“Look back at all the memorial stones. Look back at that really cool memorial stone [the one that temporarily sealed Jesus’ tomb], and thank God for his goodness, his power, and his love. And then look forward and trust God to continue to display that goodness, power, and love in your life and the life of his church.”

Rev. Doug Free, president of the Dakota-Montana District, used those words to conclude his sermon for the closing service of the 68th Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Free based his sermon on Joshua 4:1-9. The service took place in the Chapel of the Christ on the campus of Martin Luther College (MLC) in New Ulm, Minn.

MLC President Rev. Rich Gurgel was the presiding minister of the service, and MLC student Ben Foster served as organist.

During the service, Gurgel installed into office Rev. Joel Voss (Resurrection, Centerville, Ohio) as the newly-elected first vice president of the synod and Rev. John Bortulin (St. John, Mukwonago, Wis.) as the newly-elected second vice president. Recording Secretary Rev. Tyler Peil (Prince of Peace, Taylorsville, Utah), also elected at this convention, was unable to be present for the installation.

The service closed with an MLC tradition: the a cappella singing of “God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage,” sung to the tune Friedrich (Fritz) Reuter, a Dr. Martin Luther College music professor, composed in 1916.

Mr. Greg Bartz, a lay delegate from St. John’s, Sleepy Eye, Minn., was attending his first synod convention. What impressed him about the closing service was the singing. “With all the pastors there and teachers and laypeople, the singing just added to the beauty of the service. My ninth-grade choir teacher told me I couldn’t sing, and so I normally don’t, but when it was so loud, I felt I could sing because nobody was going to hear me.”

But it was not just the closing service that made an impression. Bartz noted, “The one thing that impressed me with the convention was the unity. We all pretty much agreed on everything.”

So with the encouragement of God’s Word, the delegates headed home.

Watch the closing worship service at welsconvention.net/news/livestream.

“The synod is not an abstract entity—it’s us.”

Rev. Jonathan Bourman began his presentation on his ministry at Saint Mark Mankato, Mankato, Minn., with these words. It was an apt reminder for synod convention delegates—and for us.

Bourman was one of four home missionaries who shared their ministries with delegates on Wednesday evening, detailing the blessings and challenges of sharing God’s Word in their particular locations throughout the United States. What came through clearly was that each location is unique even as the gospel message that each missionary shares is the same. What also was obvious is that God is blessing the seeds that these missionaries and their members are spreading. Story after story highlighted the souls that are being reached with the gospel.

Circling back to Bourman’s words, each soul that hears God’s words from those in home missions is being supported by all WELS members. This came through in the presentation given by Rev. Matthew Brown, chairman of WELS Board for Home Missions, and Rev. Mark Gabb, administrator of WELS Board for Home Missions, on Wednesday afternoon. The work of Home Missions is supported through individual mission offerings as well as through the Congregation Mission Offerings that WELS congregations send to the synod. It is also supported by volunteers of WELS Mission Journeys who travel to mission settings from established congregations.

Gabb noted that five new home missions were approved in the spring of 2025, and as resources are available, he believes that as many as six more could be approved in the fall. Yet he also emphasized that the work of Home Missions is expensive—both in dollars and in manpower. Therefore, the Board for Home Missions carefully considers each new mission and ministry enhancement.

WELS Home Missions is in year three of a ten-year initiative to open 100 new missions and enhance 75 existing ministries. Since this “100 in 10” initiative began, 21 new missions and 24 mission enhancements have been supported, leading to many new opportunities to spread the gospel throughout North America. To learn more and find out how you can be involved, visit wels100in10.net.

To watch the presentations, visit welsconvention.net/news/livestream. Home missionary presentations are available from the Wednesday evening recording and the Home Missions presentation is during the Wednesday afternoon recording.

On Wednesday, delegates continued to hear updates from WELS areas of ministry as well as began considering resolutions brought to the floor from various floor committees. Delegates also learned that WELS President Mark Schroeder is serving his final term, ending his service as synod president at the 2027 synod convention.

Schroeder made the announcement after delegates adopted a resolution about the procedure for electing synodical officers. “The next election we’ll be electing a new synod president, so I think this process will greatly help people to get to know who these candidates are,” said Schroeder. “So that is my official announcement . . . that I am serving my last term that ends in 2027.”

