Celebrating ELFK’s 150th and gospel partnership with WELS

Sesquicentennial is not a word I use very often. It means 150th anniversary. Last week I attended a historic event—the sesquicentennial of the Evangelisch-Lutherische Freikirche (ELFK), our sister church in Germany. One hundred fifty years of blessings, challenges, baptisms, confirmations, weddings, funerals, sermons, and gathering around the timeless truth of God’s Word.

Newly installed Synod Council for the ELFK

We gathered at Emmaus Congregation in Schönfeld, a small town in southeastern Germany, from June 12–14. The first two days were devoted to the Synod Convention. Pastors, delegates, and guests heard reports about the work of the ELFK, discussed a keynote paper on “The Certainty of the Resurrection,” and elected new synodical leaders.

Sunday morning, a brass choir played hymns outside, calling us to worship. The hall was filled with worshipers from Greifswald in the far north to Wangen in the far south. A few foreign guests also joined the celebration, including WELS President Mark Schroeder. President Schroeder preached the festival sermon—in German! That was a special way to celebrate our fellowship with brothers and sisters in the ELFK.

After the service, two hours were available for lunch and visiting before the afternoon convocation. I used the opportunity to talk with ELFK members about their favorite memories and impressions of the convention.

A pastor from Zwickau said he will always remember this convention because it was the first time a WELS president attended an ELFK convention—and not only attended, but preached in German.

Two teenage girls from Leipzig were impressed by the sheer scope of ELFK ministries. There are opportunities for everyone to be involved.

A delegate from the Berlin area remembered studying at the ELFK seminary in Leipzig 25 years ago. At that time, the Hebrew professor lived a couple of hours away, so students would stay with him and his wife for weeks at a time—or even an entire semester—of intensive Hebrew study. Lifelong friendships and memories grew out of those weeks.

One current seminary student especially enjoys Gemeindetag and Kindersingwoche, two popular ELFK events. At Gemeindetag, members from across the synod gather for Bible study, worship, and fellowship at a church in Zwickau. He enjoys having members from all over the country in one place. “All I have to do is turn around, and I have another person to talk with.” At Kindersingwoche, children gather for a week of rehearsals and then perform a musical based on a Bible story. Seminary students help with chaperoning and devotions throughout the week.

Another seminary student appreciated not only the reports but also the responses from pastors and delegates. Sometimes the reports share great blessings, and sometimes they reveal difficult challenges, but the brothers always surround one another with support and encouragement.

During the closing service, the new Synodical Council was installed. Five leaders stood before the congregation. Five men whom we’ve had the privilege to know, to varying degrees, during our three years here.

My first thought was, “Wow, God has blessed the ELFK with really solid guys.”

Then my thoughts turned to their parents, whom we’ve also had the privilege to meet. These are salt-of-the-earth men and women who love their Lord and their church. Humanly speaking, one reason the ELFK just celebrated 150 years—and had no trouble electing five strong leaders—is because faithful parents taught their children about the Savior and instilled in them the joy and importance of gathering around God’s Word.

After lunch, I spoke with the parents of the new ELFK vice president, who live just down the hill from Emmaus Congregation. They have been ELFK members all their lives and met at a youth gathering in a nearby congregation. Their son was the first in the family to become a pastor.

The father fondly remembered Pastor Döhler, who served Emmaus Congregation throughout his long ministry. He encouraged young men to consider becoming pastors and was known for his Bible classes, especially with the children.

“It was like a little piece of heaven,” he recalled.

Let’s thank God for our sister church, the ELFK—for the blessings of gathering together, for fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Germany, for godly leaders, faithful parents, and happy memories. We on the Europe team thank God for the partnership we share with the ELFK, a partnership for the gospel, and we look forward to continued work together.

Written by Jennifer Wolfgramm, missionary on the Europe mission team.