In a rapidly changing times politically and otherwise. The history of South Africa was in clear need of establishing a unique mission congregation within the Lutheran church in Johannesburg. This was more evident in the mid eighties.

The Central DC then took a decision to establish such a congregation in the centre of Johannesburg where most of the movement and activities was taking place. This was done having considered the following reasons: The movement of the black middle income earners from townships such as Soweto to the city and its suburbs created a challenge whereby such people because of a lack of appropriate place of worship would easily join other churches or stop attending church completely. The country was moving towards embracing a multi cultural and multi racial society, hence it was important for the Lutheran Church to move with this innovation. English was becoming a medium of communication given the diversity of the people residing in Johannesburg and her neighboring towns. It was obvious that the young and next generation of the day would have no option but be comfortably conversant in English More people moved from all the corners of Africa and some moved to the city permanently or on a temporary stay whilst they studied, did business or even short visits. This facility would cater for all across racial and colour lines Young people from outside Johannesburg attending universities, technikons, and model C schools would find a place to worship as well. This was due to most institutions become open to all.

Johannesburg parish could no longer cope with these needs because of its limitations of being fundamentally a workers church. A parish of mostly domestic workers who are largely influenced by their own home based churches in Limpopo, Kwazulu-Natal, and NorthWest to name a few. These workers attended their services from 3pm on Sunday only after their employers or bosses released them after conducting lunch activities.

The Initial Congregation Established In 1984 the DC called a Missionary Pastor from the USA, to start a congregation to cater for the group of people described above. The reverend Thomas Soedner arrived to start the work working in parallel with the afternoon pastor, Rev Ngcobo based at 14 Davies, Doornfontein, downtown Johannesburg. This congregation was fully independent from any other Parish but reported directly to the DC. The operations in this congregation were best suited for the background given above. The schedules were as follows: The worship services were held on Sunday mornings (at Doornfontein Church)Holy communion administered every Sunday (given the numbers and the financial comfort)The church collections were directly contributed to the DC and the Pastor was comfortably paid his monthly salary. Rev Thomas Soedner had to leave in 1987 and the work he was doing by default had to be done by the afternoon pastor Rev Ngcobo. He (Rev. Ngcobo) had to minister to the St. Thomas congregation, a job he was never hired to do and that never fell within his due restriction. With great challenges and difficulties he assumed the duty. In the end St Thomas became part of the Johannesburg Parish. This task, Rev. Ngcobo took and managed with great expertise, given the two different cultures of St. Thomas and the rest of the congregations in the Parish. This was a clear abandonment of the original plan for St. Thomas to become a Missionary congregation; it was reduced to being an English Congregation of the Parish. Late in 2003, when Rev Ngcobo retired from full time Ministry, the St Thomas Congregation was given back her status as a Parish within the Western Circuit. Rev Richard Agullhas was appointed in 2004 as a Pastor in the church. The church is continuing to grow from strength to strength. Today it accommodates both local Lutherans and those that come from the entire African continent. It boost high membership (see membership) and contributes immensely on the development of the Circuit and the Diocese.