Delegates unanimously adopted that amendment to the WELS bylaws that will change the procedure for nominating synodical officers: president, first vice president, second vice president, and recording secretary. (The synod president and second vice president are elected in alternate conventions with the synod first vice president and recording secretary.) With this amendment, convention delegates will be able to submit one name by June 1 for each office being filled. The five nominees who receive the largest number of nominations for the office of the president and the three nominees who receive the largest number of nominations for the other three offices will comprise the ballot. Delegates will receive the ballot, along with biographical information, by June 15, with the actual election taking place at the convention. Currently nominations for these positions first occur at the synod convention, giving delegates limited time to make informed voting decisions.

After some discussion, delegates also adopted the ministry financial plan for the next biennium, covering fiscal years 2025–26 and 2026–27. The resolution encouraged “every congregation and WELS member to generously support the ministry the Lord has entrusted to our synod.”

Read more reports and resolutions at welsconvention.net/resolutions.

Congregational Services is “the ministry group that does ministry with you,” explained Rev. Jonathan Hein, director of the Commission on Congregational Counseling, as he addressed delegates Wednesday morning. “We get boots on the ground into congregations and schools to help you as you assess your path forward in serving the mission of Jesus Christ.”

Congregational Services comprises several commissions to assist local ministry, including Worship, Evangelism, Discipleship, Special Ministries, Congregational Counseling, and Lutheran Schools.

There are four main ways that Congregational Services assists congregations and schools with their local ministry efforts: 1) consulting, 2) producing confessional Lutheran resources, 3) analyzing trends and statistics, and 4) putting together events to build up members in service to the church. The next major event is the Lutheran Leadership conference, which will be held Jan. 19–21, 2026, in Chicago.

Rev. Paul Prange, director of the Commission on Worship, explained further how Congregational Services carries out these duties under the direction of the Conference of Presidents. He laid out eight different types of consultations available for congregations and schools, including ministry revitalization, long-range planning, outreach, and cultivating congregational partnerships. In 2024, Congregational Services conducted 161 consultations.

The website welscongregationalservices.net houses resources—Bible studies, online training modules, and videos—for all aspects of congregational ministry, including outreach, member retention, youth ministry, stewardship, marriage, and more.

In addition, welscongregationalservices.net features The Foundation, a collection of weekly resources for worship planners based on the historic lectionary readings. It uses the full resources of the Christian Worship hymnal and the associated suite of resources.

Following Prange’s overview of the work of Congregational Services, Mr. James Rademan, director of the Commission on Lutheran Schools, provided more details about the blessings and challenges of WELS schools.

“Over the past biennium, we’ve had more called teachers than we’ve ever had in WELS before. We’ve had more students than we’ve ever had in WELS schools before,” began Rademan. “With that growth of enrollment, the number of teachers we’ve needed has certainly grown.”

Over the last few school years, there have been about 655 open teacher positions in WELS schools, on average. “When we talk about the [teacher] shortage, it’s not that we have fewer [teachers], it’s that we need more for the opportunities that are out there,” said Rademan. In the 2024–25 school year, more than 2,500 of the students in WELS high schools were from either unchurched families or other Christian denominations. Rademan implored delegates to think of a young person they could encourage to consider entering the ministry.

The cornerstone of all WELS schools is the solid Lutheran doctrine taught in each and every classroom. A new theology curriculum is under development. The framework defining the “picture of a graduate,” along with the associated standards, has been completed, and content creation for the curriculum will begin in the coming year.

Learn more and find resources at welscongregationalservices.net. Read more about the theology curriculum at forwardinchrist.net/developing-theology-curriculum.

On Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Jonathan Hein, a member of the synod’s Long-Range Planning Task Force, presented a proposed ten-year long-range strategic plan as WELS enters its eighth generation of God’s grace.

This plan’s theme, “Christ through us,” is taken from 2 Corinthians 5:18-20: “God . . . reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

Hein explains, “ ‘Christ for us’ is ‘the message of reconciliation’ St. Paul speaks of. What Christ did for us is our motivation. We love because he first loved us. ‘Christ THROUGH us’ is the method by which Christ shares that message. He gives us his Word and sacraments and asks us to use those life-giving tools in a dying world.”

