Who We Are

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod located in Polk City, Iowa.


We are a Christ-centered community gathered around God’s Word and Sacraments, committed to worship, spiritual growth, and serving our neighbors. We welcome individuals and families to grow in faith and share the love of Christ.


We believe in the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and that salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone. Our teaching is rooted in the Bible and the Lutheran Confessions and is summarized in the Reformation principles:


Grace Alone • Faith Alone • Scripture Alone

Our Mission

At Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, our mission shapes everything we do. Through caring, teaching, sharing, and reaching, we seek to live out Christ’s love in our congregation and in our community.

  • Caring

    Celebrating the life of our Beautiful Savior.

  • Teaching

    The Word of God to nurture our faith.

  • Sharing

    His love and gifts with others.

  • Reaching

    Bringing others to Jesus Christ.

Leading Our Church

Pastor Peter Hoft

Peter Hoft was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in Michigan, Illinois, and Southern California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Concordia University Wisconsin and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Pastor Hoft has served in pastoral ministry since his ordination in 2000, including many years of service in Illinois and Iowa before coming to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.


Pastor Hoft and his wife, Bethany, have been married for over 28 years. Bethany has served in Lutheran education and as a mathematics professor at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. They are blessed with two children, Nathan and Gretchen. In his free time, Pastor Hoft enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and playing pickleball. Pastor Hoft looks forward to sharing God’s Word and serving alongside the members of Beautiful Savior.

Supporting Our Ministry

Council Leadership

Keeping Our Congregation Connected

Office Staff

Our church office staff supports the daily ministry and administration of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, helping our congregation stay connected and organized.

Church Secretrary

Tania Membreno

Accounting Clerk

Kate Prohl

Our History

Vision & Beginning
1991–1992
A vision to establish new congregations in growing areas around Des Moines led to the founding of Beautiful Savior. The first gathering took place in March 1992 in a member’s home.
First Worship
1993
Worship services began at the Polk City Community Center. The congregation celebrated its first Vacation Bible School and first baptism.
Church Building
1994–1995
Construction began in 1994 with the help of Laborers for Christ. The congregation moved into its new church home in December 1995.
Leadership
1996
Rev. Mark Schwalenberg was installed as the first full-time pastor, and outreach efforts began to serve the wider community.
Growth
1998–1999
A preschool and childcare ministry was launched to serve families in the community as the church continued to grow.
Today
Present
Beautiful Savior continues to be a place of worship, learning, and service—sharing God’s love with the Polk City community and beyond.