Back To God Ministries International

From a small radio studio in Chicago, a powerful message began its journey across the airwaves. Back To God Ministries International, initially known as “The Back to God Hour,” launched its first broadcast on December 17, 1939. Calvin College Professor Henry Schultze’s voice carried the inaugural sermon, marking the start of a ministry that would eventually span the globe. Back To God Ministries International’s early days were humble. The program took summer breaks during its first three seasons. But by 1943, the ministry had found its rhythm, broadcasting every Sunday, year-round. Dr. Peter Eldersveld became a pivotal figure, first as an announcer and later as the program’s host and a full-time radio minister. He introduced “The Family Altar” in 1950, a daily devotional booklet that became a beloved companion to the radio broadcasts. Back To God Ministries International expanded its reach significantly in the following decades. It began broadcasting internationally in 1956, starting with HCJB, a short-wave station in Ecuador. Soon, broadcasts reached the Middle East in Arabic, then Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America in Spanish. The ministry added languages and extended its presence worldwide through partnerships with Trans World Radio. Back To God Ministries International also embraced television, producing documentaries and holiday specials, along with “Faith 20,” a video adaptation of the radio program. The ministry’s growth led to a new International Communications Center in Palos Heights, Illinois, in 1976, complete with state-of-the-art production facilities. In 1980, Back To God Ministries International added Russian broadcasts. It secured a daily morning slot for “Faith 20” on WGN America in 1981. The ministry continued to adapt to the changing media landscape. It launched “Primary Focus,” a TV program nominated for two Chicago Emmy Awards, and ventured into children’s programming with “Kids Corner.” In 2008, recognizing its expanded scope, the organization officially became Back To God Ministries International. It launched new programs like “Walk the Way” and “Under the Radar,” further diversifying its offerings. The ministry also embraced the digital age, acquiring the blog “Think Christian” and developing a strong online presence. In 2010, the ministry retired “The Back to God Hour” after a remarkable 75-year run. It replaced the flagship program with “Groundwork,” a collaborative effort with Words of Hope. More recently, the ministry relocated its headquarters to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2017. It adopted the name ReFrame Ministries in 2021, unifying its English and international ministries under a single brand. From its humble beginnings in Chicago, Back To God Ministries International has remained committed to sharing its message of faith through evolving media platforms, reaching millions worldwide.