This proposed strategic long-range plan is an issues-based plan, offering priorities and goals related to key issues the committee uncovered after conducting surveys and cultural analyses and talking to focus groups. An example of one such issue is the exodus of young adults from churches.

The committee is proposing four intertwined priorities on which WELS will focus over the next ten years:

Culture: Cultivating a gospel-driven culture

Congregations: Strengthening WELS’ backbone

Calling: Producing workers for a growing harvest

Commission: Bringing Christ to the nations

Each priority has five goals that further define how WELS will meet the challenges and opportunities it faces. If these priorities are approved at the synod convention, the areas of ministry will develop more specific objectives and “KPIs” (key performance indicators) to assess progress toward the goals.

“The way I like to picture the long-range plan is almost like a filing cabinet,” says Hein. “The four priorities are your four drawers and then there’s five goals, like five filing folders, within each of those drawers. Then areas of ministry and even support groups are going to put their objectives, their programs, their initiatives, into one of those 20 folders.”

Hein stresses that this plan is different from those in the past, which focused more on synodical goals for the areas of ministry. “The emphasis is really on understanding that the ‘US’ in ‘Christ through us’ is all of us. It’s not the synod, it’s not the pastors, it’s all of us. The Lord has given all of us the opportunity to serve as his ambassadors in the relationships that he places us in. . . . I think if we can do that more broadly as a church body, that we take personal ownership of the mission that Christ has given to his church. I’m excited to see what Christ will do through that effort.”

Mr. Ken Hall, a lay delegate from St. John, Sturgis, Mich., is ready to take what he heard and share it with his church and neighboring congregations. “The whole thing was eye-opening,” he says. “You get involved in your own things [in your congregation] . . . and so you’re not really looking at all the other things—the big picture. And this was the look at the big picture. It was huge.”

One big thing Hall took away from the presentation was “the notion that the Great Commission is our commission. The called workers are there to equip us; we’re the foot soldiers and that really needs to be brought home to people.”

The “Christ through us” Long-Range Strategic Plan Floor Committee, consisting of a mix of pastor, teacher, and lay delegates from 9 of the 12 districts, met via Zoom in June to study the plan. Hein and Mr. Kurt Nitz, another member of WELS Long-Range Planning Task Force, met with the group to review the document. Since then, the floor committee has been working collaboratively to offer thoughts and suggestions on the strategic plan even before the convention began.

Rev. Bradley Wordell, floor committee chairman, says he encouraged his floor committee to study the entire Book of Reports and Memorials since the long-range plan encompasses areas affecting the synod in its totality.

“One clear message that we have gotten is that we’re a very blessed church body. We have the gospel. We have the Word of God,” says Wordell, a pastor delegate from the Southeastern Wisconsin District. “The Lord is definitely using our beloved synod in amazing ways for the sake of the gospel and his kingdom.”

The “Christ through us” Long-Range Strategic Plan Floor Committee will be offering any resolutions and/or reports on the plan in the coming days. Read the strategic plan and view Hein’s presentation at welsconvention.net. Learn more from Hein on trends in WELS based on the 2024 statistics in his recent Forward in Christ article.

Several special guests and observers were present for the 2025 synod convention. Rev. Makisimu Musa, president of the Obadiah Lutheran Synod (OLS) of Uganda, Africa, was invited as a special guest. In 2023, WELS declared fellowship with the OLS (read more here), a Lutheran church body with more than 30 congregations and 6,000 baptized souls. While Musa was unable to attend the 2023 convention, he expressed his joy in being present this year.

During his address to the delegates, Musa reported on the history of the OLS and the work God is doing in and through his people in Uganda—including a seminary training program, growing schools, a thriving disability ministry, and much more. Musa emphasized that the Lord has richly blessed the OLS, which plans to plant 20 new congregations within the next five years.

“We are confident in our God and the plans he has for us to continue preaching and teaching the Word, and we are grateful for the support of WELS as we continue those efforts. My prayer is that our partnership with each other will continue to be a blessing for both of our churches for many years to come. I pray also that the Lord would bless the people of WELS and the work you are doing in his name,” said Musa. “May he use you to touch the lives of countless others, just as he has used you to touch the lives of the people in the OLS.”

