The Lutheran Reformation Hour (LRH)
You can access a curated archive of the late Pastor Popp's recordings here.
The Illinois Lutheran Conference stands as a testimony to the Lord's Word, in sermons by His faithful servant, Pastor Wayne A. Popp. Deeply committed to the faithful translation of the ancient Greek and Hebrew found in King James Version of the Bible, Pastor Popp, along with Pastor Richard W. Shekner, faced challenges in 1970 while advocating for its prominence on the Lutheran Heritage Hour (LRH) radio broadcast.
Guided by God’s Word and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Pastor Popp departed from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in 1970. Their dedication led to the initiation of the Lutheran Reformation Hour on WYCA in Hammond, Indiana, in 1971. Though the LRH is no longer active, its impact remains a testament to their unwavering faith.
By 1979, their efforts culminated in the establishment of the Illinois Lutheran Conference, an entity upholding the King James Version and Lutheran teachings. Today, the legacy of Pastor Popp lives on through the Conference's work, highlighting the transformative power of God’s Word by His grace through faith.
You can access a curated archive of the late Pastor R. W. Shekner's recordings here.
Pastor R. W. Shekner, guided by God’s Word and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, was a fervent advocate for the King James Version of the Bible as a faithful translation of the inspired Greek and Hebrew. Alongside Pastor Wayne A. Popp, he faced suspensions from the Lutheran Heritage Hour (LRH) radio broadcast due to their convictions.
Choosing to remain with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod after Pastor Popp's departure in 1970, Pastor Shekner encountered more trials, leading to his suspension in 1974. Their shared faith gave birth to the Lutheran Reformation Hour on WYCA in 1971. Though the LRH has since ceased, its influence persists as a testament to their faithful service and the hope of bringing all who would hear to salvation.
Pastor Shekner's congregation's decision to depart from the synod significantly influenced the establishment of the Illinois Lutheran Conference. Today, his legacy endures through the Conference's dedication to the Holy Word of God and the teachings of the scriptural doctrines expounded upon by Dr. Martin Luther. Sadly most “modern” Lutheran churches have abandoned the faithful translation of the 1611 King James Version of the Bible, corrupted the doctrines found therein, and misled their flocks . Jesus Himself will be their Judge before His Throne. May God have mercy on their souls.
Mission Endeavors
Most ILC mission endeavors are made through the Lutheran Reformation Hour (LRH) radio broadcast. While the LRH may no longer be active, its legacy stands as a powerful testament to their steadfast faith.
The beginnings of the Illinois Lutheran Conference can be traced to 1970, when two pastors of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Wayne A. Popp (d. 2007) of Sauk Village, Illinois, and Richard W. Shekner of Tinley Park, Illinois, were suspended from speaking on the Lutheran Heritage Hour radio broadcast. They were attempting to advocate the superiority of the King James Version (1611) of the Bible relative to more recent translations. Pastor Popp subsequently resigned from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (1970). Pastor Shekner remained in the synod but was finally suspended in 1974. The congregations served by the two men also withdrew from the synod. In 1971 the pair launched the Lutheran Reformation Hour over WYCA in Hammond, Indiana. This broadcast became the means of contacting other Lutheran ministers of like mind.
Toward the end of 1978, representatives from Gloria Dei Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tinley Park, IL), Our Savior’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Morris, IL), and St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Sauk Village, IL) attended meetings that laid the foundation for what was to become the Illinois Lutheran Conference, which was organized formally in 1979. The new Conference continues the conservative Lutheran perspective of the Wisconsin synod, and is distinguished primarily by its use of the King James version of the Bible.
The Lutheran Reformation Hour remains the primary pan-congregational activity supported by the Conference.
Membership
In 2008 the Conference reported seven congregations located in Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Montana, and Wisconsin, served by four pastors.
Educational Facilities
Lutheran Theological Studies Center.
Periodicals
Illinois Lutheran Conference Journal.