Our work together in Home Missions
“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.
