The Lutheran Layman

THE

LUTHERAN L AYMAN Your Partner in HIS Mission!

May - June 2015

How

Child-Friendly is Our Church?

By Scott Schmieding

When is the last time you observed children playing on a giant inflatable or jumping in a bounce house? As soon as an see page 3

Photos courtesy of Scott Schmieding.

‘The Journey’ DVD Series ‘Level’ Evangelism

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Bott Now Carries ‘Hour’

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Bible Studies Top 45,000 Persecution Today

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Lutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63141-8557

St. Louis, MO. Permit No. 619

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

speaking up

by Rev. Gregory Seltz Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

Legacy and

Opportunity

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hat’s the Spirit! Legacies only matter if someone carries them on. In my previous article in The Lutheran Layman, I spoke about the powerful legacy of The Lutheran Hour and its first speaker, Dr. Walter A. Maier. Now I’d like to focus on the fact that this legacy endures and why that is so vital not only to us, to our beloved Lutheran Church, but to our very nation and world. The legacy of The Lutheran Hour lies in the fact that we continue to be a “Public Voice of the Gospel” in a world that is increasingly becoming deaf to the things of God and defeated by the rebellions of sin and unrighteousness. The legacy of The Lutheran Hour, the “fighting, persevering spirit of Dr. Maier to get the Word of saving Grace on the airwaves,” to become a voice of the Gospel that allowed millions to hear of Jesus when they otherwise might not have—that is something to be celebrated, to be proud of, yes! But, more importantly it is something to be “carried on no matter the challenges!”

St. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11, “What I received from the Lord, I passed on to you!”

That’s a spirit that stands ready to be faithful to the task of sharing the Gospel with the next generation in ways that they can truly understand.

That’s the spirit of every one of the next Speakers of The Lutheran Hour, but that spirit was especially evident in the person and work of Dr. Oswald Hoffmann. If there’s one thing that typified his time as the voice of The Lutheran Hour, it would be that he loved to go anywhere, anytime, to speak to anyone about the Good News of Jesus.

Wow! The persevering spirit to expand and deliver the Good News of Jesus on the public airwaves not only insured the legacy of The Lutheran Hour; it expanded its reach!

L AYMAN

We need to realize at this point in time that legacies matter little if they’re not carried on, expanded, delivered to the next generation and the next, and the next after that. There’s a spirit needed to do that. There’s a power necessary to carry that work on. With the Spirit of Christ and the power of His Word, The Lutheran Hour through its Lutheran Hour Ministries is finding ways to expand the reach of the “Voice of the Gospel” that we’ve been granted to share.

Who could have imagined from those early days that the radio ministry would expand, that millions more would hear the Gospel? Who could have guessed that the Lutheran Church would go on TV, producing a show called This is the Life, on air for many years? And who would have guessed that The Lutheran Hour and Lutheran Hour Ministries would grow to become the evangelism resource for the Lutheran Church and beyond?

What if I told you there is more to come?

Hopefully, prayerfully, I hope that you’d say, “Pastor Seltz, that’s a legacy I’d like to carry on with you!” And you know what? I’d be proud to do that work, that labor of love with you. There are millions who still don’t know Jesus as Savior and we get to continue to be this wonderful public voice of the Gospel to reach their eyes, ears, and heart!

From radio, to TV, now to the Internet— what’s next? We’ll find out together, by the power of His Spirit! n

your life

Every Christian life is a witness

your community Build relationships that lead to opportunities for authentic witness

your world Reach out to the nations

w w w. l h m . o r g

Hear Rev. Gregory Seltz on The Lutheran Hour and online at www.lhm.org!

The Lutheran

Vol. 86, No. 3 May-June 2015

Dr. Gerald Perschbacher (LL.D.), Editor • Andrea Thompson, Layout

Subscription: $5. Printed bi-monthly. Send color photos for use. Photos sent to the paper may not be returned. Lutheran Hour Ministries, The Lutheran Hour, Bringing Christ to the Nations, BCTN, By Kids...For Kids, JCPlayZone, Life...revised, Living for Tomorrow, This is the Life, On Main Street, Ayer, Hoy y Siempre, Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, Esta Es La Vida, Para el Camino, Woman to Woman, Family Time, Teacher to Teacher, Reaching Out and The Hoffmann Society are ® registered marks, or SM service marks. The Puzzle Club is a service mark and trademark of Int’l LLL. Copyright 2015, Int’l LLL. LHM Response Center: 1-800-876-9880

Bringing Christ to the Nations — and the Nations to the Church

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The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

facebook.com/LutheranHourMinistries vimeo.com/luthhourmin @LHMglobalmin

How Child-Friendly… from page 1

LHM Brochures make a hit in

LCMS Baptism Trends LCMS Baptism Trends 1990 - 2013: 1990 - 2013:

“How child-friendly is our church?

It is imperative we answer this question both as individual Christians and together as members of the Body of Christ, His Church.”

inflatable is filled with air, it also quickly fills up with children and laughter. When children take off their shoes and climb into an inflatable it fills a person’s heart with great joy to see them smiling, playing, and having fun. Blowing up an inflatable is like setting out a welcome mat for children.

The primary purpose of this article is to prompt discussions of a very important question: How child-friendly is our church? It is imperative we answer this question both as individual Christians and together as members of the Body of Christ, His Church.

Lutheran Hour Ministries is and always has been child-friendly. For generations the mission and passion of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League through its Lutheran Hour Ministries has been to use all of the human tools God gives us—radio, television, the internet, social media, and other communication tools— for the purpose of Bringing Christ to the Nations— and the Nations to the Church. The purpose of LHM is in harmony with the focus of this article and our desire for “Bringing Christ to children and children to the Church.”

A wide variety of techniques, tools, and ideas can be used in the service of the Gospel to bring Christ to children and children to His church.

We take the words and actions of Jesus seriously. He commands us in Matthew 28:19 & 20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Christ’s mandate to “make disciples of all nations” is what motivates our mission zeal.

When Jesus says “all nations,” this includes God’s children of all ages.

There is no greater joy than when we witness the miracle of a child receiving God’s gift of Holy Baptism. The greatest spiritual need for God’s children is to receive Divine forgiveness and salvation, because we are all conceived and born in sin (see Psalm 51:5). Through the miracle of Baptism God’s saving Name is enjoined with our name as forgiveness, grace, and faith are poured out upon us.

Sadly, a growing number of young parents and children are not active in church. As America becomes more secularized, more families are not making church involvement a priority. The number of baptisms in The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod has dropped dramatically over past decades.

Year

Number of Baptisms Reported in LCMS

1990 52,569 (1990 LCMS Statistical Yearbook, p. 197) 2000 33,865 (August 2014, LCMS Reporter insert) 2010 23,464 (Sept. 28, 2011, LCMS Reporter online) 2013 21,318 (Sept. 3, 2014, LCMS Reporter online) This downward trend in the number of baptisms in the LCMS is alarming! It stands in stark contrast to the population growth on planet earth.

Historical Milestones of of Historical Milestones World Population Growth: World Population Growth: year

world population growth

2011 7 billion or 12* 1999 6 billion 1987 5 billion 1974 4 billion 1960 3 billion 1927 2 billion 1804 1 billion Source: www.worldometers.info/world-population *According to the United Nations, world population reached 7 billion on Oct. 31, 2011. The US Census Bureau made a lower estimate, for which the 7 billion mark was only reached on March 12, 2012.

see next page

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

3

them into our congregation? What practical things can we do at our church to create a child-friendly atmosphere? What practical things can we do as a church to send a clear signal that children and their families are important to Jesus—and to us?

We are facing complex, new realities today related to changing attitudes about religion in America. More people are becoming apathetic or even antagonistic about organized religion. For example, the fastest growing religious group in our country is now comprised of those who describe their religious affiliation as “none.” These so-called “Nones” are everywhere—in our families, our schools, our workplaces and neighborhoods. Many of the “Nones” are among young families.

can we do that send a clear signal that children and families are valued in our church? How can we show children and their families that Christians are people of joy who love to have fun? What could our church do to send a message to young parents that their children— God’s children—are an important priority to us?

So, what can we do to bring more children to saving faith in Jesus? The answer is: Nothing!

How Child-friendly… from page 3 The population of the planet is growing rapidly, yet the number of baptisms in the LCMS is declining significantly. How do we respond to such negative numbers and trends? Some would answer: “Have more babies” and that would truly add to our numbers. But what about all of the babies and children already on earth who are not baptized or involved in a church?

What can we do to reach out to children and young families more effectively and welcome

We recognize from God’s Word that our human efforts contribute nothing to the salvation of a person. Salvation is a pure gift from God. Saving faith is only created by God’s Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3 verifies the fact that “...no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.”

Yet what can we do to grab the attention, welcome and attract more children and their families to our church? This answer is: Many things!

It is imperative to examine what we are doing—or not doing—as a church that may be causing children and families to stay away from the Church.

What might we change in our church that may be hindering or keeping children away from Jesus? What things

The Power of a Ring Pop I keep a generous supply of ring pops in my office.

It is fun to have these handy to share with children at church related activities. At times I will also hand out individual packs of fruit snacks. It is amazing to see the positive reactions parents and children have as I give them such simple items.

As I hand out a ring pop to a child, I freely share a very brief Christian witness by saying something like, “Here’s a gift for you. It reminds us that Jesus gives us the gift of His love each day.” This simple, yet intentional, act almost always makes the child (and parents) smile.

Be fun and creative. Consider trying a similar approach to share Christian joy with children in your church using an individually wrapped “life-saver” or other item. Whenever we interact with children in fun ways, we always do so in the presence of a parent and with parental permission. The purpose of any interaction we have with children is to welcome them in our midst as beloved, baptized members of Christ’s family of faith.

— SS 4

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

Create a “Make a Joyful Noise Station”

Do you hear that? What’s that joyful noise? It is the sound of children playing instruments and singing outside!

At the beginning of this past school year Immanuel Lutheran School in St. Charles, Mo., purchased a two-octave marimba to place outside on nice days in front of our preschool entrance. As soon as children saw it, the joyful music began!

Now as families arrive in the mornings for preschool, almost all of the young children want to stop and grab the mallets and make music. As the children make music, all those listening smile and laugh.

