A look ahead to this week’s synod convention

The theme of the 68th Biennial Convention of WELS taking place July 21-24, 2025, at Martin Luther College (MLC) in New Ulm, Minn., is “Christ through us.” The theme underscores God’s blessings to WELS as it celebrates its 175th anniversary this year and points to God’s continued work through WELS in the future.

As delegates meet at the convention, they will be receiving reports from every area of ministry, making decisions regarding the synod’s work, participating in worship services and devotions, and enjoying Christian fellowship.

One of the first items of business will be elections to replace two synod officers, First Vice President Rev. James Huebner (Grace, Milwaukee, Wis.) and Secretary Rev. Robert Pasbrig (Peace, Hartford, Wis.). Both men have served WELS long and faithfully and are not seeking reelection. Delegates will also elect other men to serve on various boards and commissions.

Delegates will discuss a two-year ministry financial plan and a ten-year, long-range strategic plan for the synod. The strategic plan has the same name as the convention theme, “Christ through us,” and outlines how WELS, under God’s direction and blessings, desires to carry out its mission in the next ten years.

Rev. Joel Otto, a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., will be delivering an essay on the history of WELS.

Delegates will also have opportunities to hear presentations from home and world missionaries.

A special speaker at this year’s convention is Rev. Makisimu Musa, president of the Obadiah Lutheran Synod of Uganda. At the 2023 convention at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, Mich., WELS formally declared church fellowship with the Obadiah Lutheran Synod of Uganda, but Musa was unable to be present and address the delegates in person.

Newly elected officers will be installed at the closing worship service.

Tune in daily for the livestream of the convention at welsconvention.net.