Our History

How the Lutheran Church started in Malaysia.

1950s
The Birth of Mission Work in Malaya

1952

The history of LCM started at the First Southeast Asia Lutheran Consultative Conference in Penang, as church leaders explored starting Lutheran mission work among the Chinese in Malaya’s New Villages. Requests for assistance were sent to overseas mission boards, and the Board of Foreign Missions (BFM) of the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA) responded with pledges of financial and personnel support.

1953

The first American missionaries — Dr. Paul Anspach, Rev. Douglas Erikson, and Ms. Clara Sullivan — arrived in Malaya. They began Lutheran mission work in the New Villages of Selangor, including Semenyih, Broga, Balakong, and Cheras (9th and 11th Mile), laying the foundation for the Lutheran Church’s presence in the country.

Ms. Clara Sullivan was one of the first American missionaries, arriving in Malaya in 1953. She was responsible for starting the work in Chera area, particularly what is now the 9th and 11th mile Cheras congregations. She was also one of those who saw the need for local workers and started bible training classes as a precursor to the LBTI. She continued as a teacher with the LBTI and, sadly, on her way back to the America in 1960, passed away.

Baptism at 11th Mile Cheras congregation in 1957

The late Ms. Clara Sullivan

1954

Chinese evangelists from Hong Kong — Stephen Han, Yang Tao Tung, and Rev. Daniel Chu — arrived to support the growing mission. Lutheran outreach expanded to the New Villages in Perak, including Menglembu, Tronoh, Bukit Merah, and the Grik Valley (Ayer Kala, Grik). This year also marked the start of the Lutheran “medical ministry,” with the takeover of clinics in Ipoh, northern Perak, and Selangor. Additionally, the first urban mission work began in Petaling Jaya with the formation of the Good Shepherd Congregation.

More missionaries arrived to strengthen the work: Americans Rev. Helmut Matzat, and Rev. John and Betty Lou Nelson, along with former China missionaries from Germany — Rev. Hermann Hofmeister, Rev. Wilhelm Weickum, and Rev. Friedrich Schmitt. This year also saw the formation of Grace Lutheran Church in Menglembu, marking another key milestone in the establishment of Lutheran congregations in Malaya.

Lutheran Mobile Clinic

Good Shepherd Church

Rev. John Nelson, Betty Lou and children

1956

Pastoral training in special “preparatory classes” begins for the first group of 9 local students.

Pre LBTI classes at Good Shepherd Church

1957/58

On 31 August 1957, Malaya gained independence from British rule. Around this time, the Board of Foreign Missions of ULCA approved the “Administrative Council” as the main leadership body for the mission. In 1958, the Lutheran Bible Training Institute (LBTI) officially opened in Petaling Jaya, providing a local training centre for future pastors and strengthening the foundation of Lutheran leadership in the country.

The Lutheran Bible Training Institute was established to train local workers and became the primary training centre for the early generations of pastors, including Rev. John Foo and Bishops Peter Foong, Gideon Chang, and Daniel Chong. The original LBTI building once stood on the site now occupied by Luther Centre and VSQ along Jalan Utara.

The first class held at LBTI

Teachers and students at LBTI

1960s
Expansion, Loss and Reorganization

1960

Lutheran mission work expanded to Singapore with the establishment of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, marking a new chapter of outreach among the Chinese community. This year also brought sorrow with the passing of American missionary Ms. Clara Sullivan while returning to the United States. In response to growing needs and limited resources, the mission adopted a stewardship approach — critically reviewing programmes, reorganising institutions, and implementing a “holding action” to stabilise and consolidate expenses.

1962

The first batch of local theology students graduated from LBTI, marking a significant step toward developing homegrown church leadership. Attempts to form a unified national Lutheran Church with the Tamil-speaking Evangelical Lutheran Church were unsuccessful. On 12 August, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaya (ELCM) was officially constituted for Tamil-speaking Lutherans. During this period, LCMS also became a member of Trinity Theological College in Singapore, and the medical work in Selangor was brought to a close.

