KFUO Radio is the official broadcast ministry of the Synod and shares the Gospel of Christ Jesus with listeners around the world through worship services, Bible studies, sacred music, and Christ-centered practical talk programming. KFUO’s mission is expressed in its theme verse: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). Employing mass communication and multimedia, including broadcast radio, internet streaming, social media, mobile apps, podcasts, video, and so on, KFUO supports the baptismal life of listeners and our life together in Christ whenever and wherever needed: Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere.
As a self-funding ministry, KFUO partners with generous LCMS congregations, pastors, other church workers, recognized services organizations, and laity to serve the LCMS and the neighbor with resources that nourish and strengthen faith in Christ Jesus.
Triennium Update KFUO began broadcasting in the St. Louis area on Dec. 14, 1924, using the new technology of AM radio. Now, over 100 years later, KFUO continues to employ established and emerging technologies to reach a global audience. On Oct. 12, 2024, KFUO celebrated its centennial anniversary with a service of thanksgiving and open house at the LCMS International Center (IC). KFUO Radio continues to broadcast from the studios at the IC in Kirkwood, Mo.; however, the radio transmitters have relocated to East Caron de let, Ill. (as necessitated by the 2022 Concordia Seminary Campus Plan). With the move, KFUO acquired an additional signal (now operating two AM signals, 850 and 1380, and three FM signals, 92.7, 104.5, and 105.3, in the St. Louis metropolitan area). This was a three-year multifaceted project consisting of acquiring land, radio towers, and the additional AM radio and FM broadcast signals. The annual budget of KFUO Radio is only $1.7 million. This encompasses all broadcasting operations, sacred music royalties, program host stipends, and personnel (nine full-time, one part time, and the trimester internship program). Funding comes from the generosity of listeners and program sponsors/underwriters and from partnerships with congregations, recognized service organizations, and other LCMS ministries, as well as bequest gifts, the KFUO endowment, and purchased airtime payments for programs not produced by KFUO. KFUO is led by the executive director of broadcast services, who reports directly to the Office of the President.
KFUO Programs The Coffee Hour airs weekdays at 9:00 a.m. (central time, as are all following), sharing stories of mercy work, missionary updates, and practical conversations for living boldly Lutheran, and features special series like Set Apart to Serve and Lutheran Church History with the Rev. Dr. Cameron Mac Kenzie from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. It is hosted by KFUO Radio’s Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth. The Coffee Hour was the third-most popular KFUO program overall in 2025 with 90,120 total downloads by 18,459 people. It is sponsored in part by the Concordia University System. (kfuo.org/category/the-coffee-hour/) Concord Matters airs Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., studying the Lutheran Confessions found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host the Rev. Brady Finnern, president of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and a guest LCMS pastor. To view this program, visit: kfuo.org/category/concord-matters/. Daily Chapel airs weekdays at 10:00 a.m., broadcasting live the IC chapel service. It is sponsored in part by the LCMS International Mission and the LCMS Ministry to Armed Forces. (See the schedule: kfuo.org/daily-chapel-schedule/) The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Podcast is released weekly and engages Lutheran women with inviting conversations, laughter, and fellowship and is hosted by KFUO’s Sarah Gulseth, the Office of International Mission’s Erin Alter, and Rachel Bomberger. The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge holds eight of the top ten most downloaded KFUO podcasts in 2025. The affiliated Facebook group has over
23,000 members. (kfuo.org/category/lutheran-ladies-lounge/) Morning and Evening Prayer airs Monday through Saturday at 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., providing prayer and a sermon et te by LCMS pastors based on the daily lect iona ry New Testament text. (kfuo.org/category/morning-prayer-sermon et te/) Oratio airs weekdays at 7:15 a.m. with Scripture reading, prayers, hymns, and a short meditation recorded by the Rev. Kenneth Bomberger. (kfuo.org/category/oratio/) Sharper Iron airs weekdays at 8:00 a.m., exploring Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Discussion is led by the Rev. Timothy Appel and a guest LCMS pastor. Sharper Iron was the second-most popular KFUO program overall in 2025 with 114,683 total downloads by 21,826 people. It is sponsored in part by the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. (kfuo.org/category/ sharper-iron/) Thy Strong Word airs weekdays at 11:00 a.m., revealing the light of our salvation in Christ through the study of God’s Word verse by verse, and equipping Christians to serve faithfully in our daily vocations. Discussion is led by the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe and a guest LCMS pastor. Thy Strong Word was the most popular KFUO program overall in 2025 with 152,395 total downloads by 25,531 people. It is sponsored in part by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. (kfuo.org/category/thy-strong-word/) Wrestling With the Basics airs Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. and is a humorous yet edifying approach to Bible study and the basics of our faith, hosted by Pastor “Jolly” John Lukomski and Pastor Matt “Young blood” Clark. (kfuo.org/category/wrestling-with the-basics/)
Worship and Sacred Music Programming Weekend Worship Services airs Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and Sundays at 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 4:00 p.m., providing a way for anyone, especially the home bound, to hear an LCMS worship service and be nourished by God’s Word. Various LCMS congregations partner with KFUO to provide this service. This is one of KFUO’s most tuned-in-live productions. (kfuo.org/weekend worship-information/) St. Paul’s Des Peres Bible Study airs Sundays at 9:30 a.m., with a rebroadcast on the following Saturday at 9:30 a.m., and joins the pastors and people of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Mo., for an in-depth study of the books of the Bible. KFUO provides broadcasting equipment and technical support. (kfuo.org/category/st-paul-bible-study/) Sacred Music complements the programs of KFUO and airs several times each day and throughout the night (approximately 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 a.m.), filling hearts and minds with God’s Word set to song, comforting the soul and proclaiming the saving Gospel of Christ. Our music library consists of instrumental, choral, and vocal music from throughout the church’s rich history.
