In August 1953, sixteen members of Euclid Lutheran Church commenced plans to build a mission church to serve the fast-growing neighborhoods of western Lake County. Supported by the American Lutheran Church's Ohio Mission District Board, plans quickly moved forward. By November 1953, Rev. Lloyd B. Volkmar was called to lead the congregation, Shortly thereafter, the location of the parsonage was chosen. The first council was elected on February 17, 1954, and "Christ Lutheran Church" became the official name for the new church. Committees formed to publicize the new church, draft a constitution, and start the building process. By March 1954, the church's constitution was submitted and adopted by the congregation.

The first worship service was held March 14, 1954, in the Masonic Temple in downtown Willoughby, with about 150 people in attendance. Sunday school classes began one week later. In May 1954, the first issue of the Luthergram (later retitled the Chronicle) was published. Christ Lutheran's charter was received from the Secretary of State on April 14, 1954, and the church was accepted into the Ohio District of the American Lutheran Church at its annual convention in June 1954.

On August 8, 1954, the church approved the purchase of its property on 5555 S.O.M. Center Road for $7,500. The location was chosen for its size (3.39 acres) and its strategic location. Architects Walther and Paul Wefel were selected to design the church building, and Demshar Builders Company, Inc. was awarded the contract. On August 28, 1955, groundbreaking ceremonies took place on the site. The chapel's construction was completed the following spring and dedicated on June 24, 1956.

The congregation grew rapidly, so the church broke ground for an educational annex on September 22, 1957. Several skilled tradesmen from within the congregation lent their talents, crafts, and leadership to the construction. Two years later, on June 1, 1958, the annex was dedicated. Large Sunday school classes marked the early years of the church, as well as pageants, fellowship, the Herr'n Frau Club, Christmas caroling for shut-ins, and huge attendance at Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions.

Rev. Paul Klopfer was installed as pastor on June 7, 1963. Due to a steadily growing church family, a three-year building fund campaign was launched to build yet another addition. New additions to the education wing and chapel, as well as an extensively redecorated sanctuary, were dedicated on May 21, 1972. Despite the larger, revitalized building, the 1970s brought declining attendance and membership that mirrored the struggles of churches throughout the country. On August 29, 1982, Rev. Paul A. Gruetter was installed as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church. Along with its new pastor, the church moved forward to raise funds for an organ and remodel the parsonage. On December 12, 1988, Rev. David P. Thielo accepted the call to Christ Lutheran and was installed as pastor on February 12, 1989.

The last decade of the twentieth century brought new optimism and energy into the church. On October 27, 1990, Joyce Taipale became the first member of the congregation to be ordained into the ministry. A new Allen electronic organ was purchased in December 1992, achieving a long-pursued goal. The church raised $90,000 and, in 1994, began construction of another major addition to the building for a nursery, handicap­accessible bathroom, offices, and gathering area. In

1995, several new stained glass windows enhanced the church, as well as a storage barn and professional landscaping. The large stained glass window at the front of the church was placed and dedicated in 1997.