Lutheran Christians value God’s gift of music. An idea to extend our praises before and after worship services and at other times is to create a mobile “Make a Joyful Noise Station.” This outdoor musical station can be moved around to various locations on different days. On weekdays it may be near a preschool or school entrance. On weekends the “Make a Joyful Noise Station” would appear near the worship entrance or where children gather to go to Sunday school. It can also be set up in an outside courtyard or other fellowship area.

Consider creating a “Make a Joyful Noise Station” at your church and/or school. In addition to a marimba, other expressive instruments can be used such as triangles, drums, tambourines, or whatever you can brainstorm. As we promote ways for

Our best guidance for becoming a more child-friendly church comes from Jesus. He demonstrated through His words and actions that children are important to God. During the Baptismal liturgy, we hear a Gospel reading from Mark 10:13-16: “And they were bringing children to Him that [Jesus] might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands on them.”

Jesus used children as a profound object lesson to explain the Kingdom of God. Children do not choose their parents; they are born into a family. As a child is dependent on a parent to survive physically, we are also dependent upon God for everything. Children do nothing to merit blessings; they simply receive blessings flowing from the unconditional love of their parents. This is also the way it is between each of us and our Father in heaven.

Jesus says, “Let the little children come unto Me and do not hinder them.”

As we hear His words, we need to attempt an objective evaluation of what our church is, or is not, doing today to put these words of Jesus into practice. Jesus warns us to remove any hindrances or barriers that may be keeping God’s children (of any age) away from Him. If we want to see an increase in the number of children present and involved in our churches, it would make sense to arrange our priorities and pump more resources into activities that help make this happen. As we assess what we are doing, we attempt to identify and implement best practices that attract and involve more children into our congregations.

Engaging children in the church is not rocket science. It is about providing meaningful and joyful activities and developing relationships. It may be as simple as offering and inviting children (members

children to praise God both inside and outside of formal worship, we show that God’s children were created to praise God at all times and places in life.

Psalm 95: 1&2: “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”

Setting up a “Make a Joyful Noise Station” is an attention grabber. It is something that makes a memorable, positive impact on all who see it, hear it, and play it! It sends the message that God’s gift of music is a priority in our church and an important way God’s children (of all ages) express thanks and praise to God! Go to www.lhm.org and click OUR MINISTRIES for resourceful ideas.

— SS

and nonmembers) to various church activities. After all, when we do this, they often do come and enter our church doors.

Then children and their families will hear God’s truth and lifechanging Gospel message and experience the Photo courtesy of LHM. love of Jesus with other Christians.

Some solutions for increasing the number of children present in our church are actually NOT really theological; they are quite mundane and practical. For example, one practical example with a positive outcome has to do with having children sing often in worship.

It is a fact that whenever a group of children sings for a church service, worship attendance almost always increases significantly. In light of this fact, we should invest time, money, and effort into having dynamic music programs that frequently involve children. This may seem very obvious, but are we doing it sufficiently?

What would happen if we expanded what we are currently doing with children and music? What if we set a goal of having various groups of children sing, say, 25 weekends a year instead of the current 10 times a year (apply your own numbers)? Sure, it may take a great amount of effort, resources, time, and leadership, but it would almost certainly bear fruit by involving more children and family members in church activities and worship.

Having children sing for worship is similar to putting up a bounce house at a party or fellowship event. How often have we said or heard this statement: “Whenever the kids sing, church is full.” Having children sing for church services involves and attracts additional family members and friends to worship.

Therefore, it makes a ton of sense we act on this fact as we strive to be a childfriendly church. see page 7

A Simple, Intentional Way to Share the Love of Jesus with Children (and Parents) Blessing a child with the gift of a Christian book can make a positive and lasting impact on children and parents.

Whenever I visit young parents in the hospital who are celebrating the birth of a child, I bring the baby a Christian book to “begin” their library. Before offering a prayer of thanksgiving, I encourage parents to read the book to their child. If the new baby has one or more siblings who are young children, I also make an effort to give them a Christian book. If I miss finding out a family is in the hospital with a new baby, I attempt to give them a Christian book at the time of the Baptism.

Think of young children you could bless with a Christian children’s book. Go to www.CPH.org to see a huge selection of excellent book ideas for children. Children’s booklets are also available from LHM (www.lhm.org).

Giving away Christian children’s books is an investment that provides a positive Christian witness and is remembered and appreciated by parents (based on the many written and verbal expressions of thanks I have received). Such a simple practice is one of countless, intentional ways we can demonstrate that we are a child-friendly church.

Ask yourself: What children—family members, friends and/or others—can I bless with a Christian children’s book in the days ahead to share the love of Jesus? n — SS The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

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Author Suzie Sallee is pleased with the response to the LHM booklet issued for children this past Easter.

New Bible Study Features Four Transformed Lives

By Paul Schreiber

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ourneys—life is full of them. Some we travel easily. Others are rough affairs, full of hairpin curves, nasty entanglements, and offering no guarantee they lead anywhere. The individuals in The Journey from Unbelief to Faith trekked life paths that took them in several directions. All were leading to the same destination, however—a life without God and the hope He alone can give.

Drawn from the back-stories of these four individuals, this Bible study shows God at work in the world. Regardless of our troubled pasts, entrenched beliefs, willful antagonisms, or preconceived notions, God can cut through our callous exteriors, making a shambles of the selfdeluding facades we erect to keep Him out.

Consider the lives of those interviewed.

Disillusioned by a childhood of violence and abuse from her belligerent, alcoholic father, one woman’s journey was set in motion by the words on a record album. For an Orthodox Jew it was a lengthy apprenticeship—in the back row of a Christian church—that became for him a brand new kind of life. For a New Age stargazer, a woman deep into Eastern religions who charted other people’s futures by astrology, it was an attempt to get Christianity out of her system that eventually won her over. And for one young man, an allegiance to evolutionary theory and science trumped any idea of the spiritual at work in his life, until he grasped the nature of faith.

But before faith took root in these renegade hearts, each had their own battles to wage.

For Pat Burke, whose father was an explosive tyrant in her youth, she never knew where his alcoholfueled temper might take him. “My dad never worked that I knew of … He drank. That was what he did. He drank and knocked us around, primarily my mother and myself. He was the meanest man that I ever knew, and that I’ve ever met, to this day.”

For Eddie Balfour, raised an Orthodox Jew, Christians and the Christian faith were always anathema to him. “Imagine walking to school every day and having an organized group of young children standing on the corner where the police lady is taking you across the street, yelling at the top of their lungs, ‘Christ-killer! Christ-Killer! You

killed Jesus Christ!’ I don’t even know if these kids knew what they were screaming, but it was certainly intimidating to Jewish children.”

For Marcia Montenegro, a licensed astrologer, the heavens and Eastern religions held the clue to her future, leaving no room for the God of Christianity. “I believed in reincarnation that when we die we come back again and have another life, and that we have many, many lifetimes as we spiritually progress, until we were ready to merge with this oneness which, I believed, was God.” For Tyler Mann, committed to a worldview where science—not God—reigned supreme, he was suspect of anything that smacked of God or things spiritual. “Without growing up with any kind of God or religion of any form, I basically went out and sought my own and found science. With this science and evolution I personally felt that there’s no need for a God to exist, and this became the truth for me and my beliefs.”

Along the way, each person met individuals who shared their faith, took time to answer questions, listened to their heated objections, and showed the love of Christ in big and small ways—ways that ultimately made a difference in their acknowledgment of God, their sin, and their need for a Savior.

In four sessions The Journey from Unbelief to Faith conveys the considerable pilgrimage each of these individuals made as they traveled from the outer edge of unbelief and apathy—pulled along by the Holy Spirit, often despite themselves—to the Christ-centered faith they now devotedly embrace.

While self-imposed and outside obstacles stood in their way, they pressed on, looking for answers, asking questions, and finally encountering the cross at the end of their search. That they made the journey at all is testament to the Holy Spirit’s persistent work in their lives, transforming their alienation into acceptance—and belief.

Each of The Journey’s four sessions opens with host comments by Rev. Dr. John Nunes. As always, an in-depth discussion guide complements the videos, giving relevant Scriptures, questions to consider, and numerous Internet links. You can find it all at www.lhm.org/men. n

“This Bible study shows God at work in the world.”

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The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

The ‘Little Booklet’ that Could:

The Easter Story

By Paul Schreiber

T

he celebration of Easter has come and gone for 2015, but the message of Jesus’ resurrection will ring on in the hearts and minds of kids. Helping that along is The Easter Story, a little booklet of rhymes and wonderful illustrations that has been flying out the door in record numbers at Lutheran Hour Ministries this spring. At the time of this writing, more than 64,000 copies have been distributed.

“Orders have come in from parents, grandparents, teachers, principals, food pantries, churches, and even privately owned businesses! Many who have ordered have been excited to share with us how they are getting these little booklets into the hands of children throughout the U.S and Canada and as far away as Japan,” said Suzie Sallee, coordinator of witness tools for LHM and the author of the booklet.

Here’s one example of how The Easter Story is being used. The details come from Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lang of Lakeland, Florida. According to the Langs, their neighbors were being visited by their great grandchildren and the Langs were invited to stop by.

One of the great granddaughters had a copy of The Easter Story and asked Mrs. Lang to read it to her.

The Langs were so taken by the rhyming story and the importance of the message they decided to order 500 copies to donate to the local non-denominational church they attend. Each child was given a copy to add to their baskets, and all 500 booklets were given away.

In other instances, a business owner of a hardware store gave away a free copy with each purchase. Food pantries added a booklet to boxes of food given away to those in need. Even the parents of a young teacher living in Japan sent copies to be given to children in their daughter’s class, school and community! The Easter Story—it’s the kind of story that’s meant to be given away.

Sallee sees the large distribution numbers as a real blessing: “We are given the privilege and honor to share God’s love with His children. We have been blessed to offer His story to all who need to hear the Good News!

He has risen! He has risen indeed! Hallelujah!” n

How Child-Friendly…

How child-friendly is our church? It is vital that we ask

from page 5

How do we honestly answer this question: How child-friendly is our church? As we strive to find practical answers and solutions to this question, we are simply following Jesus’ stern admonition to His disciples in His day and today to welcome children into the presence of Jesus.

How would each of us answer these questions: • How many children do I know by name?

• When is the last time before, during,

or after church I intentionally knelt down

and gave a child my undivided attention?