The first batch of local graduates from LBTI

1963

The Federation of Malaysia was formed with the inclusion of Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore. On 3 August, the Lutheran Church in Malaysia was officially constituted, with Rev. Paul Alberti serving as its first president (1963–1964). At its founding, LCMS had 679 baptised members, 6 organised congregations, 35 preaching stations, 18 American missionaries, 16 expatriate Chinese missionaries, and 9 local workers. The first six congregations were Redeemer (Singapore), Good Shepherd (Petaling Jaya), Grace (Menglembu), Truth (Grik), Zion (Bukit Merah), and Our Saviour (Jelapang).

The Constituting Assembly of LCMS in 1963

Installation of Rev. Paul Alberti

1964

Rev. Ray Nyce was elected as the second President of LCM, serving from 1964 to 1969. This period also saw the opening of Trinity Theological College in Singapore, the graduation of LBTI’s second batch of theological students, and the subsequent closure of LBTI. The first Chinese pastors from Hong Kong — Rev. Yang Tao Tung, Rev. Chin Tao Sum, and Rev. Chang Kok Sang — were ordained in LCM, marking another milestone in the church’s growth.

Ordination of local pastor

Rev. Ray Nyce, second President of LCMS

1965

1965 witnessed the separation of Singapore from the Federation of Malaysia. In 1966, the Malaysian government issues restriction of 10 year limit to foreign missionaries working in the country.

Singapore exits Malaysia made headlines

1967

The church’s name was officially changed from the “Lutheran Church in Malaya” (LCM) to the “Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore” (LCMS) at the 4th Annual Convention (20–30 July 1967) and later gazetted on 28 September 1967 by the Registrar of Societies Malaysia. This period also marked the first consultation meeting between LCMS and the Board of World Mission of the Lutheran Church in America.

LCMS Office

1969

Election of Rev. Carl Fisher as President of LCMS (1969-1973).

Rev. Carl Fisher, third President of LCMS

1970s
Local Leadership and Self Reliance

1970

The ten-year plan for achieving self-reliance gained momentum during this period, guiding the church toward greater local leadership and sustainability. This year too saw the church office relocating from No. 9 Syers Road in Kenny Hills, Kuala Lumpur, to the Luther House compound along Jalan Utara in Petaling Jaya.

Annual General Meeting at Good Shepherd

1971

LCMS became a member of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), strengthening its ties with the global Lutheran community. During this time, the Civic Centre activities at Jurong Christian Church in Singapore were closed, and the medical ministry reached its tentative end with the closure of the last clinic in Menglembu.

Bishop Carl Fisher with Rt. Rev. John G. Savarimuthu, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia

1972

Position of LCMS treasurer and business manager are placed in local hands. LCMS takes over existing ministry to the Sengois and starts work among other groups of Orang Asli in the Cameron Highlands.

Orang Asli village

1974/75

The title of LCMS President was officially changed to “Bishop,” and Rev. Carl Fisher, re-elected for a second term (1974–1977), became the first to hold this title. During this period, “Glad Sounds Sendirian Berhad” was also registered as the church’s commercial media arm, created to serve the Christian community and the wider public by providing Christian books, audiovisual resources, Bible study materials, children’s literature, and devotional materials to support education and spiritual growth.

Glad Sounds Bookstore

Greeting cards and other stationery inside Glad Sounds Bookstore

1977

Election of Peter Foong, who came from the first batch of LBTI, as the first local Malaysian Bishop of LCMS (1977-1985).

Ordination of  Rev. Peter Foong

1978/79

Set up of new congregations in Johor Bahru, Singapore and Ipoh (First Garden).

Lutheran Gospel Centre at First Garden, Ipoh

JB Lutheran Church

1980s and 1990s
From Self-Reliance to Regional and Global Mission

1980

LCMS achieves self-reliance under Bishop Peter Foong.

Bishop Peter Foong

The late Rev. Gideon Chang and Bishop Peter Foong

1985/86

Election of the late Rev. Daniel Chong as Bishop of LCMS (1985-1993). Singapore receives its first pastor as the late Rev. Edmund Lim is ordinated.  

