# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2010_S37 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNOD REPORTS radio and TV programming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communications, dramas, music, and outreach materials using the latest in communications technology to reach unchurched people in the United States and in more than 30 countries around the globe. All activities of LHM are funded solely through the generous contributions of loyal supporters. God has enabled LHM to reach millions of people each year through radio and TV programming and person-to-person and congregational outreach efforts. As a result of these programs, many thousands of people are referred to churches around the world where they can be trained in their faith and engaged in Christian service. God’s Blessings to LHM’s Outreach in the Past Triennium LHM has conducted an evaluation of all programming and outreach offerings to assess their effectiveness and adherence to the primary mission of the organization. As a result, some previously offered resources and programs have been eliminated in an effort to focus more closely on LHM’s vision and mission. The following is a summary of God’s blessings provided to key ministry programs during the past triennium. The Lutheran Hour (www.lutheranhour.org)—LHM’s flagship program has aired since 1930 and is the world’s longest-running Christian outreach radio program. It airs weekly on more than 960 stations in North America, on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and on the American Armed Forces Network. It is also available at any time to download on computer or iPod. Para el Camino, the Spanish version of The Lutheran Hour, was launched in December 2008 and is now heard on many radio stations throughout the U.S. and in several Spanish-speaking countries. It is also available on the Web and is downloaded more than 2,300 times weekly. Woman to Woman® (www.womantowomanradio.com)—LHM began airing new episodes of the Woman to Woman radio program in 2008 to promote women’s well-being and spiritual growth through in-depth discussions of topical women’s issues. Broadcast on nearly 300 radio stations, most of which are secular, it is available on the Internet and through podcast downloads. Men’s NetWork (www.lhmmen.com)—This new ministry has provided men with resources and opportunities to grow in faith and to learn (through service, fellowship, and leadership) how to be what God has called them to be in their families, churches, and communities. Interest in this program has exceeded all expectations, as thousands of congregations and small groups have enrolled for information and Bible study resources. The most sought-after resources are outstanding video-based Bible studies addressing various topics of interest in today’s world. With God’s continued blessing, this program could well be a catalyst for the rebirth of young men’s involvement and engagement in the church. International Ministries (www.lhmint.org)—LHM has continued to operate ministry centers in more than 30 countries, manned by nationals from those countries to serve the spiritual needs of the people of their cultures. Tools used extensively include Bible correspondence courses, prison ministry, youth ministry, music and drama, holistic ministry, and a variety of media tools. Involvement with these ministry centers provides local congregations with opportunities to learn of and engage in worldwide Gospel outreach. International Ministries Volunteer Trips (www.lhm.org/ globalmission)—Mission trips have offered cross-cultural volunteer opportunities to churches, schools, and other groups to share Christ’s love in foreign fields. Projects include construction, children’s events, 37 and medical clinics in partnership with LHM’s international ministry centers. Equipping to Share (www.lhm.org/equipping/ets.htm)—These interactive, Bible-based, one-day evangelism training workshops have taught church members ways to recognize and seize witnessing opportunities and engage the unchurched and the lost in Gospelsharing moments. A companion program, Practicing Hospitality, provides training information, techniques, and exercises to be used by congregations to ensure a warm and welcoming environment for visitors. Daily Devotions (http://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions.asp)— These online devotions provided in written and audio formats have offered comfort and spiritual insight for daily living. LHM continues also to provide special online devotionals during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Project Connect (www.lhm.org/projectconnect)—This has continued to be an indispensable outreach booklet ministry resource for churches and businesses. It uses displays that feature up to 55 topical LHM booklets written from a Christian perspective to help church members in their daily challenges and to share Christ with the lost. JCPlayZone (www.jcplayzone.com)—This safe Christian Web site for children continues to feature interactive games, animated Bible stories, devotions, crafts, and more. Its companion site, JCParentZone (www.jcparentzone.com), provides resources and ideas for parents that address common family concerns. The Results of God’s Blessings By God’s grace, LHM’s various programs as outlined above have resulted in more than one million Gospel-message touches each week in the United States. Outreach through LHM’s international programs last year netted, by the power of the Holy Spirit, nearly 570,000 responses and 52,000 referrals to congregations. At any one time, approximately 250,000 people are engaged in Bible correspondence courses offered through international ministry centers, introducing people to Jesus and the biblical principles of the faith. LHM and its worldwide outreach ministries have also partnered with the LCMS in sharing the Gospel message with unreached and uncommitted people and have actively supported the goals of the Ablaze! movement. As of January 2010, 3,291 churches (2,626 of which are LCMS) have enrolled in the new Men’s NetWork program that launched just a year ago. More than 4,560 Men’s NetWork Bible studies have also been purchased or downloaded for use by congregations and groups. God has truly blessed the work of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Actions to Improve Governance and Structure The Int’l LLL Board of Governors took several steps in the past triennium to understand better “who we are, what we do, and why.” Key to these discussions were actions by the board to adopt a “Statement of Core Values, Competencies of Leadership, Responsibilities of Leadership, and Principles of Governance.” During the 2009 Int’l LLL convention, action was taken to change from annual international conventions of the organization to biennial conventions with regional conferences in the off-years. These regional conferences will focus more on sharing ministries, equipping and training participants, and motivating for action. They are intended to take the story of what God is doing through the international ministries to a local level and to offer ministry opportunities to a new audience, building grassroots excitement, engagement, and support. 2010 Convention Workbook 2010 Convention.indb 37 4/15/10 2:38 PM