If you’ve ever wondered what LWML is, or why it means so much to the women involved, the answer is simple: it’s about faith lived out together.
LWML, or Lutheran Women in Mission, brings women of King of Kings together to grow in Christ, support one another, and reflect God’s love through prayer, friendship, and service. For many women, it’s become a meaningful part of their faith journey.
Everyone Has a Starting Point
For some, LWML has been part of life for as long as they can remember. Lana Erickson was first introduced to LWML as a college student, when her mom asked her to help at a convention. That experience sparked a lifelong connection to mission and service.
Others found LWML while looking for community. Nita Frost joined in her mid twenties after moving to North Platte and wanting to connect with other Christian women. She also remembers when LWML was called Ladies Aid. “It was a wonderful way to meet Christian women of all ages,” Nita shared.
For Marcia Thiele, LWML had always been in the background. As a child, she remembers her mother’s mite box sitting on a dresser. But for years, she thought LWML felt outdated. That changed after reading her 102 year old aunt’s obituary.
When I saw her Christian service through LWML listed,” Marcia said, “I realized it was a legacy I wanted to continue.
“When I saw her Christian service through LWML listed,” Marcia said, “I realized it was a legacy I wanted to continue.”
More Than a Group, A Community
What keeps women coming back to LWML isn’t just the mission projects. It’s the relationships. Dee Christensen joined as a young mom when she wasn’t working outside the home. “The more mature ladies helped me grow as a Christian wife, mom, and volunteer to serve my Lord,” she said. Those relationships grew deeper over time. “They have become lifelong friends who pray, laugh, cry, study God’s Word, share concerns, and grow in faith together.” Linda David describes LWML in a similar way.
“Because LWML is a smaller group, it feels like family,” she said. “We share fellowship, study God’s Word together, and lift one another up in prayer.”She especially values learning from women who have walked faithfully before her. “They are truly Proverbs 31 women, and I feel blessed to learn from them.”
So What Exactly Is LWML?
LWML stands for Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, also known as Lutheran Women in Mission. As Tonya Waite explains it, “We are a group of women serving the Lord with gladness through song, work, and prayer. We save our spare change, called mites, and send those wherever the Lord has need of them.” Those small offerings help support mission work locally and around the world. And here’s something many people don’t realize, as Marcia Thiele points out: “All women of the LCMS church are members of LWML, whether they’ve attended a meeting or not.”
Thinking About Getting Involved
“Getting involved in LWML is as easy as showing up,” Tonya said.
If you’re curious but unsure where to start, the encouragement from LWML women is simple: just come. “Getting involved in LWML is as easy as showing up,” Tonya said. “You can ask questions or just sit back and observe.” Nita encourages women to attend a group meeting and experience the support firsthand. “Our LWML sisters in Christ will help and support us during difficult times and rejoice with us during good times.” Marcia describes the welcome this way: “The door is always open. Women will be welcomed wherever they are, personally or spiritually. They will encounter Christ, and they will be changed.” And if you’re worried about time expectations or doing enough, don’t be. Service can look like prayer, Bible study, behind the scenes help, or hands on projects. There’s no pressure and no comparison.“Pray about it,” Marcia said. “LWML is for all women of the church.”
A Living Story
At King of Kings, LWML continues to be a place where women grow in faith, care for one another, and reflect God’s love beyond the church walls. As Pat Jones summed it up so well: “LWML provides an avenue for reflecting God’s love to others through fellowship and caring, and then beyond to those in need through service.” It’s a story still being written, one relationship, one prayer, one act of love at a time.
If you would like to learn more about the LWML, click here!