Installation of Rev. Daniel Chong as Bishop of LCMS

Ordination of Rev. Edward Lim

1988/89

LCMS becomes one of four partners of the Lutheran Mission in Thailand. In 1989, the last American missionary returns home – marking a formal end of foreign missionary presence in the LCMS.

19th Assembly of LCMS

Grace Lutheran Church in Thailand

1990/91

In 1990, the “Thai Good News Centre” was launched in Singapore to offer pastoral care, counselling, and English classes for Thai workers. The following year, LCMS held its first Consultation to discuss restructuring, initiating the gradual transition of the Singapore District into an autonomous Lutheran Church in Singapore. That same year, the Women’s Symposium also opened important discussions on the ordination of female pastors, marking a significant step in the church’s ongoing reflection on leadership and inclusion.

Opening ceremony of Thai Good News Centre

1993

The late Rev. Gideon Chang was elected bishop in 1993, serving until 2005. During the same convention, delegates approved the Restructuring Committee’s proposal to establish two separate church bodies in Malaysia and Singapore within four years, and also affirmed the decision to ordain female co-workers in LCMS. That year also saw the church take over the Xin-Yi-Dai ministry in Ipoh, expanding outreach to the Chinese community through a “mission through culture” approach.

The late Bishop Gideon Chang

1994

Another significant milestone as four years after the Women’s Symposium discussed on women ordination, Rev. Low Wui Li, Rev. Mah Choy Yin and Rev. Lui Bee Leng becomes the pioneer female pastors of LCMS. 

LCMS ordains Rev. Low Wui Li, Rev. Mah Choy Yin and Rev. Lui Bee Leng

1995/96

In 1995, the Biennial Convention approved the proposed Constitution of the Lutheran Church in Singapore (LCS), while LCMS also began supporting theological training in Fujian Province, China, through visiting lecturers. The following year marked further regional collaboration with the first annual Mission Consultation involving the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria (ELCB). In that same year, LCMS lecturers conducted the first training course for Chinese lay leaders in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, strengthening the church’s mission presence in the region.

Mission Consultation partners

1997

The Biennial Convention works on the formation of two national Lutheran churches: one in Malaysia and one Singapore. 30 October marks the official constitution of the Lutheran Church in Singapore.

Bedok Lutheran Church in Singapore

Bedok Lutheran Church building dedication

1998

Support of the newly established Vietnam Lutheran Church (VLC) and Myanmar Lutheran Church (MLC) by funds and visiting pastors commences.

Ordination of local pastors in Myanmar

2000s
Expansion and Growth

2002

Launch of the Social Care & Concern Ministry with its “Mission Statement”. The social concern work that had started in the 1950’s with the formation of the mobile (medical) clinic in Menglembu, Perak, has expanded to other areas to include helping the poor, the widows, the orphans, the disabled, the homeless, migrants and others who may find themselves pushed to the fringes of society.

SCC Charity Dinner

2003

The Lutheran Church in Australia (LCA) is invited to the Mission Consultation as third partner in mission. In the same year, LCMS planted its first congregation in Sibu, Sarawak.

Lutheran Church Australia

2005

Rev. Philip Lok was elected Bishop during this period, guiding the church as the “Luther Plan” was introduced to serve as a strategic framework for LCMS and its ministries. This era also marked a historic milestone as Ms. Timah Bah Dek graduated from Sabah Theological College, becoming the first native Orang Asli pastor to serve in the Cameron Highlands.

Installation of Rev. Philip Loke

Bishop Philip Lok, Mrs. Lok, the late
Mrs. Chang and the late Bishop Gideon Chang

2006

The municipal authorities approved the building plans for the new LCMS Headquarters and extended the land lease at Jalan Utara in Petaling Jaya, paving the way for future development. During this period, Pastor Edna and Daniel Wong were commissioned for mission work in Kyrgyzstan, expanding the church’s global outreach. LCMS also launched “Touching Hearts,” a scholarship programme dedicated to supporting Orang Asli students in their education.