Seasonal Programming The Twelve Days of Christmas is special programming from Christmas Eve through Epiphany each year and has become one of KFUO’s new favorite seasonal traditions among our listeners. This special programming features sacred Christmas music, Scripture readings, and greetings from LCMS missionaries and military chaplains.
Seasonal Worship Services are coordinated between KFUO and our partner LCMS congregations to provide listeners with special worship services during Advent and Lent such as midweek prayer services, German Language services, the three-hour Tre Ore service, and Christmas and Easter services.
LCMS Partner Podcasts KFUO is uniquely positioned to share the mission and ministry work of Synod ministries and recognized service organizations as well as provide information about how listeners can support and get involved with them by producing and distributing podcast programs. These partner programs are recorded in KFUO’s “user-friendly” Podcast Studio, recently renovated through a grant from the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. 5 Minutes with a Missionary is the podcast of the LCMS Office of International Mission, featuring an unfiltered take from LCMS missionaries about life abroad for the sake of the Gospel and the uniqueness of the places in which God has called them to serve. (kfuo.org/category/missionary-podcasts/) End Goals is the podcast of LCMS Youth Ministry in the Office of National Mission and explores practices for healthy youth ministry with interviews that provide insight for experienced and new youth leaders alike. (kfuo.org/category/lcms-youth-ministry end-goals/) Friends for Life is a podcast of the LCMS Life, Health and Family Ministry and encourages Lutherans to come together as a community of Christ’s redeemed people and explore life, health, and family issues in a way that honors our heavenly Father’s value of human life, serves our neighbor, shares the faith, and connects us to others who are doing the same. (kfuo.org/category/friends-for-life/) God’s Mission Here is the podcast of the Office of National Mission that spotlights the work that God is doing through His people and strives to inspire and encourage listeners to get involved. (kfuo. org/category/gods-mission-here/) LCMS Worship Institute is the podcast of the Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music and brings selected recordings of the presentations, workshops, and services from the multi day worship conference so that others can get a taste of the experience and benefit from the beautifully unique sphere of Luther worship. (kfuo.org/category/lcms-worship-institute/) The Lutheran Witness Podcast is the podcast of LCMS Communications that provides readings of stories and articles posted that help you interpret the world from a Lutheran perspective. (kfuo.org/ the-lutheran-witness-podcast/) Mission Field: USA – Church Planting is the podcast of the Office of National Mission and offers guidance on theological background and best practices for launching new congregations and ministries within a Lutheran framework. (kfuo.org/category/ mission-field-usa/) Set Apart to Serve Series is the podcast of the Office of National Mission that strives to build a culture of raising up future church workers through conversations with experienced church workers as well as current and prospective church work students. (kfuo.org/ tag/set-apart-to-serve/) Specialized Pastoral Ministry is the podcast of the LCMS Office of National Mission. In this series, nine individuals share their journeys into chaplaincy, how they serve, and how they bring the love of Christ to those in need. (kfuo.org/category/specialized pastoral-ministry/)
Syndicated Programming KFUO airs certain syndicated programs that align with our mission and values to provide broader program offerings. Programs or organizations who desire to broadcast on KFUO partner with us and purchase airtime for their independently produced programs. (kfuo.org/syndicated-programs/) Issues, Etc. airs weekdays at 3:00 p.m., offering Christ-Centered, Cross-Focused Talk Radio with host the Rev. Todd Wilken and guests. It is produced by Lutheran Public Radio. Lamp lighter Theatre airs Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., using dramatic audio to creatively bring redemptive hope to broken lives and compel its listeners to live life skillfully and sacrificially for the benefit of others. It is produced by Lamp lighter Ministries. Liberty Action Alert airs Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and Sundays at 12:00 noon, bringing thoughtful responses to questions about important current issues and events by the Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz (executive director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty). It is produced by the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty. The Lutheran Hour airs Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and is the flagship program of Lutheran Hour Ministries that helps equip and engage a vibrant volunteer base to passionately proclaim the Gospel to more than 56 million people worldwide each week. It is produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries. Worship Anew airs Sundays at 7:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., offering weekly worship services for aging adults seeking to live an abundant life in Christ. It is produced by Worship Anew.
