What do the Walt Disney Company, the bulldozer, the instant camera, and Lutheran Men in Mission have in common?

They all turn 100 years old in 2023!

In 1923, ten men had a vision of starting new Lutheran churches in North Carolina, but in order to do so, they would need to have money available to build. These ten men had the faith and vision to be successful. Each man committed to giving $100 per year for ten years to provide a revolving loan fund. Despite the onset of the Great Depression, each of the ten was able to fulfill his commitment. They also set a goal to raise an additional $100,000 by soliciting donations from Lutheran men across the state. This revolving loan fund, now known as the Loan and Gift Fund, became the flagship ministry of North Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission (NCLMM).

The fund continued to grow and in 1953, the Home Mission Foundation was incorporated to manage and administer this precious resource. Over the years, through donations small and large including several substantial legacy gifts and investment growth, the various funds under management totaled $4,503,753, as of November 1, 2022.

These funds continue to provide low-interest loans to congregations as well as scholarships for rostered ministers and seminarians. Leaders of the Lutheran Men in Mission share a dream that if a person in this synod decides to pursue a call into pastoral or diaconal ministry, they wouldn’t have to worry about paying for their education. For the 100^th anniversary, the NCLMM is hoping to continue in the footsteps of the ten founding members in supporting the ministries of this church in the years to come.

In just over a month, all men in the North Carolina Synod are invited to come and learn more about the impressive history of Lutheran Men over the past 100 years at the 100^th Anniversary Gathering of the NC Lutheran Men in Mission. Hosted by Grace Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, men from across North Carolina will gather to celebrate this monumental anniversary. This event is free to attend, and those who cannot join onsite can join online via Zoom. You are encouraged to extend an invite to all men in your congregation!

Attendees will hear from keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Tim Smith, bishop of the North Carolina Synod, in celebration of  the organization’s 100 years, with the theme, “God is with us.” The theme is taken from Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (NIV)

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Register on Eventbrite. If you are unable to register online, please contact Terry Edwards at the NCLMM office, 704 633-4861, extension #9560, or at nclmm1988@gmail.com.

If you or your men’s group has historical pictures or documents that could be shared for display at the gathering, please contact Bob Wright, NCLMM President, at scouting@bellsouth.net or Terry Edwards, NCLMM Men’s Ministry Coordinator, at nclmm1988@gmail.com or tpauledwards@gmail.com.

The NC Lutheran Men in Mission Vision:
For every man to be a bold daring follower of Jesus Christ.