Development of the new Luther Centre

2007

In 2007, Subang Lutheran Garden—Phase 1 of the Christian Memorial Park—was officially opened, providing a dedicated space for Christian burials and remembrance. That same year, a new Chinese-speaking congregation, Bandar Mahkota Cheras Lutheran Church, was established by 11th Mile Cheras Lutheran Church, marking further expansion of LCMS ministry in the Klang Valley.

LCMS first memorial park for Christians

2008

A new Chinese speaking congregation is established in Kuala Lumpur City Centre for reaching out to business people. In the same year, the First National Lutheran Conference held in Port Dickson saw a turnout of over 1,000 members.

A group photo in Port Dickson

2009

In August 2009, “Luther Centre,” the new LCMS Headquarters in Jalan Utara, was formally dedicated, marking a significant milestone in the church’s development. That same year, 11 pastors were ordained during the 30th Biennial Convention, strengthening leadership across the synod. Additionally, representatives from the Lutheran Church in Singapore joined the Mission Forum, further enhancing regional partnership and collaboration.

Luther Centre lit up at night

2010 and Beyond
Season of Giving Back

2010

In 2010, Luther Centre hosted interreligious dialogues in response to attacks on churches, fostering peace and understanding during a tense period. The Centre for Theological Education by Extension of Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM) also began operating at Luther Centre, expanding access to theological training. Pastor Edna and Daniel Wong were commissioned for mission work with the International Congregation and Chinese workers in Madang, Papua New Guinea. That year also saw the first National Pastors and Lay Leaders Forum held in Port Dickson.

National Pastors and Lay Leaders Forum

2012

LCMS officially changed its name to the Lutheran Church in Malaysia (LCM). In June, LCM signed its first District Partnership MOU with Gunzenhausen of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria (ELCB).

2013

LCM celebrated its 60th Anniversary under the theme “Blessed to be a Blessing.” In September, Rev. Aaron Yap was elected as the 6th Bishop during the 32nd Biennial General Assembly. The same month also saw the first joint LCS–LCM retreat held in Melaka.

Installation of Rev. Aaron Yap

Bishop Aaron and wife

2014

LCM emphasized sustainability in the Orang Asli ministry with a goal of forming a full OA District by 2017 and strengthening local leadership. The building plan for the new Mont Kiara Lutheran Church was also approved.

Sharing of God’s words 

2015

The first Pudu Myanmar Migrant Workers Congregation was established in Kuala Lumpur with Ps. Richard Aimang as its first worker. In May, ground-breaking took place for the Mont Kiara LC, named the Luther L.E.A.D. Centre. LCM consolidated its Social Concern Ministry with Rev. Kuan Poy Onn appointed as the first coordinator.
LCM also hosted the first LWF Asia Regional Women’s Conference and launched the B.A.S.I.C. Vision and Mission. The 500 Years of Reformation commemoration was officially launched, and the second joint LCS–LCM retreat was held in Kampar.

Ground breaking ceremony of
Luther L.E.A.D. Centre

2016

LCM established its first Nepalese Migrant Workers Congregation (Chhahari – Refuge) in Subang 2 through partnership with several congregations (Kota, Luther House Chapel, Petros, Semenyih and Sunway). In April, LCM joined other Malaysian churches – Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia, Borneo Christian Church, Presbyterian Church in Malaysia, the Methodist Church in Malaysia and the Roman Catholic church in Malaysia – in signing the Joint Declaration of the Doctrine of Justification. On the same year, LCM dedicated Phase 3 of Subang Lutheran Garden and also signed an MOU with the ELCA South-Eastern Synod.

Reformation commemorative activities continued nationwide with tree planting at every congregation, Luther Movie screening, Joint District Reformation Service, Global Virtual Church Conference, and alongside the official opening of the first Martin Luther Gallery at Luther Centre. LCM sent its first youth exchange participant, Ms. Evelyn Khaw, to Germany under the ELCB exchange programme. In September, the Third National Lutheran Conference was held at Ipoh.

Tree planting at Luther Centre