About Us

About Us

ELMS is dedicated to serving and supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community with the Gospel. We work with 4 specific congregations and have an even broader base internationally. Our hope is to spread the Word of God to those you know, Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Hearing, and in this way put the Gospel in the hands of an ever increasing community of believers.

Our Mission

Our mission is to establish outreach ministry to the Deaf and hard of hearing in the United States and Internationally. We are currently serving the Deaf and hard of hearing throughout Michigan, and China through the efforts of ELMS.  Our organization has a history of dedication and commitment to serving all of God’s children

God has faithfully grown our ministry, He has brought many Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to ELMS and provided Deaf-led classes, interpreters, and outreach opportunities for Deaf people and their families. 

Our society was founded in 2003 for the purpose of bringing the good news of Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. We are always seeking new ways to reach, serve and support the deaf and hard of hearing. 

Our mission is to:

  • Establish Lutheran Deaf congregations
  • Create and gather educational resources specifically suited for the Deaf
  • Encourage participation from LCMS congregations
  • Publish and distribute deaf ministry resources
  • Raise funds in support of these goals.

We are established by the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and an official Registered Service Organization of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod .

How You can Help

Awareness

Every effort must be expended to keep awareness and interest in our church so that we will not drift away from this outreach, but that it might be ever expanded and grow through congregations and service organizations participating in Deaf ministry.

Books and Videos

Ideas are being formulated to provide printed Christian books and video materials as well as sign language and interpreter training. We’re also working to keep abreast of new technologies and materials and distribute them throughout the synod.

Dual Focus Congregations

We need to develop more partnerships between the Deaf in a community and the Hearing to establish congregations that serve both communities and spread the Gospel. People are needed who know American Sign Language or are willing to learn so that the Deaf and Hearing communities can work together. If you would like to support this ministry with your time, talent and treasures we need you.

ASL Interpreters

People are needed who know American Sign Language or are willing to learn so that the Deaf and Hearing communities can work together.

Time/Talent

If you would like to support this ministry with your time, talent and treasures we need you.

Funding

Funding to provide outstanding programs and services for the children and adults that we serve each and everyday comes from individuals, foundations and corporations who believe in our mission. As a group of not-for-profit organizations, we rely on this financial support.

We welcome your support of our ministry and believe that all gifts, large and small, make a difference in the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing.

Thrivent has been a large help to Ephphatha throughout the years through their choice dollars program. If you are part of Thrivent please consider adding us to your choice dollars donations.

Ephphatha Lutheran Mission Society is recognized by IRS as 501[c]3 non-profit organization with all donations tax deductible.

YOUR GIFT TODAY WILL HAVE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT TOMORROW