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On March 18—20, 2026, WELS Board for Home Missions approved 6 new missions and enhancements for the synodwide 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative.
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Located about 25 miles east of Austin, Bastrop is experiencing rapid growth fueled by new residential development and expanding economic activity. Major employers now headquartered in Bastrop, including X and Starlink, have drawn new families to the area. As Bastrop continues to expand, many residents lack church connections, and a confessional Lutheran presence remains limited. Members of Holy Word in Austin, Texas, have formed a committed core group that has been meeting regularly, engaging the community through service and outreach, and building relationships with residents. Bastrop presents a timely opportunity for a new Home Mission start.
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Greeneville, Tenn., is a growing community positioned between the Johnson City/Kingsport/Bristol metro area and Knoxville. While the area reflects strong Bible Belt culture and openness to conversations about faith, currently no confessional Lutheran church serves the community. A committed core group, supported by nearby WELS congregations in Johnson City and Morristown, has been meeting regularly and actively engaging with the community. Greeneville represents an opportunity to establish a confessional Lutheran presence in a community where none currently exists.
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North Marana is one of the fastest growing areas in the Tucson metro area, now home to more than 60,000 residents. A new mission effort, known locally as Mission Marana, is already active in the community, with a committed core group that gathers for Bible study and regularly serves at local events across North Marana. With strong local leadership and a clear focus on serving before being served, this new mission is positioned to grow alongside a rapidly expanding population of young families.
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Home Missions enhancements provide short-term funding to help congregations expand their outreach efforts. This could include calling an additional pastor, staff minister, or lay staff member; starting a cross-cultural ministry; or restarting a church where members have renewed their efforts to go with the gospel into their community.
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At its spring meeting, the WELS Board for Home Missions approved three new mission starts, continuing its work of bringing the gospel to growing communities across the United States while navigating ongoing financial and manpower challenges.
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In this month's WELS Connection, Illumine, Rock Hill, S.C., shows us the beauty of a mission congregation that has matured and been blessed to no longer need synod subsidy, which offers WELS Home Missions the opportunity to plant new churches.
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“'Should we scale back 100 Missions in 10 Years?' That’s a question I hear frequently. With the number of pastoral vacancies and ever-increasing ministry costs, it’s a valid question. God has called us to be good stewards of the resources he has given us. So, as we count the cost of 100 in 10, do we need to be less aggressive and scale back our goal? I’ve thought about this—a lot—and I’ve come to this conclusion: No, at least not yet. Here’s why . . .”
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Read more from Home Missions Administrator, Rev. Mark Gabb, as he reflects on the history of home missions, addresses current challenges, and shares hope for what lies ahead.
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Support Home Missions
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Thank you for supporting WELS Home Missions through your prayers, congregational offerings, and special offerings made to Home Missions. If you'd like to support mission work, visit wels.net/hmgift.
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Host a Mission Festival
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Request a mission speaker and let the WELS Missions team help find you a mission speaker for your event.
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Faces of Faith
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Read stories of the Holy Spirit at work in Faces of Faith, WELS Missions' annual magazine. Request free copies for your church or LWMS circuit rally at wels.net/facesoffaith.
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Contact us
We'd like to hear from you! Contact us for assistance or additional information regarding WELS Missions or simply visit wels.net/missions.
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