The mission of the church has always been the faithful preservation of the means of grace to edify the church and to proclaim the Gospel to the world. Our work centers on people, speaking with them, preaching to them, teaching them, and having mercy for them. We invite you to partner with us in this work. Click on a project that interests you. Learn more about it from the stories and updates. And then partner with us through your prayers and financial support.

Project: Concordia the Reformer Seminary

Since the opening of Concordia the Reformer Seminary in the Dominican Republic in 2017, the institution has focused on preparing men to be shepherds, teachers and evangelists. In just a few short years, numerous well-trained theologians have graduated and are pastoring congregations across Latin America and the Caribbean. Some 50 men currently attend residential and online pastoral formation classes. The deaconess program has produced nearly 100 graduates, with 70 more women enrolled. In addition, online pre-seminary courses are new this year, and plans are for a Lutheran teacher training program to be rolled out during the next academic year.

Project: Venezuela Mission

The Venezuelan Lutheran Church faces many challenges due to the ongoing socio-political crisis. Millions have migrated to other countries, including well-educated and professional Lutherans. Nevertheless, the Church remains a bulwark to encourage those who stay and struggle to feed, clothe, educate and care for their families. Through Juan de Frias Bible institute and Concordia the Reformer Seminary in the Dominican Republic, the Church forms new pastors and church workers.

Project: VDMA-Translation Team

VDMA is a Latin acronym that translates, “The Word of the Lord endures forever.” During the Reformation, this motto united Lutherans in solidarity against their adversaries. Five hundred years later, the VDMA Project unites a different group of Lutherans: Spanish-speaking pastors and seminary students throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Project: Uruguay Mission

LCMS efforts in Uruguay, known as South America’s most atheistic nation, began among German and Slovenian immigrants in the 1930s. Current efforts are a mix of urban, rural, and school ministries by a team of two church- planting missionary pastors and a teacher working with a local parish pastor and a Brazilian school chaplain.

Project: Spain Mission

With the 500th Anniversary of Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses, the Lutheran Mission in Spain pursues a unique second chance to bring the truth, freedom and joy of the pure Gospel to Spain, five centuries after the first Lutheran Reformation in Spain was snuffed
out by the Spanish Inquisition.

Project: Seminary Scholarships

Concordia the Reformer Seminary and Mercy Center (CMSCR) in the Dominican Republic, opened its doors in 2017, paving the way for an influx of new Lutheran pastors for Latin America. The institution, noted for its rigorous coursework and practical, church-planting emphasis, draws students from countries across Latin America.

Project: Puerto Rico Mission

LCMS efforts in Puerto Rico began with the work of the Ohio District in the 1990s. Since the hurricanes in 2017, LCMS Disaster Response has continued to provide critical support for the missions and outreach efforts with each successive disaster.

Project: Peru Mission

The Lutheran Mission of Peru, established in 2010, is the umbrella organization for church planting in the country. The mission sports two graduates of Concordia the Reformer Seminary, a seasoned Alliance Missionary Pastor from Paraguay and another from Brazil. Together they serve three growing church plants in Los Olivos, La Victoria, and San Borja, as well as a preaching station. In addition, two more men are in the pastoral formation pipeline.

Project: Panama Mission

LCMS mission work in Panama began with service to military personnel during the Canal Zone era, as early as 1941. The ministry expanded and led to the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panama (IELPA). Together, the LCMS and the IELPA maintain their commitment to Spreading the Gospel, Planting Lutheran Churches, and Showing Mercy, now in five church plants across the country.