The first Protestant mission arrived in Palestine in 1845 to build schools, churches and other institutions. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour was built in 1956, with an aim to form an ecumenical network to support Christians and other members of the community and promote the values of human rights, dignity, peace and justice. In 1995, the Church established a scouting program offering youth an opportunity to engage in camping trips, workshops, band performances and religious processions.