• In what ways could I be more intentional

about encouraging or supporting young

parents with children?

• What goes through my mind when I hear

a baby crying around me during worship?

• How can I reflect the love of Jesus to

children I encounter at church activities?

• What can I do to invite more children

to church activities?

As the saying goes: The biggest room in any home is the room for improvement. What can be improved about how I as a church member and we as a church family interact with children?

Sending the message that we are a child-friendly church happens as we plan and host an Easter egg hunt, a trunk or treat event, a puppet troupe, a picnic, or countless other child-friendly activities. It is just a matter of being intentional about these things and doing them.

Child Friendly

and answer this question and take action to do all we can do to let the little children come before Jesus. This question calls for continual reflection and action as a church.

If blowing up a bounce house grabs the attention of children and their families, we should do it. If handing out ring pops, fruit snacks, and Christian books to children helps begin and build a Christian friendship with children and their families, then we should do it. If offering more opportunities for children to sing for worship increases the number of people at worship, then we should do this—and much more!

When we do things which welcome children to our church, we are simply doing what Jesus did and told us to do: “Let the little children come unto Me and do not hinder them.” n Rev. Scott Schmieding is senior pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School, St. Charles, Mo.

ing Learn

resourCes

to

Pray

From lutheran hour ministries Learning to Pray, Sharing Your Faith, and The Bully are pocket-sized booklets with super-sized messages. Ideal for giving to kids in the classroom, teachers can use these fun and colorful resources to discuss prayer, witnessing, and intimidation—each in a way kids will understand and remember.

A classroom set of 25 booklets is just $6 (plus S&H).

New Booklet coming soon do you Know who Jesus is?

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

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‘Faithfulness’ is Crucial to Life President Mirly, please tell us a little about your prior service in the church.

“I encourage congregations to be committed to remaining faithful to the Scriptures, faithful in worship, faithful in Bible study, faithful in assisting their families raise their children in the ‘discipline and instruction of the Lord’ (Eph. 6:4), focused upon faithfully witnessing Jesus Christ to members and community, and being filled with Christ-like compassion for those in need.”

I was elected president of the Missouri District in February 2006 and installed in March of that year. Previous to my election, I served as a Lutheran elementary teacher for nine years. As a pastor, I served two congregations: Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Mo. (also called Orchard Farm) and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Olivette, Mo.

As district president, what do you see as the top challenges confronting Lutheran churches today? Are those challenges different than ones that face non-Lutheran congregations?

The most significant challenge for any congregation is the calling and retention of their pastor or pastors. Pastors, as is true of all people, have unique gifts from God. Critical to a congregation’s ministry is the matching of a pastor’s God given gifts with the congregation’s needs.

The second challenge is for a congregation to develop its ministry with a vision and mission that is in alignment with the needs of its members and community. Congregation and community needs vary greatly beyond the basic need of Word and Sacrament ministry. I believe the saying is correct, “Those who have no vision perish.”

The third challenge is engaging the lay members of the congregation in ministry. In Ephesians this is called, “equipping the saints.” (Ephesians 4:12)

Are those challenges much different than past challenges that faced congregations?

The three challenges I have identified are not necessarily different today, but they are definitely more critical. The continued ministry of a congregation is dependent upon its pastor and members understanding their roles and carrying them out with passion under God’s blessing.

What about challenges for congregations in rural communities versus large cities? Are they very different?

Some challenges are the same, but every ministry has a set of unique challenges. This is one of the challenges for developing a healthy ministry. When pastor and people are able to identify the unique challenges to their ministry and how best to meet the challenges, no matter where the congregation is located, it will have a better opportunity to have a healthy ministry than if they are unable to do this. Unfortunately, many pastors and congregations never move past Sunday morning.

What major benefits do Lutheran congregations bring to a community?

A high point in President Mirly’s career was the honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree bestowed on him by Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, in 2007.

First and foremost, a Lutheran congregation provides Word and Sacrament, Law/ Gospel ministry. This provides a bedrock foundation upon which to anchor family and personal lives. A healthy congregation also strives to invite its community into fellowship around its ministry. The goal should always be for all people to experience the love and mercy of God in Christ Jesus. Many congregations become the “face of Christ” within the community, ministering to the basic daily needs of the citizens—especially to those who are struggling with life.

“Organizations such as Lutheran Hour Ministries provide Christ-centered inspiration, motivation, and programs to assist congregations in identifying the critical spiritual and human needs of people.”

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The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

Dr. Ray Mirly is retiring this summer as president of the Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, a post he has held since 2006. Here are some insights he offers as the church advances. The interviewer was Dr. Gerald Perschbacher, editor of The Lutheran Layman.

Don’t Forget to Vote

by May 30!

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What can organizations within the LCMS do to help equip congregations to meet the challenges? What help can come from non-Lutheran organizations or agencies?

Organizations such as Lutheran Hour Ministries provide Christ-centered inspiration, motivation, and programs to assist congregations in identifying the critical spiritual and human needs of people. This occurs in the normal day-to-day ministry as well as during times of crisis and disaster. In Missouri we attempt to coordinate our efforts through the LCMS, the LCMS district, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Recognized Service Organizations and government agencies.

Assistance is as basic as bringing Christian comfort and consolation to coordinating food and clothing distribution, recruiting volunteer help to repair or rebuild, etc.

What types of progress have you seen in congregational advancement over the nine years of service you have given to the church as district president?

During my three terms as district president there has been major flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, a catastrophic F-5 tornado in Joplin, and the ongoing needs of countless people throughout the state. District congregations have opened their hearts, homes, and treasuries to provide needed assistance to people struggling to recover or simply survive.

District congregations have become much more mission minded. Over the past nine years we have gone from a few mission planting efforts to our current 52. Lutheran pre-schools, elementary, and high schools have been started. While many denominations and even LCMS Districts are experiencing decline, the ministry of the Missouri District has remained stable in number of souls, congregations, and finances.

We certainly can give God the glory for that! Do you have more words of encouragement and ideas for the future that can guide congregations in years to come?

I encourage congregations to be committed to remaining faithful to the Scriptures, faithful in worship, faithful in Bible study, faithful in assisting their families raise their children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4), focused upon faithfully witnessing Jesus Christ to members and community, and being filled with Christ-like compassion for those in need.

he annual election for the International Lutheran Laymen’s League Board of Directors is underway!

Contributing members of Lutheran Hour Ministries are entitled to vote for the open positions on the Board, as long as they are members of a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or Lutheran Church—Canada. The open positions in 2015 are for vice chair and four directors.

Biographical information on each candidate was included in the March-April issue of The Lutheran Layman, and voting instructions were mailed to you recently. Voting is also available online by visiting https://vote.election-america.com/LHM and entering your election code plus voting PIN to access the web site.

Don’t delay! Your vote must be received by the independent tabulation firm no later than May 30th to be counted. Election results will be publicized this summer as soon as the election committee can verify the ballots cast.

If you have questions, please send an e-mail to LHM@election-america.com or call 1-866-384-9978. n

Schedule your new member claSS and begin recruiting today!

Thank you for your comments, and may the Lord bless your future years. n Dr. Mirly reviews documents with Donna Seipp, who served as his pastoral support specialist.

Since 1978, Seipp has provided secretarial and administrative support to three consecutive district presidents in Missouri.

All 12 sessions include: • 6-7 minute video • Doctrinally sound content • Discussion guide • PowerPoint presentation Free, customizable promotional resources online!

Get started at:

lhm.org/godconnects

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

9

onthemove

by Kurt Buchholz President & CEO Lutheran Hour Ministries

‘Level’ Evangelism I

have always been a proponent of keeping it simple. We often get mired in the complexity of issues and challenges then lose sight of the real goal. We wrongly assume that really big problems and challenges need really complex solutions. In evangelism, sometimes the tendency can be to look for new and innovative programs, tactics, and strategies. But I am convinced that evangelism can be as simple as investing in a relationship with another person as you live out your Christian witness in what you do, how you love, and what you say.

Basically: investing in people and not hiding who you are in Christ under a bushel (Luke 11:33).

When you keep it simple, you quickly identify the challenges of doing that. I believe the hard part of evangelism today is what we are asked to give—not in terms of tithe and donations; those can be easy for us, especially in North America. The hard investment we are asked to make is something that is much more valuable than wealth: our time and our emotions.

Many Christians in the western world are levelone evangelists. There is a level zero but since you’re reading this article, I assume you’re at least at level one. Level one is the Christian that goes to church, believes faith should be shared, and gives to the church and other organizations to support evangelistic activity. Level two is where you read some books, engage in a training event, and actively try to seek opportunities to have faith conversations.

This intention is great but there is a level three where things get rather difficult. It is the hard part of simple evangelism.

Level three is the sacrificial investment of our most coveted possessions: the investment of our time and emotions in the life of another sinful, hurting person. Think about it; you can give a few dollars to a homeless person on the street without even breaking stride, and those few dollars won’t have a significant impact on your lifestyle. But what would it take for you to stop what you are doing, miss a flight, be late to a meeting, or even walk into church late to invest that time in a stranger whom God has placed in your life? You are starting to feel the inconvenience, but that is just the beginning. What if you also invested your emotions in such strangers? If you wept with them, laughed with them, and empathetically coowned their suffering? “‘I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these

brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me’” (Matthew 25: 36-40).

That sounds uncomfortable. This is the hard part of the simple act of sharing your faith and loving others. But we can do it because of the hard work that Christ has already done for us on the Good Friday Cross.

At Lutheran Hour Ministries, we are challenging ourselves to face the hard parts of our mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. Keep us in prayer as we constantly seek more effective ways to transition relationships started through digital and print media and through the Internet into relationships with individual believers and communities of faith. Pray with us as we seek to change the culture of the church, the very DNA, to be more responsive to God’s call to bear His Gospel witness in an unbelieving world. And further, to fit each and every layperson with new lenses through which they see their family, their community, and the world. New lenses which highlight the opportunities for faith sharing that surround us in a dark world.

Let’s keep it simple and roll up our sleeves to do the hard work needed to be the light on the hill that Christ, through His death and resurrection, made us to be! n

An Important Question…

M

What are the causes that define you?

ost people race to responses like family or freedom. These are powerfully important issues, but ultimately faith is the central definition of every believer’s life. For believers, our life and our mission here on earth is The Great Commission itself—and doing what we can to see the Gospel of Jesus Christ shared with every person who would hear.

