Ligonier Ministries

What it reported doing in 2019

Promotion of Christian theological education and scholarship through the establishment and operation of the following activities: Educational Broadcasting - The Organization produces and broadcasts audio and video biblical and theological lectures, sermons, and interviews over terrestrial radio airwaves, digital satellite signals, and streaming through podcasts and various online channels and web properties. During 2019, the Organization broadcasted through purchased airtime from 107 paid and 111 free terrestrial radio stations with 179 additional transmitter signals and 1 satellite radio network. Videos air on NRBTV (DIRECTV Channel 378) and are also available via Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. The Organization also hosted 8 podcast channels, which aired 729 episodes and saw 14.9 million downloads, and released a new podcast. Our podcasts are currently available on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Music, Spotify, IHeartRadio, Tune In, Stitcher, Amazon Alexa, and Pandora.Educational Materials - The Organization develops and produces print, audio, and video biblical and theological educational materials. Printed theological and educational materials from Reformation Trust are available in various formats (paperback, hardcover, special editions), and many are being translated into several languages. Charitable outreaches help make these materials available in U.S. prisons, on military bases, and across Africa.Monthly Magazine - The Organization prints and distributes approximately 100,000 copies of Tabletalk magazine each month. Tabletalk includes a Bible study for each day and thought-provoking articles from well-known Reformed scholars. TabletalkMagazine.com provides subscribers with digital access to the print edition, as well as additional online-only content.Educational Conferences - The Organization provides face-to-face biblical and theological instruction with prominent speakers at various venues. During 2019, the Organization conducted 4 major conferences, 17 smaller leadership conferences, and 3 study tours/cruises where a variety of speakers provided educational lectures. The Organization also hosted 5 live online events. Over 11,000 individuals attended in-person events, and over 32 million people were reached via social media.Online Learning - The Organization provides daily biblical and theological videos, audio content, articles, and columns through Ligonier.org. In 2019, 8.4 million unique users accessed 51 million pages of content. In addition, the Organization provides more than 75 interactive video courses taught by trusted teachers through its online learning platform, Ligonier Connect. Ligonier Connect offers non-degree certificates, primarily serving laypeople. Courses are accessible through an internet browser and Apple and Android apps. 65,331 people participated in the Ligonier Connect courses. The Organization also provides an online biblical and theological chat service, Ask Ligonier, which has answered 10,000+ questions.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 78.2%; rating input score 78
• Program expense ratio: 75.7%; rating input score 76
• Fundraising efficiency: $7.58 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 35; 35th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 6 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Pass
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: 0 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 0
  • Claims monitoring procedures: Fail
  • Requires narrative reports: Fail
  • Conducts field audits: Fail
  • May suspend future funding: Fail
  • Requires financial reports: Fail
  • Conducts site visits: Fail
  • Requires grant agreements: Fail
  • May require repayment: Fail
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 63.6%; rating input score 64; 11th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 7.8%; rating input score 67; 67th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.27; rating input score 69; 69th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.16; rating input score 72; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 8.2%; rating input score 23; 23rd percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 6.9% per year; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 8.5% per year; rating input score 100; 73rd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 12.8% per year; rating input score 100; 80th percentile among comparable filings