Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2026 · 69th Convention, Phoenix › Page 140

LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 140

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

140

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

the region. In addition to a newly launched seventh season of Arabic programming that explores themes common to young adults
from a biblical perspective, a multi-language project called Reconnecting the MENA to Hope uses selected topical content from LHM
booklets to offer hope in Jesus through unique satellite broadcasts,
digital and social media, and direct follow-up. Programs air on
three channels: SAT-7 ARABIC, SAT-7 PARS (for Persian speakers), and SAT-7 TÜRK (for Turkish speakers). Each channel’s programming is tailored to the unique language, culture, and felt needs
of its audience, and points viewers to additional resources to help
them further explore the topics covered.
Holistic outreach is an effective way of demonstrating to people the love of Christ. These programs have a comprehensive impact in reaching both body and soul as a ministry to the unchurched
in word and deed where both physical and spiritual needs are addressed. In African nations like Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, and
Liberia, our successful holistic programs continue to reach at-risk
young adults, especially women, through medical camps, prison
ministry, vocational training, and spiritual guidance and fellowship.

Impacting People through Digital
Engagement
In today’s digital age, more people than ever are searching online for guidance on topics like stress, anxiety, depression, fear,
guilt, toxic relationships, and other relevant issues. Vivenciar.
net continues to be an instrumental platform for reaching Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking individuals worldwide, including an
increased focus on connecting with Hispanics living in the United
States. Vivenciar.net assists these individuals through live chats,
blog posts, articles, e-books, and courses. It also offers a safe space
where trained volunteers can listen to what people have to say
about specific situations in their lives and accompany them in these
moments with biblically based support and guidance.
Our “by Hispanics, for Hispanics” approach to creating content
continues to resonate with a growing digital-first Hispanic audience that is hungry for ministry resources that share the hope of the
Gospel. The Sentido Latino podcast is now available on YouTube,
an additional platform to reach out with our Hispanic ministry messages and resources to new communities in the United States and
beyond. In less than a year, our YouTube channel has more than
50,000 subscribers. Sentido Latino also has more than 1 million
views across all platforms.
Thred continues to create content to equip Christians for sharing their faith in the digital world. Our newest downloadable resources were created to help individuals tell their story. The Search
for Self reminds users that as Christ-followers we identify as children of God, which in this image-oriented world we live in is not
always easy to remember. Not My Job encourages people to see
their place in the Gospel narrative and inspires them to talk about
what God has done and is doing in their lives. In addition, Thred’s
weekly email series delivers content to more than 21,000 subscribers and offers a way for subscribers to join the conversation through
polls or specific feedback prompts followed by comment boxes.
Our annual Gospel Adventures™ program reaches around
40,000 elementary and middle school students each year. This interactive virtual experience includes a five-day curriculum, videos,
theme music, hands-on activities, and more—all working together
to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the work
of the Gospel in their own lives and how God is at work in people’s lives in another part of the world. The 2026 program explores
2026 Convention Workbook

Mongolia.
“The Lutheran Hour®” continues to expand its reach through
digital means beyond traditional radio stations in North America.
While it currently airs each week on around 1,700 stations as well
as the American Forces Network, the program is also available
online, as a podcast, and on media platforms like Amazon Alexa,
Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Home, and Sirius XM satellite radio.

The “Connected by LHM” app allows people to get many
LHM resources in one place on their Android devices or iPhones.
In addition to being able to read and listen to LHM’s Daily Devotions, users can also access The Lutheran Hour sermons, topical
booklets, Bible studies, and more.

Impacting People Right Where They Are
Growing diversity, cultural shifts, and spiritual hunger are reshaping North America—opening new doors to share the unchanging hope of Jesus. The mission field is no longer far away; it is right
outside our doors.
God has called all laypeople to be powerful witnesses for Christ
with their families and communities. LHM continues to produce
timely resources that offer convenient ways for people to connect
with Jesus and share their faith with others. From the popular Project Connect booklet ministry with more than 50 titles to dozens of
online LHM Learn courses under five faith-strengthening categories, and from daily and seasonal devotions to online video Bible
studies, LHM has numerous offerings to connect with people at
any stage of their individual faith journeys.
Several years ago, LHM began a partnership with Barna
Group, a world-renowned, premier Christian research firm. The resulting research findings have allowed LHM to provide timely and
relevant resources that meet people where they are by equipping
individuals and churches to engage in fruitful spiritual conversations, deepen faith in households, impact neighborhoods with the
Good News of Jesus Christ, and develop their God-given talents.
They enable us to gain a hearing for the Gospel in an inviting and
contextual way—guiding those who seek toward faith.
Spiritual Conversations: Sharing Life, Faith, and Jesus with
Friends is a seven-lesson curriculum to encourage high schoolers to
engage their peers with the Gospel by helping them recognize and
respond to opportunities to have spiritual conversations. Combining insights from Barna Group research and LHM’s commitment
to equipping people for sharing the Gospel, this course includes
interactive group activities, videos, data to consider, opportunities
for discussions on Scripture and faith-sharing conversations, and
more. Schools, Sunday school classes, small groups, and youth
groups are already benefiting from this easy-to-implement—and
fun—resource.
The Hopeful Neighborhood Project™ from LHM is moving
forward as a collaborative network committed to improving neighborhood well-being around the world. The program’s resources and
online network equip and encourage neighbors to work together,
using their gifts and the gifts of their community, to pursue the
common good of their neighborhood. One of its partner programs,
Missouri Good Neighbor Week, was recognized as the Best Neighborhood Program of the Year during the 2023 Neighborhoods USA
conference.
As a self-funded project of our Southern California District of
the Lutheran Laymen’s League, the Lutheran Hour Ministries
float continues to reach millions as the only Christian float in the