Lutheran Hour Ministries is grateful for many Christians who make a wonderful impact on the sharing of the Gospel through years of faithful support for LHM. Many of these Christians have left powerful testaments as they’ve gone on to their ultimate reward in Heaven—one that will last beyond a lifetime—by including Lutheran Hour Ministries in their will. Taking this step allows individuals to be defined by their passion for sharing the Good News, even after they’ve joined their Father in Heaven.

Lutheran Hour Ministries is honored to include these faithful people in The Hoffmann Society upon learning that LHM is included in their estate plans. The Hoffmann Society is a faithful and growing group of 3,500 individuals who have professed that they want to support the cause of sharing Christ’s name during their life and after they go on to their eternal glory.

Many people have included Lutheran Hour Ministries in their final plans and have not shared this decision. If you are one of these people, you are a member of The Hoffmann Society! For more information, or to tell us we’re in your estate plans, please contact LHM at lhm-gift@lhm.org or 1-877-333-1963. n

Thank you for being a part of the cause that defines Lutheran Hour Ministries:

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The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church!

Bott Network now Carries ‘Hour’ T

he Lutheran Hour will begin airing on 101 stations of the Bott Radio Network as of May 31. “This ministry partnership with Bott marks the milestone of pushing our reach to over one million listeners each and every week in the U.S.,” says Kurt Buchholz, president & CEO of LHM. The total count of radio stations airing the program now passes the 1,600 mark. The move is timely: “In a society that is moving steadily away from Christianity, being present with a clear Gospel proclamation is the first step in reaching nonbelievers with the love of Christ,” says Buchholz.

Initially Rev. Gregory Seltz (Speaker of The Lutheran Hour) along with Rev. Dr. Mark Larson (who directs the U.S. Ministries division of LHM), and Jim Arand on the LHM staff negotiated with Bott officials. Arand reports, “Bott approached us to fill prime slots formerly used by Peace With God issued by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

The reason The Lutheran Hour was approached was because of its uncompromising position on the authority of the Bible. That was a major consideration when we were offered the slots.”

The BGEA realigned delivery of its program, thus opening the early air time on Bott stations.

Arand goes on: “This is a network agreement which means that the stations will grow as Bott

expands. Richard Bott worked directly with us. This is an automatically renewing agreement.”

Buchholz is quick to add that the prayerful financial support of individuals is strongly encouraged. “Together we can build on this first step to reach out with loving relationships and welcome new listeners into the body of believers.”

The Lutheran Hour will air on most Bott stations at 8 a.m. on Sundays. Other Bott stations will air it at 9 a.m. Listeners are encouraged to check local listings or go to www.lhm.org for details.

Rev. Seltz is well pleased: “I am excited for The Lutheran Hour to be a part of the Bott Radio Network.

Bott is known for having well-respected speakers and ministries that stand on the Word of God, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a time when the pressure is to water down God’s Word on radio and television.

It is a great privilege to be given the Sunday Morning time slot which was home to programs by the BGEA for over 50 years. For Richard Bott to think of us…is an opportunity I will cherish for a long time.”

Richard Bott, II, is president & CEO of the network with stations in 15 states reaching nearly 50 million people.

The network’s goal is to provide quality Bible teaching with Christian news and information delivered by some of the greatest Bible teachers of today.

Arand adds that adding the stations provides The

New Constituent Relations Team is Ready

I

By Gerald Perschbacher

n an effort to serve its volunteers even better, Lutheran Hour Ministries has created a new staff team to work directly with Int’l LLL Districts, Ambassadors, Affiliated Groups, and other volunteer groups. This new Constituent Relations team of five individuals will be the “go-to” people for helping communicate the ministry resources and programs of Lutheran Hour Ministries to congregations, professional church workers, LCMS District offices and other partner organizations to assist them in their individual outreach efforts.

Renee Blake is new to staff as Senior Manager of Constituent Relations.

She provides leadership in the day-to-day operations of the team. She also is responsible for LHM’s on-the-ground presence in the United States, creating strategies to recruit new constituents, overseeing LHM’s presence at various events (LHM-managed and non-LHM-managed), and enhancing the experience of and relationship with LLL Districts, Ambassadors, Affiliated Groups, and LHM advocates through recognition, training, and empowerment. She will work out of LHM’s St. Louis headquarters.

The team also includes four Constituent Relations Managers (CRMs) whose main responsibilities will include:

Lutheran Hour with a “large presence in areas with high Lutheran populations” and is quick to say that outreach is aimed at nonbelievers also since “nearly 30 percent of the audience is not part of a church.”

There will be more media distribution options through such means as iHeart, iTunes, Apple TV, TuneIn Radio, and audio streaming.

When launched in 1930, The Lutheran Hour was heard on the Columbia Broadcasting System which was not yet four years old. By 1935 the relatively new Mutual Broadcasting System carried the broadcast.

Many affiliates and local stations were added.

International outreach of the program was taken up earnestly in 1940. Networks were an important factor in initial growth of The Lutheran Hour, and the addition of the Bott stations could be a harbinger of more sustained growth. Unlike the early days of radio, the network has been well established over several strong decades of expansion. Since inception the Bott network has held that “the programs…must be totally trustworthy with financial integrity.”

Arand concludes, “This is an exciting development for the radio program. Rev. Seltz looks forward to sharing the Gospel on these fine stations across the Midwest and beyond. It’s fun to sit back and watch the good Lord at work!” n Dr. Perschbacher is editor of The Lutheran Layman.

• recruiting and training lay leaders who can be active and effective partners with LHM; • forming missionally focused partnerships with LCMS Districts, congregations, and professional church workers; • increasing positive awareness of LHM outreach resources; • providing leadership for LLL/LHM Districts, Ambassadors, Affiliated Groups, and Advocates within the territory; and • unifying and coordinating LHM communications and on-the-ground activities within the area.

Each CRM will work with constituents in the following LLL Districts: Polly Gregali – Central Illinois, Kansas, Mid-South, Missouri, Nebraska, Lone Star, Southern Illinois, and Tennessee (she will also work with constituents in the Oklahoma and Southern LCMS districts where the LLL no longer has a formalized district structure.)

Dionne Lovstad-Jones – California-Nevada-Hawaii, Indiana, Montana, Oregon, Rocky Mountain, Utah-Idaho, Washington-Alaska, and Wyoming Keith Peterson – Grand Canyon, Iowa East, Iowa West, Minnesota North, Minnesota South, North Dakota, Northern Illinois, North Wisconsin, South Dakota, South Wisconsin, and Southern California Bruce Sutherland – Capital, Carolinas, Eastern, Florida-Georgia, Michigan, Mid-Atlantic, New England, and Ohio. n

To learn more about the Constituent Relations team, visit www.lhm.org/crm.

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

11

Supporting the

Expanding Ministry

of Project

Connect

By Paul Schreiber

T

he Project Connect booklet ministry of Lutheran Hour Ministries touches the lives of thousands of people each year. These booklets (typically 20-40 pages in length) address pressing topics such as faith, marriage, divorce, depression, self-identity, forgiveness, cancer, regrets, domestic violence, and pornography, to name a few. While written in English, many titles are available in Spanish. Thanks to congregations around the United States, these texts are offered to members, visitors, and individuals far beyond church doors. Using PC display fixtures, churches extend their ministry reach by placing them in areas of high foot traffic, with ease of access, thus making it convenient for people to grab a booklet on a subject that interests them, right then and there.

An effort like this doesn’t simply happen by itself. Assisting in this vital and growing outreach is Nancy Kellerhals, Project Connect support person in United States Ministries. In the course of her daily duties, she answers questions from PC volunteers; monitors booklet orders, distribution, and inventory totals; arranges for editorial reviews; compiles information and formats the quarterly PC e-newsletter; and generally keeps the PC ship afloat and moving in the right direction.

A native of Lima, Perú, Kellerhals worked for an Italian insurance company in that country, where for 20 years she supervised cargo insurance subscriptions and auto insurance claims. In 2002 she came to the United States after marrying her husband Bob. He and his family hail from St. Louis and are descendents of German Lutherans. That was her entry point into The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. She began her work with LHM answering the phone en español for Hispanic Ministries. She has been with Project Connect since 2006 and works closely with Suzie Sallee, coordinator for witness tools.

The Project Connect booklet ministry has experienced tremendous growth since LHM published its first booklet more than 20 years ago, and this has been accelerated by the Internet. Booklets became available online as a downloadable resource in 2010. Since then, nearly a quarter of all booklets used are now accessed via the PC website www.lhm.org/projectconnect.

Kellerhals knows of domestic violence counselors It’s the wide variety of life, who link to LHM on their faith, and scriptural issues websites as a resource.

“We’ve had an increase in people face today that make PDF downloads for sensitive PC booklets a go-to resource subjects like domestic abuse for those seeking answers. and pornography,” she adds.

It’s the wide variety of life, faith, and scriptural issues people face today that make PC booklets a go-to resource for those seeking answers. “These topical booklets address complex issues people deal with every day—often in private and on their own. Titles like Battles with the Bottle, Overcoming a Painful Childhood, Strength and Honor: The Spiritual Warfare against Pornography, and Unlocking the Prison of Guilt give a good sense of the deep and sensitive content these booklets address,” she notes.

As a way to get Project Connect content into as many user hands as possible, a number of booklets are being offered in audio format. Presently, more than 20 titles can be listened to online or as a downloadable MP3 audio file. Kellerhals sees this as a move in the right direction. “It’s a versatile

12

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

Nancy Kellerhals brings international expertise to LHM’s domestic outreach.

Photo by Paul Schreiber

resource that helps nurture faith. People can now listen to these texts who ordinarily might not take time to read them. The audio format is perfect for people in hospitals and nursing homes, and the files can be listened to on portable devices like tablets and smartphones.” She continues, “They’re great for those who want to multi-task and can be enjoyed while driving, too. I like to hear the audio and read from the downloadable PDF page at the same time. It helps me work on my pronunciation.”