Rev. Glenn Obenberger, currently serving his final year as president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), is also attending the convention. He addressed the delegates on Tuesday morning to extend his greetings from the ELS and expressed gratitude for the years of fellowship and friendship shared between the synods.

“We have been walking together with you for the last 153 years of your 175 years of existence,” said Obenberger. “So, we join you in your celebration of God’s gracious working among you—blessing your many synodical tasks as Christ continues to work through you, as he has promised, advancing his kingdom both near and far.”

Also present was Rev. Karl Gurgel and his wife, Barb. Gurgel was elected to the office of WELS president in 1993 and served faithfully through 2007 for a total of 14 years. In celebration of the synod’s 175th anniversary, his presence speaks to the long history of faithful leaders who have helped lead the Wisconsin Synod into the present day. During his address to the delegates, he encouraged WELS in its ongoing mission to share Christ with the world. He remarked, “Under his blessings, as he—through us—brings his Word to the world, may we go forward confidently.”

Additional special guests and observers of the 2025 synod convention include Dr. Matthew Harrison, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod president; Rev. James Krikava of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod; Rev. Joseph Naumann, Church of the Lutheran Confession vice president; Rev. Baltazar Kaaya, Africa Mission Evangelism Church of Tanzania bishop; and Rev. John Braun, WELS 175th Anniversary Planning Committee member and former executive editor of Forward in Christ magazine.

On Tuesday afternoon synod convention delegates elected Rev. John Bortulin to be WELS’ new second vice president. Bortulin, a pastor at St. John, Mukwonago, Wis., accepted this call after taking some time to consider it.

The WELS Bylaws note that the responsibilities of the second vice president include assisting the WELS president and first vice president, serving on the Conference of Presidents, and acting as WELS’ corporate secretary. WELS’ second vice presidency is a part-time position, and Bortulin will continue to serve in his current position at St. John.

Bortulin’s term of office will be two years to finish the four-year term vacated by Rev. Joel Voss’ election as first vice president. Bortulin may be nominated and reelected to serve in future years.

On Tuesday morning synod convention delegates elected Rev. Joel Voss to be the synod’s new first vice president, and he has accepted the call. Voss, a pastor at Resurrection, Centerville, Ohio, has served as the synod’s second vice president since 2009.

The WELS Bylaws note that the responsibilities of the first vice president include assisting the WELS president, serving on the Conference of Presidents, and acting as president if the president cannot perform his duties. His term of office is four years with no limits on the number of terms he may serve. The office is part time, and Voss will continue to serve in his current position at Resurrection.

Rev. James Huebner has served as WELS’ first vice president since 2009. He chose not to be considered for nomination at this year’s convention.

Delegates began voting for a new synod second vice president following the announcement of Voss’ election as first vice president.

The opening worship service of the 68th Biennial Convention of WELS took place July 21, 2025, in the Chapel of the Christ on the campus of Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn.

Rev. Mark Gabb, administrator for WELS Home Missions, delivered the sermon. WELS President Mark Schroeder served as the presiding minister, while First Vice President James Huebner assisted as cantor.

While this year’s convention theme is “Christ through us,” the sermon Monday evening focused on what Christ has done “for us.”

Gabb said, “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Can you believe it? God became man. Can you believe it? The God who said, ‘Let there be light,’ came into this sin-darkened world for us.”

A choir of area WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod members—in addition to almost 20 musicians—under the direction of MLC Professor Adrian Smith, provided special music. Benjamin Foster, an MLC student, served as organist and choir accompanist.

“I’m a member of a very small church, and it’s great to hear beautiful music and beautiful singing,” comments Mr. Marty Kurth, a member at Bethany, Gibsonia, Penn. “Everybody is very excited to be here. To me, this is one of the main reasons I like to come to this.”

Mr. John Chung, a member at Bethlehem, Carmel, Ind., remarks, “I’m just floored. I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a church service like this. I truly felt blessed. I’m probably one of the youngest delegates here, and I want to keep this church going for another 175 years.”

Gabb closed his sermon by reminding worshipers, “Remember this: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us to live for us, to die for us, and to equip us to do the work through us.”

The convention devotions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will focus on Christ doing his work through us in the core areas of our synodical work: publications, worker training, and missions.

Watch the archived livestream of the service.

View photos from the service

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.