The Lutheran Laypeople's League (LLL) commenced in 1921. The driving force behind the establishment of the LLL was Mr Ben Koch. He had a vision that if a pool of money could be established, this could become a revolving fund through which church development could be promoted, encouraged and achieved. Funds could be loaned or grants given to assist worthy mission projects. This pool was to be established through gifts from members of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA).
The original objects, which are still in force today, state clearly that the LLL should not interfere with any present financial undertaking of the LCA, but should be regarded as a special work that we ask our supporters to perform along with the normal financial support of the LCA. It should as much as possible avoid overlapping with the financial support of Synod.
Providing financial support through the LLL should not detract from the responsibility of members giving through the weekly offering plate.
The funds of the LLL grew slowly for the first 40 years until the introduction of accounts similar to bank savings accounts. From that time funds have grown substantially, and particularly in recent years. Currently the total funds managed by the LLL exceed $400,000,000. A substantial amount of these funds are loaned to Lutheran parishes, congregations, schools, welfare agencies, aged care facilities etc to assist in their development of plant and facilities. The LCA guarantees repayment of all loans and indemnifies against loss in the event of default by the borrower
Also of significance is the fact that throughout the history of the LLL many members have left legacies to the Permanent Funds of the LLL. One reason why the LLL has benefited greatly from this area is the fact that monies willed to the LLL are 'always lent - never spent'. To know that your legacy is going to support the mission of the church beyond your own life is something which is very attractive to many members. Members of the LCA have been, and will continue to be, encouraged to consider the LLL in their wills through our promotional emphases.
Policies developed over the years by the LLL Board have ensured a very sound and successful operation. Investments are not placed into speculative ventures, which would risk depositors' funds. In fact our investment policies are developed to ensure that monies are only placed in investments that are considered to be gilt-edged (ie very secure). Risk of loss is almost negligible.
In addition to providing finance for development etc. the LLL has over the years administered many funds of the LCA. The LLL currently administers and carries out the accounting work for the Pensions Fund, Provident Fund, Car Grants Fund and the LCA Insurance Fund. It also carries out all of the accounting work for the LCA and the LCA South Australian District. All of this work is done free of cost to the LCA and the LCA SA District.
As the LLL continues to grow in its support of the LCA it will always provide this support in accord with its constitutional mandate which states: "The purpose and object of the League shall be to provide aid to the Lutheran Church of Australia, in business and financial matters".
We pray that the people of the Church will continue to support that LLL so that it can continue its history of support to the LCA to reach out to the people of Australia and the world.
