History
House of Prayer Lutheran Church had its beginning in 1937 as a branch Sunday School of First Lutheran Church in Bismarck, ND. This Sunday School met in its early days in the building adjacent to the ballpark until a building on the corner of Sweet Avenue and Washington Street was obtained. On August 26, 1956, House of Prayer was formally organized into a congregation comprised of 80 adults and 68 children.
In 1963, a larger church building was completed at 417 South Anderson. At the time this building was dedicated, there were 156 adults and 150 children. In the years to follow, House of Prayer experienced considerable growth with baptized membership exceeding 500 people in 1979.
In 1982, a study process was completed for relocation to our present site on South Washington Street. The current building was finished in May of 1985. In the spring of 1999, groundbreaking for a new Fellowship and Education wing took place, adding much-needed space for House of Prayer's expanding ministry needs. This new building addition was dedicated in January 2000. A second building expansion, enhancing the worship area, was dedicated in August 2004.
House of Prayer celebrated its 50th Anniversary in August 2006. It continued to look towards the future of God’s amazing grace and our relationship with Jesus through ministry not only at House of Prayer but within our region.
House of Prayer made several changes to bring the congregation together over the next several years, including a Midweek Moment, and a flower fund to give people the opportunity to honor or celebrate a loved one or special season in life. This program allowed for fresh flowers at our services and continues as a beautiful piece of each service.
In 2011, the region was devastated by historic flooding in both Bismarck and Minot. House of Prayer responded through “Flood of Love,” sending recovery teams and providing financial support to assist churches in Minot as they rebuilt.
In 2012, the Leap Ahead Preschool program was launched at House of Prayer. This operation continues to fill our walls with the joy of youth and helps us create a firm foundation for families in the community. Many preschool students continue into youth faith programming, strengthening their relationship with God as they grow.
In 2014, the church council made a thoughtful decision to move from two Sunday worship services to one unified service at 10:00 a.m. This shift was intended to build energy, strengthen community, and more intentionally involve children in worship leadership. During this relationship building and focus on community, coffee fellowship was introduced and continues to be a valued part of Sunday mornings.
House of Prayer celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2016, marking another milestone in its history. During this season, the congregation renewed its focus the mission of providing a vibrant presence for Christ. An annual outdoor worship service at General Sibley Park was established and a full-time music ministry staff position was created to enhance worship.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a season of uncertainty and change. The church quickly adapted by upgrading technology to offer online worship services and expanding its social media presence by 77%. Creative efforts included a Palm Sunday parking lot service and an outdoor Nativity/Christmas Eve service, ensuring continued connection during a time of isolation.
That same year, House of Prayer marked a significant leadership transition, saying goodbye to Pastor David Swonger after 26 years of faithful service. Pastor Dave had ministered alongside Pastor Joel Samuelson for 20 years. Following a call process, Pastor Joel was called as Senior Pastor, and Michelle Hintz was called to serve as Minister of Discipleship. Their leadership during a complex and challenging time positioned the congregation for continued growth and stability.
In the 2022-2023 season, House of Prayer expanded its commitment to youth and family ministry. “Jesus and Me” (JAM) programming was introduced, offering pre-K through grade 5 students faith formation opportunities on both Sundays and Wednesday evenings. This dual approach created more accessible and consistent opportunities for children and families to engage in their faith. The addition of Wednesday night JAM alongside Sunday School proved to be a strong and effective model, leading to an increase in youth participation and engagement.
During this time, House of Prayer also entered a season of intentional growth and investment in its future. The “Forward in Faith” stewardship appeal encouraged forward-looking conversations and reflected the congregation’s strong commitment to sustaining and growing its ministry. This era was marked not only by fundraising for needed building improvements and upgrades, but also by expanded musical ministry and increased opportunities for small group fellowship and community outreach throughout the Bismarck-Mandan area.
To support this growing active ministry, a new staff role, Church Life Administrator, was created. In 2025, Sarah Davison was hired to serve in this position, helping to strengthen coordination, communication, and connection within the life of the church.
Through each season, House of Prayer continue to be rooted and grounded in love, growing in faith, and serving as a vibrant presence for Christ.
In 1963, a larger church building was completed at 417 South Anderson. At the time this building was dedicated, there were 156 adults and 150 children. In the years to follow, House of Prayer experienced considerable growth with baptized membership exceeding 500 people in 1979.