Programming and Production KFUO’s office and recording studios are located at the IC. Most of our programming and production editing happens here. KFUO Programming supports the baptismal life of listeners and our life together in Christ with faithful, Christ-centered programming: • Faithful worship services are broadcast from LCMS congregations that support the home bound and those who are unable to regularly attend services at their local congregation with faithful preaching of God’s Word, liturgy, and hymns to strengthen them in faith.
- Teaching programs and Bible studies are hosted by LCMS pastors who demonstrate a strong ability to engage guests and listeners in faithful study of God’s Word that is relatable to people in all stations of life.
- Practical talk programs provide listeners with updates on the national and international mission work of LCMS universities, seminaries, congregations, schools, and organizations.
- Sacred music programs aim to teach, encourage, and comfort souls with music from throughout the church’s history, including ancient and modern music that points us to the love of God in Christ Jesus.
KFUO Production is dedicated to sharing the Good News of Christ for you, anytime, anywhere. To make anywhere possible, we utilize the unique spiritual gifts that God has given each of our staff alongside the blessing of modern-day technology. KFUO has seen increased engagement from around the globe
and in many demographics with the utilization of social media and video equipment provided by a grant from Village Lutheran Church in St. Louis. Adding a visual element to our Bible studies, podcasts, and other theological content supports a more face-to-face experience and is more engaging for a younger audience. While KFUO is a ministry like many others, we are also unique in that we often must operate like a small production house with all the aspects of a radio/video studio, branding company, and marketing firm, in addition to the regular responsibilities of a department within the Synod. We write, record, edit, and publish much of our own programming, along with facilitating the recording, editing, and creative consulting needs of other ministries from around the Synod. All of this is achieved through the blessing of our technologically savvy and compassionate production staff. We are also blessed, doubly so, with a dedicated, multi-generational listenership.
Audio Outlets and Platforms Listeners can access KFUO content through several outlets and platforms; and it is being heard in all 50 states (and the District of Columbia) and in over 300 cities across 150 countries worldwide. After the U.S., the areas downloading KFUO podcasts the most have come from Hong Kong, Canada, Germany, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Philippines, and Ireland. Our podcasts are downloaded by an estimated 1.5 million people each year—a number that continues to grow.
Traditional Radio “On the Dial”: Within the St. Louis region, KFUO has completed the radio tower move from the Concordia Seminary Campus to Dupo, Ill. The new site hosts both KFUO AM850 and KXFN AM1380, our two full-power AM stations. KFUO has also set up three FM radio translator signals in the greater St. Louis area, giving KFUO a 24-hour broadcast presence to thousands of FM listeners. The KFUO Website provides a 24/7 live internet stream of KFUO’s daily broadcasting. KFUO manages and updates its own website kfuo.org, which houses and archives all KFUO-produced programs. In addition to the stream, KFUO’s web services include email newsletters, church and bulletin information, online event registration, and archives of KFUO and partner podcasts. The KFUO Mobile App is an easy way for listeners to connect with KFUO wherever they go and provides the same content as our website. A unique feature found only on the KFUO app is the “Open Mic” button, which allows users to verbally ask questions and provide feedback directly to KFUO through the app. Currently, the KFUO app has 7,400 users. Podcast Outlets include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, You Tube Music, and anywhere else you listen to podcasts via KFUO’s RSS Feed. These platforms allow KFUO to reach more listeners with suggested media and cross-promotion.
Social Media KFUO has a social presence on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, You Tube, Threads, and Linked In, with a combined 46,000 followers. Content on these platforms consists of images and posts pointing followers to Christ, their Savior. KFUO programs are posted daily to share the message of Christ through our programming. Weekly features include Memory Verse Monday (in collaboration with LCMS social media), Catechesis Friday, weekend One-Year Lect iona ry posts, and seasonal hymns and prayers. Weekly video reels with hymns (in collaboration with the Michigan District’s Hymnal Project) or other theological content continue to increase engagement. Daily hymn texts receive the most engagement on X/ Twitter.
