About Institutional Ministries
“I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (EHV)
Institutional Ministries is a nonprofit organization established in 1901 that carries out behind-the-walls ministry throughout the Midwest, by shining the light of Jesus’ love in four areas:
- Correctional Care — ministering to souls in jails and prisons.
- Extended Care — ministering to souls in nursing homes, rehab centers and hospice facilities.
- Health Care — ministering to souls in hospitals and mental health facilities.
- Caring Support — ministering to souls behind unseen walls such as addiction, depression, PTSD, and moral injury.
Watch our video to learn more about IM.Life
OUR MISSION: To provide direction, comfort, and hope by shining the light of Jesus’ love on the walled-in souls of our communities!
Institutional Ministries Team
Chaplains - Staff - Board of Directors
Chaplains & Staff
Institutional ministries has been blessed with a dedicated staff of both full and part-time workers who are committed to the ministry of shining the light of Jesus’ love on walled-in souls of our communities!
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors bring expertise from diverse backgrounds. They contribute leadership seasoned with wisdom as they guide Institutional Ministries in shining the light of Jesus’ love on the walled-in souls of our communities.
Institutional Ministries 2022 Annual Report
Thanking God for All of You
This was a year of rich blessings. For instance, God opened a door for ministry at Stateville Correctional Center, in Jolliet, Illinois. He also grew our GraceLinks email ministry, which now has over 660 inmate subscribers.
Our History
Over 120 years of ministry
The Lutheran Institutional Mission was founded
In May, 1901, the Lutheran Institutional Mission (which later became known as Institutional Ministries), was founded for the purpose of meeting the spiritual needs of those who were institutionalized, particularly those who were unchurched.
The fledging ministry began with hospital ministry, called its first full-time chaplain, Pastor Enno Duemling, beginning in May, 1902 and in 1903, began prison work in Waupun. That ministry continues today with God's blessings.
2
Full-time & Part-time Chaplains
SE WI
Regional Ministry
100+
Souls Served
Merged To Provide Better Stewardship
In 1998, the three institutional ministries of SE, W and N Wisconsin districts were merged to form Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministries. This added additional chaplains to the staff, enabled service to a larger geographic area, and provided better service to the institutionalized.
3
Full-time & Part-time Chaplains
WI
Statewide Ministry
500+
Souls Served
God Continues to Open New Doors
Today, our staff of 5 full-time and 2 part-time chaplains, manages this ministry throughout Wisconsin, northern Illinois and Indiana, and with God's help, will continue to expand this outreach effort to more and more of Jesus' "others sheep" — shining the light of Jesus’ love on walled-in souls of our communities!
7
Full-time & Part-time Chaplains
US
National Ministry
1000+
Souls Served