The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod began work in Venezuela in 1951. The LCMS has supported church-planting, theological education, and outreach efforts since that time with its financial and personnel resources.
The LCMS awarded its first grants to the church in Venezuela in 1990, when it provided health clinic equipment and helped construct a preschool. Since that time, the LCMS has given a half dozen grants to assist the church in human care and disaster response efforts.
Today, the LCMS continues to support the Lutheran Church of Venezuela. The Juan de Frías Theological Seminary provides extensive theological training in proclaiming God’s Word and administering the Sacraments. It continues to depend on support from the LCMS, though it is now led by a fully-Venezuelan teaching faculty.
Other Lutheran groups working in Venezuela include:
- LCMS Michigan District
- The Venezuela Lutheran Mission Partnership (VLMP)
- Lutheran Hour Ministries (CPTLN) – radio broadcast and media ministry
- Children Christian Concern's Society, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization –providing educational scholarships for students and teachers salaries
The ILV is a sister/partner church of the LCMS.
The Lutheran Church of Venezuela has 137 workers, including six ministers, four evangelists, 20 lay preachers, and 18 teachers. It has 18 congregations, six preaching stations, and 984 members. The church conducts theological education at 13 centers throughout the country involving 128 students. It also operates five preschools, three primary schools, and one secondary school with a total enrollment of 878 students. Through direct congregation involvement, it operates a medical clinic, a prison ministry, an orphanage visitation, food pantries, and remedial education programs.