On the Spanish side of things, there’s been an increase in the number of Project Connect booklets in Spanish going out the door from LHM, and that’s great news. Booklets addressing parenting, prayer, stress, communication, guilt, single mothers, gambling and faith are among the titles available in Spanish. “Anglo churches are taking the growth of the Hispanic population in their communities seriously, and they are sharing Spanish-language Project Connect booklets more.” Kellerhals adds, “There is a 20 percent increase in booklet orders of Spanish titles from the previous year.”

Naturally, getting LHM’s resources into the hands of people who need them is a top priority, and the portability of Project Connect booklets makes them ideal for virtually any location. State fair booths, food donation centers, outside public restrooms, prison inmate chapels, and student centers on college campuses are all perfect venues for PC booklets. For business owners like auto repair shops, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, dry cleaners, and the like, the PC Junior is a perfect choice. This four-pocket display holds up to nine booklets in each slot and fits discreetly on a table-top or other out-of-the-way location such as a bathroom counter or the pastor’s office. Of course, the online PC library offers all the booklets, and that opens the door for expanded usage.

When asked what she liked best about working at Lutheran Hour Ministries, it was all about her colleagues. “I work with a group of people who are passionate about Jesus, and I try to be a helpful tool in the expansion of God’s kingdom. It’s uplifting to work with people who reflect the light of Jesus and that I know are shining His light,” Kellerhals concludes. n

Humbled to Serve

By Brad Neathery

J

ack Kidwell is proud to say that he has been involved with Lutheran Hour Ministries since he attended his first LLL convention at the age of three. When he was 16, he began serving twice as a convention youth delegate to be trained as a future leader. The leadership training certainly worked for Jack—he has been serving with Lutheran Hour Ministries in volunteer capacities for his entire adult life from zone and district boards to national committees to LHM Board to International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’l LLL) president.

Today, he is serving on the LHM Foundation Board to support Gospel outreach worldwide.

Jack believes that this attitude of service was established as he watched his parents serving actively with the Lutheran Laymen’s League throughout their lives. He recalls his parents meeting with LLL leaders in their home to discuss how they could support the ministry and get more members on board. Jack even remembers Dr. Oswald Hoffmann meeting with them in their home during the years that The Lutheran Hour Speaker was traveling to countries such as Vietnam and China. Jack came to understand that all of these people were working for a larger purpose and that God had brought them together in that mission.

Understanding the power of believers joined in a shared mission was transformational for Jack and shaped his life of ministry service.

Jack grew up in Mattoon, Illinois, attending St. Paul Lutheran Church. He married Lynn and settled in Bay City, Michigan, to raise two sons: Jon and Jeff. The family attends Faith Lutheran Church in Bay City and is active in ministry work in their community. Jack’s family accompanied him for many conventions and meetings with LHM during his years of service. Jack relates, “They endured me being gone for many meetings and trips and joined me in doing the Lord’s work.”

Mr. Kidwell was able to be involved in several trips to Jack Kidwell Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia while he was serving as LLL president. Traveling around the globe helped Jack to realize that Lutheran Hour Ministries’ international ministry centers are not doing what they consider international missions. They are doing local missions, just like local Lutheran churches in North America, to reach people in their country and community.

While in Africa, Jack was asked to speak at a rally of nearly 1,500 people in a village about 3½ hours from the capital of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Jack was honored to do it, but as he sat with the other speakers during the rally he was unsure of what to say. Jack prayed for inspiration from the Holy Spirit,

then made a five minute address. Jack was shocked to receive a standing ovation from the large crowd!

Jack realized, “You never know what will come of the seeds you planted, but you keep doing the work that God has set before you.” He was humbled and privileged to have experiences like this throughout his travels for LHM. He became aware of what a blessing it is to share his faith in Christ, anytime, anywhere and with the Holy Spirit’s inspiration.

Through the decades Jack has come to see the importance of this LHM work through the window of the Parable of the Talents. LHM supporters have been given tools, technology, and partners with which they can work. By following the Lord’s call, they are able to increase the impact of their work many times over. Jack knows that these impacts are more than compelling stories. They are eternal changes in people’s hearts and lives.

To move forward, Jack truly believes the most powerful way to get involved financially is through unrestricted giving. He views it as a matter of trust between donor and volunteers and the organization they support. Jack states, “If the Holy Spirit has put staff leaders in place, then I choose to have faith in the Spirit’s direction of their lives and work.” n Whether you have served years in LLL/LHM volunteer efforts or if you just began, the need for your prayerful financial support is crucial at this time. Also, please consider the option shown below.

Mr. Neathery serves as an assistant director for LHM.

Get BLE A L I A V A W O herings N ct.

gat proje h t e u ic v o r y e s t c a i distr sic, workshops, and ! e m u l o v h Hig rs, mu inistry e with speak mplify your youth m A

In partnership with UnPaved Ministries

AMPEDEVENT.ORG The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

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“Since we have I Finally Understand!

W

such hope, we

henever I watched a parade on TV I are very bold.” couldn’t understand why the participants Cor.raised 3:12 waved to the crowd with their2arms at ESV the elbow, hand faced out and then a slight twist of the wrist—what I have called the “royal wave” ever since Lady Di and Prince Charles got married. Now I understand that wave—they were conserving their arms for the long parade waving ahead.

This past January 1 was my turn as a float rider representing the International Lutheran Laymen’s League onThe Lutheran Hour Ministries float in the Tournament of Roses Parade. I was so excited to greet all the people along the parade route that I waved heartily, using my whole arm; both arms. Of course, by the time the parade was done, better than three hours later, I felt like I had been lifting weights in the gym all day. The crowds were so enthusiastic I couldn’t help but wave back to them with gusto and energy. Tired and sore arms aside, riding on the LHM float was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

But there were a couple of other things this trip to Pasadena, Calif., helped me to

onthemove

Phil Krauss ll Chairman, Int’l LLL Board of Directors

By Phil Krauss

understand, at least better than I did before.

The first is: I now understand why the LHM float is so important. Literally millions of people saw our float’s message—The Bible…God’s Story—along the parade route and on several TV station broadcasts, local and national.

The LHM float was one of only two religious floats and the only Christian float in the

parade. This isn’t just a long-standing activity of the Southern California District of the Int’l LLL; this is an important ministry of LHM. And this ministry costs LHM nothing because it is completely self-supporting. I wish you could have heard the shouts of support for our message as we moved along the route: God’s story was getting out to the lost and hurting.

I also had the opportunity to work on the LHM float for a few days before the parade. I was so impressed by the volunteer Petal Pushers who worked so hard to get the LHM and other floats we were responsible for ready in time. I now understand why so many people give up part of their valuable time to go and work on the floats serviced by the Petal Pushers because I was so proud of my small contribution to the award-winning LHM float. I better understand Dick Gast and his family’s dedication to this ministry, and there were hundreds of others who made that float and many others beautiful for the cheering crowds and TV audiences. They all deserve to ride on a float and do the “royal wave.”

God has truly blessed this ministry! n

Meeting Needs: Project Connect

South of the Border

By Paul Schreiber

T

ranslating and distributing Project Connect booklets is an ongoing ministry activity in Mexico and several Central and South American countries where LHM operates. In this 75th year of LHM’s international ministry outreach to people of Latin America, details from a couple of countries— Uruguay and Nicaragua—illustrate how these two ministry centers are sharing topical, Christ-centered booklets with Spanish-speaking individuals—and the Gospel is advancing because of it.

Shedding light and hope from a Biblical perspective on topical issues of daily life like depression, loneliness, divorce, self-esteem, stress, and more, these brief booklets—often no more than 20 pages—strike a heartfelt chord in people’s lives. “They encourage people to rely on God’s Word for wisdom and hope and develop a relationship with Him, said María Gabriela Silveira, who directs LHM-Uruguay at its ministry center in Montevideo.

14

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

“Many people have told us what a blessing it was to have these resources available to receive the encouragement necessary to confront daily challenges, with courage, confidence and faith,” she added.

Beyond Uruguay, topical resources like Project Connect booklets are distributed from LHM’s other ministry centers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. A couple of examples from Nicaragua show how God has used the availability of printed Christian resources and topical booklets there as a catalyst for greater ministry involvement in the lives of two young Nicaraguans.

For Eric it was a visit to LHM-Nicaragua’s ministry center in León in search of some booklets on specific subjects that turned into an opportunity for additional Gospel outreach. As an educator with Las Tías, a humanitarian organization in León—a nonprofit group that works with vulnerable children in that country—Eric invited staff members and volunteers from LHM-Nicaragua to come and teach Bible study courses of various kinds to his students. This is turn prompted him to become more engaged in LHMsponsored activities, which has heightened his awareness of the importance of sharing God’s love and the Gospel to different parts of the world. see page 24

Video bible studies Download for FREE or purchase on DVD at lhM.org/MeN!

Bible Studies Usage

Tops 45,000

W

ith the current release of The Journey from Unbelief to Faith, the LHM Men’s NetWork hits 30.

That’s the number of original Bible studies it has released since inception in 2008. To date more than 45,000 of these studies have been sold or downloaded from the website.

Placing first, second, and third in demand are How We Got the Bible hosted by Dr. Paul Maier; The Bible on Trial: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt hosted by Craig Parton; and Explaining All the Scary Stuff in Revelation hosted by Rev. Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour. Close on their heels are numbers four and five—The Challenge of Islam (Part 1): What Is Islam? and The Intersection of Church and State, a production which was first developed as a television special.

Variety and relevance in subject matter are ongoing concerns when considering new Bible study ideas.

Tackling topics such as stewardship and materialism, creation, fatherhood, Islam, disasters, Christian citizenship, death, regrets, Satan, peace, Noah, the Mormons, and more, Men’s NetWork Bible studies (many of which are Telly award winning) give users a broad

By Paul Schreiber

study, We the People: Citizens of Two Kingdoms, and had over 118 people attend! It helped our Bible class attendance jump over 50 percent for the rest of the year.”

“I just finished watching The Bible on Trial. Once again Lutheran Hour Ministries has hit the ball out of the park. Our congregation will definitely use this material to strengthen the faithful and to advance the Gospel,” said Rev. Dr. Rick Meyer, who is currently senior pastor at Fountain of Life Lutheran Church in Kernersville, North Carolina.

Beyond Bible studies the Men’s NetWork features opportunities for men to get together (a fishing tournament, an annual WORK DAY, men’s group activities around the country, etc.); offers topical Project Connect booklets, and encourages guys to tackle their own challenges with how-to guides on a variety of topics. This broad approach to creating useful stuff for men makes it a useful tool on many levels. “The Men’s NetWork is the best stuff that has come out of our church body in 30 years,” said Douglas Rathgeber, senior pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Beaumont, Texas.

