Erwin W Lutzer

Erwin W. Lutzer, born in Canada in 1941, is an evangelical Christian speaker, broadcaster, and author. He served as the senior pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago for over three decades, from 1980 to 2016. Lutzer's educational background includes degrees from Winnipeg Bible Institute and Dallas Theological Seminary, and he pursued doctoral studies in Philosophy at Loyola University Chicago. He has also received honorary doctorates. Beyond his pastoral role, Lutzer has a significant media presence, hosting radio programs like "Running to Win" and "Songs in the Night," which reach a global audience. His television production on the Protestant Reformation received Emmy Awards. Lutzer has authored over 70 books, addressing theological, philosophical, and cultural topics, with notable works including "Hitler's Cross" and "One Minute After You Die." He continues to speak internationally and has been recognized with a Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters.

Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, Erwin W. Lutzer became a Christian at age 14. He pursued theological education, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Education from Winnipeg Bible Institute and a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He also completed a Master's degree in Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago, though he did not finish his doctoral dissertation there. Lutzer's pastoral career includes serving as senior pastor of Edgewater Baptist Church in Chicago before becoming the 16th senior pastor of The Moody Church in 1980. During his 36-year tenure at The Moody Church, the congregation experienced significant growth, leading to the construction of a new Christian Life Center. He transitioned to Pastor Emeritus status in 2016, continuing his broader ministry.

Lutzer is a prolific author, having written more than 70 books that explore a wide range of theological, philosophical, and cultural issues. His published works include "Hitler's Cross," which received a Gold Medallion award, and the bestselling "We Will Not Be Silenced: Responding Courageously to Our Culture's Assault on Christianity." He also authored "The Da Vinci Deception," a critique of Dan Brown's novel. His voice extends to broadcasting through Moody Church Media, where he hosts "Running to Win" and "Songs in the Night." These programs are broadcast internationally, reaching over 50 countries in multiple languages. Lutzer's media work also includes a television production on the Protestant Reformation that won three regional Emmy Awards.

In 2010, Lutzer was involved in a civil case where an Illinois Appellate Court upheld a jury verdict finding him liable for False Light Invasion of Privacy. This case arose from a letter he sent to another church concerning their pastor's adherence to biblical criteria. Despite this, Lutzer has received significant recognition for his contributions. He has been awarded two honorary doctorates, an LL.D. from Simon Greenleaf School of Law and a Doctor of Divinity from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary. In 2024, he was honored with the Hall of Fame award at the National Religious Broadcasters convention.