January 2017
During 2017, Lutheran Hour Ministries is celebrating 100 years as a grassroots organization within The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In 1917, twelve men met to settle a $100,000 debt incurred by the Synod. Along the way, they formed the Lutheran Laymen’s League. God would open surprising doors ahead. It would begin with an emerging technology—radio.
The Lutheran Hour debuted on October 2, 1930, with Walter A. Maier as Speaker. His first words boomed out: “There is a God!” Following suit, Oswald Hoffmann, Dale Meyer, Ken Klaus, and other Speakers shared Christ;s hope with generations of listeners.
The popularity of The Lutheran Hour led to another development: Lutheran Hour Ministries became the ministry’s overall identity. Today, Gregory Seltz serves as Speaker on the longest-running Gospel outreach program on the radio.
This is the Life broke new ground on television, offering Christian solutions to contemporary moral questions. The drama series began with the Fisher family, then transitioned to cameos by Jack Nicholson, Buddy Ebsen, Leonard Nimoy, and others.
Phyllis Wallace hosted Woman-to-Woman for an indepth look at issues facing women from a caring, Christian perspective, Dale Meyer hosted On Main Street, which shared practical teaching on current issues from a Christ-centered, biblical perspective.
Television specials included animated features, The Intersection of Church and State (which aired nationally as paid programming on Fox Business Channel), and more.
In 1940, the first international ministry opened in the Philippines. Today, 50 nations hear the Gospel through broadcasts, Bible Correspondence Courses, Internet resources, dramas and music. Each ministry center is staffed by locals who understand the cultures.
In the Middle East, Gospel broadcasts to Muslims permeate the majority of the Arabic-speaking world.
And in the United States, hands-on programs like Men’s NetWork and MISSION U equip laypeople as Christ’s witnesses in their hometowns.
As new technologies emerge, Lutheran Hour Ministries stands at the forefront, bringing the Good News of rescue, restoration and renewal in Christ to dark corners of the globe. As you join hands with thousands of other believers, God accomplishes what none could undertake alone.
To learn more about Lutheran Hour Ministries and your opportunities to partner in this ministry today, go to lhm.org.