In 1982, a study process was completed for relocation to our present site on South Washington Street. The current building was finished in May of 1985. In the spring of 1999, groundbreaking for a new Fellowship and Education wing took place, adding much-needed space for House of Prayer's expanding ministry needs. This new building addition was dedicated in January 2000. A second building expansion, enhancing the worship area, was dedicated in August 2004.
House of Prayer celebrated its 50th Anniversary in August 2006. It continued to look towards the future of God’s amazing grace and our relationship with Jesus through ministry not only at House of Prayer but within our region.
House of Prayer made several changes to bring the congregation together over the next several years, including a Midweek Moment, and a flower fund to give people the opportunity to honor or celebrate a loved one or special season in life. This program allowed for fresh flowers at our services and continues as a beautiful piece of each service.
In 2011, the region was devastated by historic flooding in both Bismarck and Minot. House of Prayer responded through “Flood of Love,” sending recovery teams and providing financial support to assist churches in Minot as they rebuilt.
In 2012, the Leap Ahead Preschool program was launched at House of Prayer. This operation continues to fill our walls with the joy of youth and helps us create a firm foundation for families in the community. Many preschool students continue into youth faith programming, strengthening their relationship with God as they grow.
In 2014, the church council made a thoughtful decision to move from two Sunday worship services to one unified service at 10:00 a.m. This shift was intended to build energy, strengthen community, and more intentionally involve children in worship leadership. During this relationship building and focus on community, coffee fellowship was introduced and continues to be a valued part of Sunday mornings.
House of Prayer celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2016, marking another milestone in its history. During this season, the congregation renewed its focus the mission of providing a vibrant presence for Christ. An annual outdoor worship service at General Sibley Park was established and a full-time music ministry staff position was created to enhance worship.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a season of uncertainty and change. The church quickly adapted by upgrading technology to offer online worship services and expanding its social media presence by 77%. Creative efforts included a Palm Sunday parking lot service and an outdoor Nativity/Christmas Eve service, ensuring continued connection during a time of isolation.
That same year, House of Prayer marked a significant leadership transition, saying goodbye to Pastor David Swonger after 26 years of faithful service. Pastor Dave had ministered alongside Pastor Joel Samuelson for 20 years. Following a call process, Pastor Joel was called as Senior Pastor, and Michelle Hintz was called to serve as Minister of Discipleship. Their leadership during a complex and challenging time positioned the congregation for continued growth and stability.
In the 2022-2023 season, House of Prayer expanded its commitment to youth and family ministry. “Jesus and Me” (JAM) programming was introduced, offering pre-K through grade 5 students faith formation opportunities on both Sundays and Wednesday evenings. This dual approach created more accessible and consistent opportunities for children and families to engage in their faith. The addition of Wednesday night JAM alongside Sunday School proved to be a strong and effective model, leading to an increase in youth participation and engagement.
During this time, House of Prayer also entered a season of intentional growth and investment in its future. The “Forward in Faith” stewardship appeal encouraged forward-looking conversations and reflected the congregation’s strong commitment to sustaining and growing its ministry. This era was marked not only by fundraising for needed building improvements and upgrades, but also by expanded musical ministry and increased opportunities for small group fellowship and community outreach throughout the Bismarck-Mandan area.
To support this growing active ministry, a new staff role, Church Life Administrator, was created. In 2025, Sarah Davison was hired to serve in this position, helping to strengthen coordination, communication, and connection within the life of the church.
Through each season, House of Prayer continue to be rooted and grounded in love, growing in faith, and serving as a vibrant presence for Christ.
Our Mission
The members of House of Prayer celebrate faith by inviting people into a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ. Therefore, whether we are gathering together for worship, fellowship, learning, or serving, we remain committed to the mission of:
ROOTING our lives in a relationship with our God. REJOICING in the gifts of life and love our God graciously offers. REACHING out to our world with the healing and hope only God can give!
ROOTING our lives in a relationship with our God. REJOICING in the gifts of life and love our God graciously offers. REACHING out to our world with the healing and hope only God can give!“Continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” [Colossians 2:6-7]
Worship Times
Sunday (Blended) at 10:00 AM
Wednesday (Contemporary) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday (Contemporary) at 6:00 PM