The BiBle

life issues

vocaTioN & sporTs

civics

islaM

The BaloNey shop

sTuff They didN’T Teach Me iN suNday school

Shown above: a wide variety of Men’s NetWork DVD products are available from Lutheran Hour Ministries at www.lhm.org/men.

“Once again Lutheran Hour Ministries has hit the ball out of the park. Our congregation will definitely use this material to strengthen the faithful and to advance the Gospel…” selection of subjects from which to choose. In fact, individuals are encouraged to submit their own topic ideas as well.

Feedback over the years has been strong—and appreciative. One pastor, grateful for the innovative outreach tools available from Lutheran Hour Ministries, said, “Thank you for the awesome resources of the Men’s NetWork! I used the Bible study, How We Got the Bible, and was impressed by the material. I invited the congregation to attend a Sunday morning Bible class and used the

Every Men’s NetWork Bible study features a discussion guide that contains additional material such as study questions, relevant Scripture texts, and Internet links for digging deeper into the topic.

Envisioned as an online resource center to give men Christ-centered tools to empower their outreach and faith-walk, the Men’s NetWork serves individual users and a multitude of men’s groups across the United States and Canada. n Paul Schreiber is on LHM staff in U.S. Ministries.

You can find it all at www.lhm.org/men.

Grab your gear and round up some buddies for the Men’s NetWork North American Fishing Tournament! This year’s twist: top prizes will go to guys fishing in GROUPS of two or more, who send us pictures and a brief narrative of their adventure. Why? To maximize the fun and get guys who seldom attend church to join you—men with whom you can build a positive connection in a godly direction. Think of it as fishing outreach.

Re gi st er to da y at

lhm.oRg/men The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

15

LHM and the

Persecution of

icture: 21 men in orange jumpsuits kneeling on an Egyptian beach beside their hooded captors; houses in Mosul, Iraq, emblazoned with the Arabic letter nun to send the message “Christian property now claimed for the Islamic State”; distraught parents of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram, waving signs that read “#BringBackOurGirls.”

For many of us, these haunting images of the persecution of Christians by jihadist groups have become iconic—when we think about persecution, these are what leap to our minds.

Yet the persecution of Christians today is far more widespread and complex. Open Doors International, an organization dedicated to monitoring the persecution of Christians throughout the world, identifies three types of impulses behind most persecution:

• Tribal, which includes persecution

by other religions, other ethnic groups, communities, or members of one’s own family;

• Secular, which includes persecution by a communist or other non-sectarian government; and • Exploitative, which includes

persecution by a totalitarian government or a criminal organization.

Open Doors also distinguishes two main expressions of persecution: “squeeze,” such as social, political or family pressure, and “smash,” that is, violence in any form.

Each year Open Doors evaluates the impulses and expressions of persecution around the world and

Today

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

By Greg Koenig

P

Christians

publishes its findings in its World Watch List, which ranks the 50 countries where persecution is most severe. Lutheran Hour Ministries’ outreach centers share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 10 countries appearing on Open Doors’ 2015 list (indicated in the next three paragraphs by their rankings); they reach into roughly 10 more through electronic and print media. As you can imagine, what persecution looks like, and what motivates it, varies from country to country.

Tribal impulse.

The tribal impulse arises from influences bound up in culture, community, and family; leaving a so-called “national” or traditional religion for Christianity is considered a betrayal. Buddhism and Hinduism are considered to be national religions in countries such as Sri Lanka (ranked #44), Myanmar (#25) and India (#21); Islam is a strong cultural influence in Indonesia (#47). In these countries, new Christians are often rejected or mistreated by their families and communities. Attempts to present the Christian message are often blocked by local officials. Threats, physical violence, plus damage and destruction of property are often used to try to slow the advance of the Gospel.

Secular impulse.

and Christian youth camps are considered illegal and subject to fines, violent seizure, and confiscation or destruction of property. Secular governments in countries such as Ethiopia (#22) often use policy to inhibit the growth and expansion of opposing ideologies such as Christianity; churches can be subjected to taxation or legislation that limit the reach of evangelism.

Similar restrictions are often imposed in countries such as with Muslim-influenced governments such as Kazakhstan (#42). In both Ethiopia and Kazakhstan, tribal types of discrimination are also present: Islamic groups often clash with Christian communities, and non-traditional Protestant churches will frequently encounter opposition from traditionalists within the Orthodox Christian church in each country.

Exploitative impulse.

In parts of Mexico (#38) and some other Latin American countries, Christianity gets in the way of the illegal drug trade. The institutional Church and the moral behavior it teaches are both barriers to drug dealers who see church members as prospective clients. Gang activity, political corruption, vandalism, and physical violence against Christians and church workers are not uncommon.

The countries named in the preceding paragraphs are

Communist governments in countries such 9 of the 10 World Watch List countries with LHM ministry as China (#29) and Vietnam (#16) consider centers. The 10th, Kenya, will be featured in a follow-up article focusing on jihadist persecution.

Christianity an intrusion of Western culture.

They sanction only the activities of their officially registered churches and Lutheran Hour Ministries outreach centers religious organizations. share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 10 countries Unregistered Bible appearing on Open Doors’ 2015 list … schools, house churches,

To learn more about LHM’s ministry centers in World Watch List countries, visit their blogs at http://www.lhm.org/intlportal/blogs.asp.

16

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

LHM Center in Lebanon

Helps Iraqi Christians

By Greg Koenig

A

Tribal Squeeze: Persecution Leaders working to establish LHM ministry activities in a Kazakh community in Mongolia have recently found themselves dealing with “squeeze” tactics believed to have been initiated by disgruntled local Muslims. During a March visit to Mongolia, Rev. Peter Kirby, LHM’s regional director for Europe and Central Asia, reported: “It got kind of interesting here in the last two days. Our distribution of radios, the new Kazakh programming and the general church outreach among the Kazakhs got the local Muslim leaders upset. They complained to our local leader during a mayor’s office meeting.... While we were having lunch the next day, some local thugs showed up and threatened physical violence against two of our ministry leaders and their families.... The thugs went on to threaten two other local leaders.... We have been in prayer and Bible study with them this morning, encouraging them with 1 Peter 3 on the role of suffering for Jesus.”

On the third day after the threats began, the ministry workers met with city leaders who determined that all their outreach activities had been carried out legally and properly, and there was no reason to interfere with what they were doing. City leaders committed to intervene and prevent any further intimidation by the thugs.

“The situation may not be over, however,” says Kirby. “Please continue to pray for boldness among our Kazakh believers in Mongolia and that Jesus would be glorified.”

To learn more about LHM’s ministry centers in World Watch List countries, visit their blogs at http://www.lhm.org/intlportal/blogs. asp. The next issue of The Lutheran Layman will include a followup article focusing on LHM outreach in places affected by jihadist activity.

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) n Greg Koenig is on LHM’s corporate communications team.

steady stream of information is found about Syrians fleeing their war-torn homeland for Lebanon, but much less is known about Iraqis who have sought refuge there. The 1.4 Iraqi refugee children were among those specially invited to a million Syrian refugees Middle East Lutheran Ministries children’s program held in Beirut. in Lebanon are equal to At the event, each child received a gift—the Arabic-language book a third of the country’s Three Presents for Baby Jesus. entire indigenous population. The number of Iraqis is small by comparison: about 8,500 registered refugees and asylum-seekers (according to a count by the United Nations High Council on Refugees).

Lebanon’s Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbas says the actual number is more like 17,000, claims Fadi Khairallah, who directs Middle East Lutheran Ministries (MELM). “Iraqis have been fleeing conflict in their country for years.” Fadi goes on:“But most recently the number has included large numbers of Iraqi Christians whose communities and homes have been claimed by the Islamic State group (ISIS). These people were given a choice: convert to Islam, leave, or die. Many came here with little more than the clothes they were wearing.”

Supplying Refugees’ Immediate Needs Fadi relates that many of the Iraqi Christians in Lebanon are living in cramped housing in some of the poorest parts of Beirut.

“There are few employment opportunities for them, and much of their income goes to pay rent and health care costs. They are forced to cut corners. Often that means their families must go without healthy food.

“In response, at the beginning of February, MELM prepared holistic support packages for a hundred families,” says Fadi. The packages contain a variety of meat, vegetables, and grains— together with milk and hygiene materials provided especially for children. “We received a list of 36 children under the age of three who urgently needed support,” Fadi explains.

“The children who attended heard the message that Jesus loves them and that He is the only one who can fill their hearts with peace and joy.”

Reaching Out with Children’s Programming MELM’s Katia Sahyouni helps distribute much-needed food supplies to Iraqi refugees at a ministry event in Beirut.

Iraqi children were also invited to join children of various nationalities for a special event the ministry held in a Beirut suburb. “The event’s program included Christian songs and games, along with a performance of our play, The Missing Puzzle Piece, which has become very popular since we first performed it last December,” says Fadi. “The children who attended heard the message that Jesus loves them and that He is the only one who can fill their hearts with peace and joy.” Each child also received the storybook Three Presents for Baby Jesus.

MELM is continuing its assistance to Iraqi refugees. In early March, the ministry team traveled to the suburban Beirut homes of several Iraqi Christian families to provide food, New Testaments and other essential supplies. n Note: Middle East Lutheran Ministries is also known as Lutheran Hour Ministries—Lebanon.

To learn more about LHM’s Middle East Lutheran Ministry in Lebanon, visit lhmlebanon.wordpress.com.

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

17

BEYOND OUR SHORES

75 Years

of International

Outreach!

By Greg Koenig

T

he Lutheran Hour program first aired in the United States in October 1930. Nine years later in January 1940, more than 170 stations were airing The Lutheran Hour radio program, and for three years the Lutheran Laymen’s League had been using the tag line “Bringing Christ to the Nation from Coast to Coast” to promote it. But after another month, staff member Rev. Herman Gockel remarked in February that the tag line was no longer accurate. “The Lutheran Hour,” he observed, “has broken its coastal barriers.”

