Our Mission . . .

Our Vision . . .

To be a powerful, Biblical, pro-life voice and resource to Lutherans, and through them, transform society.

Our Philosophy . . .

Lutherans For Life believes that the Church is compelled by God’s Word to speak and act on behalf of those who are vulnerable and defenseless. The crisis of our times is the repudiation of Biblical truth manifested in the wanton destruction of innocent human life through legalized abortion-on-demand and the growing threat to the lives of others through legalized assisted suicide and euthanasia. Therefore, as Lutherans For Life, we will strive to give witness, from a Biblical perspective, to the Church and society on these and other related issues such as chastity, post abortion healing, and family living.

Five Core Values of Our Ministry Together

• God’s Word informs and God’s Spirit empowers our work and witness. (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Corinthians 5:14)

• Faithfulness to biblical truth and integrity of witness are more valuable than political expediency. (1 Corinthians 4:1-5) 

• The mind of Christ determines our response to life issues; prayerfully with humility, compassion, and selflessness, speaking the truth in love. (Philippians 2:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:24-26)

• Education remains our focus, trusting the Holy Spirit to change hearts and minds. (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

• We uphold the sanctity of human life because all people are created by God who intends they bear His image for time and for eternity.  (John 10:10)

Structure and Relationships

A local chapter is a local organization that has been chartered by National Lutherans For Life. The chapter is formally associated with and subject to, but not a part of, the corporation known as Lutherans For Life, Inc.

A state federation is an organization that has been chartered by Lutherans For Life, Inc. in a state where there are at least five chartered chapters. In a state where a state federation exists, the chapters also become affiliated with the state federation. This occurs automatically at the same time a chapter becomes chartered by Lutherans For Life, Inc. These relationships are basically the same whether or not the chapter is incorporated. Thus, Lutherans For Life consists of a network of individual entities formally associated with each other.

Membership Information

• All officers of State Federations and Chapters and Life Ministry Coordinators must be members in good standing of Lutheran congregations and members of National Lutherans For Life.

• Membership contributions are divided among the national organization, state   federation, and local chapter if it is chartered.

• Chapters that wish to include a membership form in newsletters or correspondence are asked to maintain the form and information provided by the national office. 

• The local chapter may not establish its own membership program since LFL has a “unified membership” program.

• When sending a membership form to the national office, make sure the chapter name and number, if chartered, is written on the form in the space provided. This will assure that the state federation and local chapter receive the proper remittance payment.

Membership Classifications

The Remittance Program of LFL

All membership donations are shared with the chartered state federation and/or local chapter to which the particular members may belong. The membership donations are divided as follows:

Annual Memberships:

20% goes to the local chapter (If there is no local chapter this 20% goes to the state federation.)

20% goes to the state federation

60% remains at national

Sponsor Memberships:

1/12 goes to the local chapter (If there is no local chapter this 1/12 goes to the state federation.)

1/12 goes to the state federation

10/12 remains at national

Tax-Exempt Status

National Lutherans For Life, in IRS language, is a “central organization.” When a chapter is formed it becomes an “affiliated subordinate,” again using IRS terms, of National Lutherans For Life. This means the chapter may use the name Lutherans For Life and do things in the name of Lutherans For Life. 

However, it does not mean that National’s non-profit, federal tax-exempt status applies to the chapter. If a chapter wants to claim federal tax-exempt status and allow contributions made directly to the chapter to be deductible as a charitable gift, then the chapter must apply for its own 501(c)(3) status. The chapter may not need to be incorporated to do this. Consult a local CPA or attorney for more information. A helpful pamphlet in becoming a 501(c)(3) is IRS publication 557, “Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization.” This may be obtained from the IRS by calling 800-829-3676 or on-line at www.irs.gov.  It is wise to wait until your chapter matures before making a decision about tax-exempt status.

Federal ID Number

When opening a checking account or doing other business in the name of Lutherans For Life, one may be asked for a Federal ID Number. An organization may not need to be incorporated, nor does it need 501(c)(3) status to obtain this number. Consult a local CPA or attorney for more information. It can even be done over the phone! However, another beloved IRS form must be filled out—but it is not complicated! The form is SS-4 and may be obtained by calling 800-829-3676 or on-line at www.irs.gov.

Lutherans For Life and Political Involvement

Lutherans For Life, as any 501(c)(3), is “absolutely prohibited from political campaigning.”  This would include endorsing candidates. While it is true that many LFL chapters are not

501(c)(3) themselves, because of the affiliation with National, ascending liability is always possible. 

501(c)(3)’s are allowed to lobby—advocate the adoption or rejection of legislation, contact members of a legislative body, or urge the public to contact members of a legislative body with respect to legislation—but there is a limit. “No substantial part of the activities of a qualifying organization may consist of attempting to influence legislation.” A Lutherans For Life chapter may, for example, write a letter lobbying for defeat of a state assisted-suicide law. They may discuss the positions of candidates on public issues. However, the majority of their activities need to be focused on educational and service activities. More details about the “do’s” and “don’ts” of 501(c)(3) organizations may be obtained from the national office.

It is important for Christian citizens to be involved in the political process of a democracy. It is our responsibility to inform ourselves about a candidate's position on life and family issues and to elect godly, moral leaders. But the mission of Lutherans For Life is to witness to the sanctity of human life through education based on the Word of God. Our call is to use the Word of God to educate, through the power of the Holy Spirit, change hearts, and inspire ourselves and others into service. That service may be in a pregnancy care center, in hospice care, teaching children...or in a government-related position.

Position Statements

Lutherans For Life Position Statements are available by clicking here.

Journal/Newsletters

LifeDate - LFL’s quarterly journal offers news and commentary from a Biblical Law/Gospel perspective on life issues such as abortion, chastity, euthanasia, end-of-life issues, etc. FREE on request.

Directions – LFL’s quarterly newsletter with encouragement, ideas and news for State Federations, Chapters, and Life Ministry Coordinators.

Life News - a monthly bulletin insert with life issue news, Q & A, and an encouraging devotional.

A great way to keep your church informed on life issues all year long!

$5.00 per 100 copies, per month.

(Free sample copy available.) 

Note: Life News is an ongoing subscription. You may cancel anytime. Special subscription arrangements (bi-monthly, quarterly, etc.) are not available.

Contact Information

Lutherans For Life

1120 South G Avenue

Nevada, IA 50201-2774

U.S. Toll-Free: 888-364-LIFE (5433) or 515-382-2077

Fax: 515-382-3020

General Information E-mail.

Catalog and Life Sunday Orders E-mail.

Website: www.lutheransforlife.org

Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb - Executive Director -  e-mail

Diane E. Schroeder - President - e-mail

Lowell J. Highby - Director of Communications - e-mail

Karen Frohwein - Director of Development - e-mail
 

Trisha M. Adams - Business Manager - e-mail

Amy O'Shaughnessy: - Secretary - e-mail

Kim Nessa - Mail Order, Printing, and Volunteer Coordinator - e-mail

Jerilyn Richard - Office Assistant - e-mail

Katie Friedrich - Office Assistant - e-mail