In addition to the board and committees listed above, the Synod President has also appointed the undersigned to serve as a regent for Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, since September 2019. In that capacity, he also serves on the Academic Committee.
Supporting KFUO’s Ministry
The paragraphs above, together with the detail provided in the three reports immediately following this one, provide a record of most of the First Vice-President’s activity during this triennium.
KFUO maintains its own Development and Fundraising team to support the mission and goals of the station and ensure the Gospel continues to be proclaimed through Bible studies, worship services, sacred music, and theological talk programs. At the heart of this is love for the neighbor that engenders a generous spirit in our listeners. KFUO’s development staff help to deepen this meaningful relationship and help donors of any amount or ability to leverage their love for the Gospel into the proclamation of God’s Word heard around the world on KFUO, not only on the radio but also through internet streaming broadcast, podcasts, and social media engagement.
Duties Not Specified in Other Reports The following are some aspects of the First Vice-President’s work that aren’t specified in the three reports that follow (Reports R2.1, R2.2, R3). For the most part, these are assigned by the President, rather than the bylaws. The First Vice-President: • o
o
KFUO is funded by listener donations and partner organizations. Throughout each fiscal year, our team works on several development and fundraising efforts, such as mailings, personal phone calls, donor luncheons and meet-and-greet events, and our annual Sharathon, our premier fundraising event held every spring. You can often find KFUO Radio at many LCMS events and gatherings because many in our church body are yet unaware of this treasure of our Synod. Look for KFUO Radio when you attend the LWML National Convention, Synod convention, LCMS Youth Gathering, or select local and district events. We are thankful to the Lord for the blessing of so many generous, faithful, and passionate supporters of KFUO’s ministry, and for the opportunity to share Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere.
First Vice-President The First Vice-President is the only full-time Synod vice-president. He is also an officer of the Synod who, like the other vice-presidents, is elected by the Synod at each convention. He is responsible to the President for the performance of his duties, many of which are assigned by the bylaws and others that are established by the President (Bylaws 3.3.1.3 [i] and 3.3.2.2 [a]). as:
the chairman of the Council of Presidents; and district presidents regarding:
questions they have about their work in their districts;
matters of concern in their districts that are brought to the attention of the Synod President;
participation in district conventions by members of the Praesidium; and
colloquy matters;
- participates in district visitations, per 2013 Res. 7-01A (during this triennium, the First Vice-President participated in 17 official district visitations, totaling 43 days);
- participates in district conventions (during this triennium, the First Vice-President attended 12 district conventions, totaling 30 days, preaching three times and giving the Synod report at six conventions);
- meets regularly with the Synod President to assist and give counsel;
- responds to letters and emails of concern that are sent to the Synod President (during the triennium, the Office of the President and Office of First Vice-President implemented a new system to track, collaborate upon, and respond to these inquiries in a more timely manner);
- assists the President triennially with:
Gary Duncan, Executive Director of Broadcast Services R2
serves as a liaison between various Synod leaders and the Office of the President, including regular communication with:
Among his duties that are established by the bylaws are to serve
o
orientation of new district presidents on the nature and conduct of their office (Bylaw 3.3.1.3 [b]);
o
orientation of new district presidents on the conduct a district convention;
o
the circuit exception process for Synod conventions (Bylaw 3.1.2);
o
floor committee assignments (Bylaw 3.1.7) and the orientation of floor committee chairs and vice chairs; and
o
reviewing all overtures to the Synod convention (Bylaw 3.1.6.2 [c]);
- chairman of the Colloquy Committee for Pastoral Ministry (Report R2.1);
- chairman of the Colloquy Committee for Commissioned Ministry (Report R2.2);
- a voting member of the Council of Presidents, where he also serves on the Program Committee;
- a nonvoting member of the LCMS Board of Directors;
- a nonvoting member of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations; and
- reports quarterly to the Council of Presidents;
- a member of the Administrative Team (Bylaw 3.5.1.1).
- The First Vice-President serves along with five regional vice-presidents and the President on the Praesidium (Report R3).
writes four reports (Reports R2, R2.1, R2.2, R3) for the Convention Workbook once every three years;
- presents triennially (and as needed) to the district presidents’administrative assistants, especially on colloquy matters; and • participates in frequent meetings of the Office of the President.
During this triennium, the Office of the First Vice-President said farewell to its long-time and capable executive administrative assistant, Karen Dowbnia, and welcomed Carrie Beary as its new and gifted executive administrative assistant. The undersigned is honored to serve the Synod in its mission of proclaiming to the world that Christ Is Risen Indeed! Peter K. Lange, First Vice-President