate with the Parish?
All Saints Classical Lutheran School is a central part of our parish identity, not a separate entity. Our students attend daily services and receive daily catechesis. The school and church work in tandem to support parents in their primary vocation of raising children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
What can we expect from The Conservatory at All Saints?
The Conservatory is an outgrowth of our commitment to the “good, the true, and the beautiful.” It provides high-level musical instruction in organ, piano, and voice, as well as orchestral instruments. Our goal is to cultivate a new generation of Lutheran musicians who can serve the Church and the world with excellence.
What is the rhythm of worship and parish life at All Saints?
We are a strong, confessional Lutheran parish that prizes the Divine Service. Our worship is reverent, focused on the Word and Sacraments, and deeply rooted in the Lutheran Confessions. Our community life is intentional; you’ll find that “fellowship” here means more than just a potluck—it means a genuine, sacrificial care for one another as we live out our lives in Christ.
What about the climate in the Mid-South?
You will experience all four seasons here! Our springs and autumns are particularly beautiful and long. While our summers are warm and humid, they provide a wonderful backdrop for the “oasis” of parish life, with many families gathering for outdoor fellowship and making use of the local lakes and parks.
How do we take the first step toward visiting?
The best way to know All Saints is to experience it. We are glad to host visiting families for a weekend. We can help arrange for you to:
- Attend the Divine Service and Catechesis.
- Meet with the Pastors and Headmaster of the school.
- Have dinner with a family that has already relocated to Jonesboro.
- Get a guided tour of the city and various neighborhoods from a parishioner’s perspective.
All Saints Lutheran Church and School 