RSLC began as a dream in the hearts and minds of the South Wisconsin District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod in the late 1960's to early 1970's.

The land for the congregation was part of a 40 acre parcel purchased by the District as a future site. When Drexel Avenue was extended westward, the lower 12 acres was designated as the site for this new mission.

Work began in the Franklin area in 1982. Pastor George Bralick was called by the District to begin work as a missionary-at-large in September of that year. Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Greendale helped establish the new mission congregation with a generous donation toward the building program, and also with several families from that parish transfering to join the newly formed church.

The first worship service was held at the Valley View Center in Hales Corners. The congregation was organized in February of 1983 and Pastor Bralick was installed as the first pastor of the congregation in March of that year. A year later in March of '84, worship began in Franklin at the Robinwood School in Mission Hills. Risen Savior was officially accepted as a congregation of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod in June of 1985.

Construction of the original church building on the Drexel Avenue site began in July of 1986 with the help of the Synod's Laborer's for Christ Program and was completed in December.