Lutheran Hour Ministries Realigns to Meet Economic Challenges and New Initiatives
St. Louis, Mo., May 19, 2003 —As part of a restructuring strategy addressing economic realities, Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) has made staff reductions affecting its St. Louis headquarters and international ministry centers.
The restructuring eliminates 25 staff positions in St. Louis and initiates plans to close as many as 18 ministry centers worldwide, which affects approximately 60 international staff. In late April, 16 employees accepted voluntary early retirement options.
Long term, LHM will phase out several national media programs in the United States in favor of regional and local media development. The organization's flagship radio program "The Lutheran Hour®," will continue serving radio and Internet listeners. In addition, LHM will continue to proclaim the Gospel in more than 36 countries around the world.
The International Lutheran Laymen's League Board of Governors on April 26 approved a balanced budget of approximately $25 million for LHM's June 1 fiscal year. LHM's income projections reflect the economic downturn that is being experienced by many non-profit organizations.
The Board also affirmed a set of five strategic initiatives aimed at stimulating ministry growth. The initiatives are paraphrased as follows: promoting evangelism and follow-up training; using effective media to proclaim the Gospel worldwide; increasing the linkage between LHM and Lutheran congregations; reaching ethnically diverse audiences; and engaging youth and young adults in ministry.
"Our organization is making difficult strategic decisions at a time of significant change and economic uncertainty," said Rodger Hebermehl, LHM executive director. "We are convinced that through changes God will continue to unfold opportunities for ministry, while Lutheran Hour Ministries remains committed to the mission of bringing Christ to the nations and the nations to the church."
Acting on behalf of the organization's auxiliary connection to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Lutheran Church-Canada (LCC), Hebermehl advised LCMS President Dr. Gerald Kieschnick and LCC President Dr. Ralph Mayan of the strategic developments in a letter.
In reflecting on the efforts of the affected employees, Hebermehl added, "We thank the Lord for the service of these workers, and we continue to look to Him for guidance and support."
Lutheran Hour Ministries is the media outreach ministry
of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League, an auxiliary of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran
Church—Canada. The ministry airs TV, radio and Internet programming
in 44 countries and has ministry centers in 41 countries. It is based in St. Louis,
MO. Its flagship radio program in North America is “The
Lutheran Hour,” the world’s oldest continually broadcast Gospel
radio program, airing since 1930.
For more information, please contact:
Kathy Bernard
(800) 944-3450, ext. 4152
