Why Your Support Matters

Your gift helps ensure that The Hour continues to share hope, faith, and encouragement with people everywhere—today and for generations to come. Together, we can carry this ministry into the future and continue telling the story that truly makes the difference.

About The Hour: Time That Makes the Difference

What began as a half-hour radio program in 1971 has grown into a ministry that has shared the Good News with millions.

Under the leadership of Rev. John McCay, then Superintendent of the Hattiesburg District of the United Methodist Church, The Hour was launched with a simple mission: to spread hope, encouragement, and the gospel. By 1975, the program was airing on 15 radio stations across Mississippi, reaching listeners far beyond its original audience.

As the ministry grew, so did its impact. Successive executive directors expanded The Hour into a half-hour television program broadcast on 13 stations across Mississippi and throughout the Southeast. At its height, Time That Makes the Difference reached more than 10 million homes, offering an ecumenical message of faith and hope to people where they were.

Like many ministries today, The Hour has embraced change. Moving away from costly television broadcasting, we have transitioned to a digital future through HourStream—our on-demand streaming platform. With more than 50 years of powerful sermons, lessons, and encouragement now available online for free, HourStream is our “Netflix,” and our future. This shift allows us to reach a new generation while remaining faithful to our mission of sharing God’s unchanging message.

Over the years, The Hour has been blessed with devoted hosts and leaders, including John McCay, Wallace Roberts, Sam Morris, Kimberly Pace, Connie Shelton, Eddie Rester, Shane Stanford, and Steve Casteel. A cornerstone of the ministry was Keith Tonkel, who faithfully presented the International Sunday School Lesson for more than 30 years while serving Wells United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

The ministry’s impact has been recognized with numerous broadcasting awards, including multiple Awards of Excellencefrom Witnessing Through Media and top honors from the United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC), including the highest award given for outstanding radio and television programming.

From its humble beginnings, The Hour has always been guided by a deep love for God and a desire to follow His will. That same spirit continues today. The faith and generosity of those who built this ministry—and those who support it now—are what truly make the difference.