HCJB, a radio giant established in Quito, Ecuador, in 1931 by Christian media pioneer Clarence Jones, had come to Speaker Dr. Walter A. Maier with an invitation to add The Lutheran Hour to its lineup—and not just in English but in Spanish as well. With a new 10,000-watt transmitter, HCJB had the capacity to reach all of Latin America and much of North America.

Although there was then no Spanish-language version of The Lutheran Hour, Maier accepted enthusiastically. He enlisted Concordia Seminary students Manuel Morales and Alfredo Saez to serve as announcer and translator/speaker; he also recruited four students to learn some Spanish and sing Spanish-language hymns as a quartet. LHM Dr. Andrew Meléndez served as Spanish-language Speaker of The Lutheran Hour program from 1941 through 1972. Today Lutheran Hour Ministries has outreach international outreach—Bringing Christ to the Nations—was born. centers in 11 Latin American countries—plus satellite centers in three more.

Today, LHM celebrates that inaugural moment—along with the blessings of 75 years in LHM Spanish-language programming on the Internet reaches Europe—and beyond. international ministry and a challenging future of bringing Christ to the ends of the earth.

What follow are some highlights of the growth of LHM’s international Gospel outreach.

The 1940s – In 1940, station KZRM, Manila, The Philippines, added The Lutheran Hour at about the same time as HCJB did; XMHA in Shanghai, China, followed shortly thereafter. In 1941, Dr. Andrew Meléndez was selected to be the regular Speaker of The Lutheran Hour in Spanish. He scripted and delivered sermons directly aimed at Hispanic listeners. Although World War II prevented the stations in Manila and Shanghai from continuing to feature The Lutheran Hour, it could not stop the ministry’s march across the globe. By 1950, the program was being transmitted in 49 languages from 59 countries into a total of 120 countries—and reaching millions of people. The 1940s also saw the establishment of LHM’s first international offices, beginning with Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and France.

The 1950s and 1960s – During the 1950s, new international offices were added in England, Belgium, Japan, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Lebanon, Taiwan, Nigeria, Korea, Germany, Venezuela, and the Philippines. In 1963, Ethiopia’s Radio Voice of the Gospel (RVOG) began airing The Lutheran Hour; its two 100,000-watt transmitters

Comments Over the years:

I

n the 1940s, from a medical doctor in Manila: “If that’s the kind of preaching your church does, then we need it in the Philippines.”

A distinctly Argentine version of The Lutheran Hour was aired from Buenos Aires beginning in 1947. By 1956 the program aired in all four regions. Lutherans in that land were defined as “a very small minority with a very large ministry.”

“In 1945, the first broadcasts of The Lutheran Hour went forth from Radio Luxembourg; by 1953, the station was airing the program in 12 languages.” Dr. Fred Pankow 18

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

--- Compiled by Gerald Perschbacher

In 1960: a listener in Nigeria responded to The Lutheran Hour: “I have been swimming in an ocean of sin. I want to have salvation and eternal life. I want to start your (Bible Correspondence Course) right away.”

Garry Ritter rose to key positions with LHM in Canada. He knew of the ministries’ programs on radio and television and by the 1970s was active locally in a men’s club: “I was amazed that gradually (witnessing) became easier. I felt comfortable speaking the Name of Christ. That’s the biggest thing I got out of the men’s club.”

75 Years

Gordon Meyers, 1980: “In Japan people seem turned off by the ‘church’… however, the younger people of Japan are much interested in Jesus Christ.

They want to hear about Him. This desire…has led the Japanese Lutheran Hour into a Bible Correspondence program.” More than 600,000 people enrolled in that era.

The 1980s: “Pray for me; I am not a Christian,” was the common lament of radio listeners in the island nation of Jamaica. Uncertain about their faithrelationship with God, it was not unusual for 1,000 letters a month to come from

Jamaicans in response to The Lutheran Hour. The weekly program was widely appreciated in that land.

In 1992 it was reported a letter came from Cuba in response to broadcasts of The Lutheran Hour originating from Miami: “Everyone in our town listens to your program.” Although the Communist regime tried to restrict religious efforts, another person observed, “Soon, Cuba will be open to the Gospel. It’s only a matter of time. The LLL must be ready.”

In 2015, as U.S. officials moved toward normalizing relations with Cuba, that moment may soon be realized.

LHM opened an office in Nigeria in 1958. The ministry’s broadcasts included radio dramas punctuated by culturally relevant music played on indigenous instruments such as the drums, shaker, and xylophone (shown here).

about Christian music and drama and dance; it’s about training and sending local people to share the Gospel with their friends and neighbors; it’s about free Bible courses and other materials that introduce people to Jesus; it’s about eye clinics and soup kitchens and Christian sports leagues; it’s about care for disaster survivors and refugees; it’s about North American believers traveling to a faraway place to work alongside LHM workers in hands-on outreach—and much more.

Join LHM in this international adventure! Visit lhmint.wordpress.com to learn how—and where—Lutheran Hour Ministries is Bringing Christ to the Nations— and the Nations to the Church. n Greg Koenig is a key part of the LHM corporate communications staff.

reached all of Africa, the Middle East and added four new centers in the ‘90s: the Far East with LHM programming in Panama, Mexico, Paraguay, and Nicaragua. multiple languages, including Amharic, LHM continues to explore new areas Malagasy, Sesotho, Zulu and Swahili. for ministry today. Existing ministry Mightily encouraging the international centers in Latin America have planted outreach was Rev. Dr. Eugene “Rudy” satellite centers in Peru, Bolivia, and Bertermann, longtime co-worker with the Dominican Republic; the India Dr. Walter A. Maier and eventually ministry center, based in Chennai, has head of staff at the LLL (Lutheran Hour also opened a satellite—in Mumbai, one Ministries) by 1967. of the largest cities in the world. In 2013, The 1970s and 1980s – Difficult LHM dedicated a new outreach center in economic times and stiff regulatory Liberia to work with the recently formed principles affected the flourishing Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia. outreach overseas, but by God’s grace Late in 2014, LHM’s newest ministry the challenges were met. Offices were center began broadcasting Christian strengthened in the effort, prepared for programming in the East-Asian republic fresh years of growth that followed. of Mongolia.

The 1990s and 2000s – During the Ministry around the world is not 1990s, LHM began calling its international just about radio—it’s about television, offices “ministry centers” to reflect the Internet, and cell phone media; it’s diversity and uniqueness Print materials and other Gospel resources have long been of the outreach activities used to support and augment the radio outreach of LHM. conducted at each Here, Filipino children pore over LHM vacation Bible school one. A new wave of booklets in 1980.

LHM expansion then coincided with the fall of Soviet communism in the early 1990s: ministry centers were established in the former Soviet republics of Latvia (1991), Russia (1993), and Kazakhstan (1996).

Expansion in Africa in the ‘90s included five new ministry centers in Ghana, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya. LHM also made bold strides in Asia, establishing more ministry centers based in Thailand, Vietnam, plus Cambodia, and Myanmar.

In Latin America, LHM

Circa 1980—Middle East Lutheran Ministry staff including MELM Director Moris Jashan (right) interviewed Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, then Speaker of The Lutheran Hour.

Today MELM reaches into the majority of the Arabic-speaking world with Arabiclanguage Christian programming.

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Watch the video for FREE at lhm.org/men The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

19

Progress!

By Gerald Perschbacher

P

rogress; simply stated, that’s what it’s been. Despite hardships over the decades, the Int’l Lutheran Laymen’s League through its Lutheran Hour Ministries made giant strides in proclaiming the Word of God and motivating supporters, thanks to the Holy Spirit.

Sixty-five years ago it looked bleak as Dr. Walter A. Maier was laid to rest suddenly and a successor voice for The Lutheran Hour was yet to be selected. WAM (as he was affectionately called) had made his mark on the hearts and lives of millions of listeners not only throughout North America but around the world as the phenomenal growth of radio embraced the globe with the Gospel of Christ through The Lutheran Hour. In the 1930s it became one of the best-known radio pioneering efforts for the Good News. Its progress in establishing a “network” of radio outlets was making news—and executives in national networks quickly realized how important Christian broadcasting was to listeners here and abroad.

Before those days of cell phones and the Internet, it was postal mail that reflected the “good vibes” of listeners.

In June of 1940 the LLL initiated a study of responses from 1936 to 1940. There were significant jumps in listener responses during that time. Pennsylvanians sent 50,441 letters to The Lutheran Hour. Ohioans wrote 47,568 during that period. There were 27,446 letters received from Michigan and 35,843 from Wisconsin. Sparsely populated North Dakota was responsible for another 13,867. Nebraska was the point of origin for 17,288 letters. Texas listeners responded with a miserly 66 letters in 1936 but by 1940 the accumulative total nearly reached 12,000. There were 31,323 letters that came from California, and Canada was responsible for an additional 8,678. In effect, tens of thousands were tuning in the program.

Kansas City 1958 TLH Rally

Number of The Lutheran Hour listener responses from 1936 to 1940:

50,441

Ohio 47,568

Michigan 27,446

Wisconsin 35,843

North Dakota 13,867 Nebraska 17,288

Texas 50,441

California 31,323 Canada 8,678 Pennsylvania

20

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

TLH listeners tuning in circa 1930s.

Thanks for your continued prayerful

Growth of program coverage accelerated as key super stations with high signal wattage sent the Word forth as never before. The 1940 launch of international outreach in the Philippines and via Ecuador offered The Lutheran Hour in English and Spanish, blanketing the Western Hemisphere. If you count the years since, it’s clear that the Int’l LLL has marked 75 years of international outreach.

In 1935 a mere 10 stations domestically carried the broadcast. By 1942 that jumped to 346, and more growth was anticipated. By then it was usual to receive far more than 200,000 letters per annum from listeners.

Looking back over 65 years since WAM’s passing, there are notable milestones that have been reached. Membership in the Int’l LLL broke 150,000 and continued to grow, offering substantial prayerful and financial support to the varied yet specialized outreach of Lutheran Hour Ministries. The headquarters and overseas centers

Despite hardships over the decades, the Int’l LLL through its Lutheran Hour Ministries made giant strides in proclaiming the Word of God and motivating supporters, thanks to the Holy Spirit. have adjusted and expanded to meet the needs of listeners in a wide range of lands as the radio program and its ancillary efforts continue to reach every continent on earth.

