Oswald Hoffmann

Dr. Oswald C. J. Hoffmann (December 6, 1913 – September 8, 2005) was an American clergyman and broadcaster who was best known as a speaker for The Lutheran Hour, a long-running radio program affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

Oswald C. J. Hoffmann was 1932 graduate of Concordia University, Saint Paul. Dr. Hoffmann held a Master of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. In addition, he held an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the Philippine Christian University in Manila, The Philippines.

Ordained a Lutheran minister in 1939, Dr. Hoffmann served as a Lutheran pastor, as a college professor, and as director of public relations for the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.Dr. Hoffmann spent the early years of his career as an instructor, professor and director of the choir at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota; the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis-St. Paul; and Concordia Collegiate Institute in Bronxville, New York. In 1948, he helped found The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) Department of Public Relations in New York City and served as its director until 1963. Dr. Hoffmann served as president of the Lutheran Council in the U.S.A. (1970–73). Hoffmann was chairman of the translations committee of the American Bible Society, and in 1977 he was elected president of the United Bible Societies.

On September 25, 1955, Dr. Hoffmann initiated the 23rd season as Lutheran Hour speaker. He served in that position for thirty-three years, broadcasting his last Lutheran Hour program from mainland China on Christmas Day, 1988.Hoffmann was the namesake of the Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach (OHSCO) at Concordia University, St. Paul.OHSCO (currently known as the Oswald Hoffmann Institute for Christian Outreach) was founded in 1984 as a center for evangelism and mission studies where students are trained for professional outreach ministries.

Dr. Hoffmann was also the author of eight books, including Hurry Home Where You Belong. His autobiography, What Is There to Say But Amen? was published in 1996.