Who We Are
Lutheran Hour Ministries is a global mission organization that shares Christ’s love in more than 60 countries, often bringing His message of hope to places where no other Christian organizations are present. When people experience the Gospel message through our programs, we then encourage them to respond by contacting our staff or volunteers. LHM then cultivates relationships with those who respond, ultimately facilitating a connection between them and a Christian community, thereby helping to grow the kingdom of God.
Mission:
Bringing Christ to the Nations®—and the Nations to the Church
Vision:
Every person has the opportunity to hear the Gospel in an understandable way.
Values:
Driven, Empowerment, Innovation
Stewardship, Partnership
Our Impact
People around the world experience the Gospel through LHM programs, services, or materials nearly 235 million times each week.
Nearly 300 staff members on the ground in more than 35 locations allow LHM to share the Gospel with people in more than 60 countries around the world.
Individuals completed an LHM ministry activity nearly 420,000 times last year that equipped them to share their faith more effectively.
Around 365,000 individuals are actively connected to LHM through its resources or the sharing of their time, talent, or treasure.
Documents & Resources
Annual Report
501(c)(3) Corporation
IRS Tax Identification/Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Printed Resources
LHM Infographic
LHM Organization
LHM Overview (PPT)
Affiliations
The International Lutheran Laymen’s League and LHM
The International Lutheran Laymen’s League and Lutheran Hour Ministries are the same organization. The official organization name is the International Lutheran Laymen’s League and the ministry of the organization is currently expressed through a wide range of Christ-centered outreach efforts under the name of Lutheran Hour Ministries. The organization’s business and financial affairs are overseen by a Board of Directors consisting of a chair, vice chair, and 12 directors as part of its governance structure.
LCMS/LCC/LWML Auxiliary
Along with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), the International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’l LLL)/Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) is currently recognized as an official auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Lutheran Church—Canada (LCC). The Church’s auxiliary organizations extend the ministry and mission of the LCMS and LCC and play vital roles in helping them spread the Gospel message and win hearts for Christ.
- As a recognized auxiliary, the Int’l LLL/LHM:
- Is national/international in scope and voluntary in membership and participation
- Identifies itself with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod but is not a part of the Synod’s constitutional structure
- Operates with freedom and self-determination as a ministry and is independent of the LCMS in its organization and administration, in the establishment and evaluation of its own objectives, activities and programs, and in financial matters, while complying with the responsibilities outlined in the Synod’s bylaws
- Coordinates plans and programs with those of the LCMS through regular sharing and contact with representatives of those boards to which the Synod has assigned specific responsibilities (boards of the Synod will share with the auxiliaries in a similar manner)
- Is classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) corporation
- And has membership made up of persons who are baptized members of LCMS or LCC congregations or congregations of one of their partner church bodies
The Int’l LLL/LHM receives no direct financial support from the budget of either the LCMS or the LCC and relies on gifts from its generous donors. It is currently recognized with the Best in America designation by the Independent Charities of America, one of only 2,000 charities nationwide to receive this honor.
Vision:
Every person has the opportunity to hear the Gospel in an understandable way.
Those seeking are connected to a healthy Christian community where they can grow in their faith.
Every Christian is equipped to share the Gospel in word and deed.
Engaged Christians advance this common mission as a global community.
Values:
Driven We believe that perseverance and unyielding determination are crucial to LHM’s global Gospel urgency and impact.
Empowerment We believe that people are empowered for service and leadership when they intentionally live their daily lives before God as vital members of the body of Christ.
Innovation We believe that accomplishing our mission and vision requires creative, scalable solutions utilizing research and technology.
Stewardship We believe that the bold management of resources, balancing efficiency with efficacy, provides the surest path to long-term sustainability and growth.
Partnership We believe that strategically aligning with like-minded individuals and organizations provides the opportunity for synergy, shared learning, and exponential impact.