Now we are bold to say that the meager 10 or 346 stations of yore eventually numbered 1,200 by the 1970s and now surpassed the 1,600 mark. Centers in key locations in areas such as Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond are coupling the Good News with regional and national cultures in ways that make the Gospel even more inviting in the present era.

Programs are being geared domestically in the United States and Canada. The Men’s NetWork with its award-winning DVD format seeks to motivate the laity as never before in Bible-based study and in service to churches and communities.

Project Connect places printed material within

When the Lord called WAM heavenward in January of 1950, officials and members of the LLL were uncertain of the program’s future. But the Lord indicated the program would move forward, upward, and onward, as WAM had encouraged.

As in the days of the first Apostles, the Message outlasted the initial messengers.

Not only that, but the proclamation and outreach expanded beyond dreams!

For an interim, the program was blessed by the faithful speaking abilities of Dr. Lawrence Acker and the Rev. Armin Oldsen who stepped into WAM’s former radio pulpit. Dr. Andrew Melendez reached Hispanic audiences beginning in 1941 and continued well beyond the WAM era. In 1955 the Rev. Oswald Hoffmann took the worldwide program’s English reins and held them until late 1988. Sharing preaching duties was the Rev. Wallace Schulz as Associate Speaker. Then came Dr. Dale Meyer who was succeeded by the Rev. Kenneth Klaus. Currently, the Rev. Gregory Seltz energetically holds the Gospel post. Clearly, the Lord continually provided worthy voices for the broadcasts.

the reach of believers and non-believers who have special needs for body and soul. Five14 workshops proved their worth in helping young Christian teenagers realize their worthy calling for Christ. Online Mission Trips connecting with overseas locations bring international outreach to school students via special projects and activities.

Project Connect

International Volunteer Trip opportunities abound for young and not-so-young adults.

Unique projects such as regional golf tournaments, strategic fair booth involvement, and the Lutheran Hour Ministries float entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade bring awareness to the message of LHM. Annual television specials still recur while a renewed interest in the potential of television outreach continues to mount.

Radio has come a long way. So has its outreach and proclamation through Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Sixty-five years after the passing of WAM, the momentum keeps going and growing thanks to the Lord and His worthy calling of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church! n Dr. Gerald Perschbacher is editor of The Lutheran Layman and historian for the Int’l LLL and its Lutheran Hour Ministries.

International Volunteer Trips

Men’s NetWork

Progress!

Five14

Mission U

Daily Devotions

and financial support of these precious efforts through Lutheran Hour Ministries!

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

21

America’s Churchless: Who Are They?

Adapted from an article published by Barna Group in December 2014.

2 in 3 unchurched Americans say they are spiritual people More than half say their faith is very important to their life

99% are aware of Christianity and 69% hold a favorable view of it Yet … nearly half see no value in personally attending church © Barna Group www.barna.org/churchless

“Very few of America’s unchurched adults are purely unchurched—most of them, rather, are de-churched.”

22

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

F

ewer Americans are attending church today. Who are these churchless Americans? Do we understand enough about them to build spiritually meaningful relationships with unchurched family, friends and neighbors?

“Unchurched adults are very much like churched adults … except they don’t attend church,” says David Kinnaman, president and majority owner of Barna Group who is general editor, alongside George Barna, of the new book Churchless. “Most of them did attend church at some point and, for one reason or another, decided not to continue. This fact should motivate church leaders and attendees to examine how to make appropriate changes—not for the sake of enhancing attendance numbers but to address the lack of life transformation that would attract more people to remain an active part.”

Since 1984, Barna Group has conducted tens of thousands of interviews with unchurched people to collect data and provide insight about the intersection of faith and culture, including the behaviors and attitudes of those unconnected to churches. Based on those interviews and the resulting data, here are just a few facts uncovered by Barna Group about the “churchless” in America.

America’s unchurched population would be one of the world’s largest countries.

As of 2014, the estimated number of people in the U.S. who Barna Group would define as “churchless”—meaning they have not attended a Christian church service, other than a special event such as a wedding or a funeral, at any time during the past six months—stands at 114 million. Add to that the roughly 42 million children and teenagers who are unchurched and you have 156 million U.S. residents who are not engaged with a Christian church. To put that in context, if all those unchurched people were a separate nation, it would be the eighth most populous country in the world, trailing only China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the remaining churched public of the United States (159 million).

The vast majority of America’s churchless have attended church.

Very few of America’s unchurched adults are purely unchurched—most of them, rather, are de-churched. Only 23% of unchurched adults have never attended a Christian church at any time in his or her life, other than for a special service (though this number is on the rise; in 1993, only 15% of unchurched adults had never been connected to a church). The majority of unchurched individuals (76%) has firsthand experience with one or more Christian churches and have decided they can better use their time in other ways.

Women are catching up to men among the unchurched.

It remains true that churchless people are more likely to be men than women (54% of the unchurched are men), but the gap is not huge and has been steadily closing. For instance, in 1994, 58% of the unchurched were men. That percentage reached 60% in 2003 before declining and stabilizing at the current level. In other words, the gap between men and women has plummeted from 20 points in 2003 to just 8 points today.

The younger a person is, the less likely he or she is to attend church.

While there is a generation gap among the churched and unchurched, the difference is not as dramatic as you might expect. Among the churched population, Millennials (born 1984-2002) make up 11%, Gen X-ers (1965-1983) are 33%, Boomers (1946-1964) are 35%, and Elders (1945 or earlier) are 22%. Among the unchurched, the percentages skew slightly younger: Millennials make up 15%, Gen X-ers are 36%, Boomers are 33% and Elders are only 16%. However, the actual gap is only a few years (a median age of 47 years among the unchurched, compared to 51 among the churched).

Most unchurched Americans claim Christianity as their faith.

When asked to identify their religion, 62% of unchurched adults consider themselves Christians.

Most of the churchless in America—contrary to what one might believe—do not disdain Christianity nor desire to belittle it or tear it down. Many of them remain culturally tied to Christianity and are significantly interested in it. About one-third (34%), for example, describe themselves as “deeply spiritual.” Four in ten “strongly agree” that their religious faith is very important in their life today and 51% are actively seeking something better spiritually than they have experienced to date. One-third say they have an active relationship with God that influences their life and describe that relationship as “important to me” (95%), “satisfying” (90%), and “growing deeper” (73%). n

David Kinnaman

David Kinnaman will be a keynote speaker at LHM’s Regional Outreach Conferences this fall in Seattle and Orlando, where he will share more about understanding today’s unchurched so you can better connect with them. To learn more, visit www.lhm.org/roc.

To order Churchless, visit www.barna.org/churchless.

Get involved with

Lutheran hour ministries online Sign up for Daily Devotions lhm.org/dailydevotions

Check out a video Bible study lhm.org/studies

Make a gift online lhm.org/give

now accepting

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

23

South of the Border … from page 14

By Brad Neathery

I

n the fall of 2014, supporters of Lutheran Hour Ministries came together to address a major consequence of the crisis emanating from Syria and the group known as the Islamic State (ISIS). Millions of refugees have fled from Syria and Iraq in recent years to escape violence and religious persecution that is unthinkable to most in North America. Faced with threats of “convert, or die” from ISIS terrorists, these refugees realized their only option was to flee their homes and leave all possessions behind. Many of these refugees have arrived in Lebanon, where Lutheran Hour Ministries operates a ministry center.

Refugees in these camps often lack food, medicine, blankets or items for newborns and infants. Lutheran Hour Ministries’ center in Lebanon works directly with refugees in camps to provide vital food and supplies. The strategy behind this ministry is to address people’s physical needs to help them become more open to the love and mercy of the Gospel.

In another instance, it was listening to the radio in Nicaragua that Juan first learned about LHM’s work. The radio spot announced a monthly booklet, and this interested him. To learn more he too visited LHM-Nicaragua’s ministry center. There he was invited to participate in an Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshop. According to Juan, he knew virtually nothing about the Bible prior to the workshop but since has become eager to study and learn more about the Gospel of Jesus and God’s love to mankind. Today, he volunteers with LHM-Nicaragua, visiting high schools and sharing the hope and salvation available to all through Jesus Christ.

Silveira underscored one of the reasons why these printed resources work so well. “These materials are distributed free to friends of the organization and congregations, reading clubs, and by advertisement on the Internet. In coordination with these valuable resources, we can develop special activities, for example, workshops and debates, which allow us to get closer to the people by addressing their specific needs.”

Project Connect booklets and other topical resources, of course, are only one aspect of a many-pronged approach when it comes to the work of LHM’s various ministry centers—whether in Latin America or around the world.

Each center’s staff and volunteers display the love of Christ by working with churches, neighborhoods and communities to meet ordinary human needs and to share, whenever possible, the extraordinary love of God shown to the world in the mission and ministry of His Son. To learn more about Project Connect, go to www.lhm.org/projectconnect and see all the titles that are available. n Paul Schreiber is a vital part of the U.S. Ministries division of LHM.

The faithful giving of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ supporters has thus far provided more than $50,000 to support these ministry efforts.

Encouraging results are being seen from this support: • Reaching out to 440 Iraqi Christian families, including 900 adults and 1,200 children, in Beirut, Lebanon • Assisting six refugee camps with majority Muslim populations in the Bekaa Valley of Syria • Supporting over 200 infants and babies under age three • Providing special attention to vulnerable children with disabilities • Distributing hundreds of New Testaments, Bible correspondence booklets, and Bible Arch Books Each refugee family reached provides an opportunity to build relationships and have fruitful discussions about Christ and the way to salvation. This form of evangelism is very powerful because refugees are able to see God’s grace through Lutheran Hour Ministries’ staff and volunteers. Many of these Muslims have been raised with a false image of Christianity. Now their encounters with LHM are showing them the true face of Jesus Christ!

Now that weather has improved in the Middle East and roads are passable, refugee outreach efforts need to increase. LHM believes God will do amazing work. The center in Lebanon is also exploring opportunities to expand refugee relief efforts into Iraq as well.

Thank you for your prayers and support for Lutheran Hour Ministries efforts in the Middle East. Continue to partner with us to show the love of Jesus Christ to Christians and Muslims worldwide. n Brad Neathery serves as an assistant director for LHM. 24

The Lutheran Layman May-June 2015

September 25-26

November 13-14

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Offer valid online only, May 4-22, while supplies last.

Learn more and register at LhM.ORg/ROC today!