Family Shield Ministry's Final Chapter

Friends of Family Shield Ministries, it is with a heavy heart that we share with you the bittersweet announcement that the ministry is closing. Kay Meyer, our founder, was a stalwart evangelist for Jesus Christ for almost 40 years. She had a huge heart and passion for her neighbors and the Christian family, and poured her heart and energy into searching the Holy Scriptures to know all she could so that she could tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love to everyone God brought into her life.

Following the call home to be with her Lord on December 9, 2024, the Family Shield Ministries Board pledged to continue her ministry. However, after six months, we noticed fewer followers and donors, and fewer people who had the time and energy to follow in her footsteps. When the LORD said to the servant in Matthew, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” He was telling the servant that he had accomplished what God desired of him. We believe that in her passion for Family Shield Ministries, Kay accomplished everything the LORD put on her heart, as well.

A couple of our ministry servants have done a lot of work since Kay departed.  Rev. Mark Femmel, our “speaker” who took over the podcast ministry, worked hard to find guests and topics. We really enjoyed his hosting. Laura Langhoff Arndt worked diligently to update the website and continue our monthly newsletter. As a teacher and DCE, Laura developed some wonderful articles and shared great resources for over a year. Both these servants gave much of themselves to this ministry.  We are very grateful for them.  Both Mark and Laura are outstanding in their fields.

However, we found that we couldn’t replace someone like Kay Meyer. After over 40 years, people had grown to love and appreciate what Kay brought to them in her voice, practice, and caring. She also devoted her entire life to Family Shield Ministries. Mark, Laura, and the rest of the board members were all devoted to their personal ministry areas and were not in a position to pour as much time and energy into Family Shield Ministries as Kay did so very graciously. As a result, our broadcast numbers dropped, our ministry income slowed down considerably, and podcast production costs rose significantly. The Board held several meetings over the last six months, praying and discussing the situation in which we found ourselves as a ministry, looking for avenues that might move us in a new direction. We found our only option was to close the ministry. In February 2026, I had a conversation with Kay’s daughter to share with her what seemed like the right thing to do and what we believed the LORD was leading us to do. She agreed.

The ministry’s few remaining funds will be reinvested in the ministries that have blessed us over the past couple of years, including the ongoing podcast ministry that Pastor Mark Femmel is launching, which will feature ministers of family ministry from congregations around the country, and the established Christian education ministry of Laura Langhoff Arndt, which will soon feature an audio Bible drama, where Laura tells the stories of Scripture in an accurate and compelling dramatic way. Laura is such a great storyteller. Both of these servants have Family Shield Ministries at heart.  In that way, this ministry will live on and bless families.

We thank you for your support of Family Shield Ministries and of Kay Meyer over the ministry’s many years. You invested in this ministry so that others might come to know Jesus and know Him better. Thank you for your prayerful and financial support.

In thanksgiving to the LORD Jesus and His Holy Word, and in honor of Kay Meyer and her family, we wish you God’s richest blessings.

Key Milestones and Partnerships

In your honor and for your delight, here are just a few remembrances of Family Shield Ministries:

In 1981, Kay diligently began to study the Scriptures.  She wanted to be ready to share the news of the Lord Jesus from the Bible when it mattered most.  She had a heart for families on her street. Her diligence and her practice, faithful attendance and service at Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis, especially in evangelism, was noticed.  Others were drawn to her and wanted to join in.

In February 1994, Family Shield Ministries (FSM) was founded and officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Missouri. Shortly after, FSM was approved as a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). The founding board members were Kay Meyer, Rev. David V. Schultz, Mrs. William Brauer, Gerald Perschbacher, and Steve Subracko.

FSM’s first major initiative was the Counter-Cult Ministry, which Kay had started at Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis in her role as Evangelism Chairman. This ministry, which helps equip Christians to witness to Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons, was formally transferred to FSM upon its founding.

Kay's passion for evangelism and outreach deepened through her involvement in radio ministry. In 1996, FSM launched its first weekly radio program on AM 1320 KSIV in St. Louis. The program quickly gained traction, leading to the expansion of the radio ministry nationally in 2005. FSM’s radio program aired over 1,400 Christ-centered episodes, addressing topics such as family life, spiritual growth, apologetics, prayer, mission outreach, and learning to witness.

The radio ministry’s success was also bolstered by a 2005 partnership with Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM), which helped FSM expand its reach. For years, LHM’s Response Center took calls from listeners, offering complimentary resources and guidance based on FSM’s radio broadcasts.

In 2018, FSM launched a podcast to further extend its reach, making its resources available to a wider audience.

In 2019, FSM celebrated its 25th anniversary as a non-profit organization with a special celebration at the Royal Orleans Banquet Center in St. Louis.

Over the years, FSM has produced a range of educational materials, including books, articles, Bible studies, and newsletters. Notable FSM publications include Witnessing—A Lifestyle, Mission Field on Our Doorstep: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Teach Your Children Christian Values, and Balance—Christ-Filled Living. FSM also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter and continues to offer Bible studies and family ministry training.

On April 11, 2024, Kay announced that she was retiring. She had struggled through a few major health challenges, but continued in her devotion to the LORD.  Her husband, Tjad, was right there with her.  What an amazing couple.  Tjad worked consistently behind the scenes to support Kay over the years.

On December 9, 2024, the LORD called to Himself His servant, Kay Meyer, and on November 22, 2025, her loving husband, Tjad.  Kay touched more lives than any of us can count. Those of us who knew and loved Kay will remember her and her family for the rest of our lives. It is up to those of us who remain to pick up the Shield and be prepared to share the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

Soli Deo Gloria

Rev. Mark T. Frith, Family Shield Ministries President