President’s report looks back and sets tone for the future

WELS President Mark Schroeder presented his report to synod convention delegates on Tuesday morning. He began by noting that this year marks 175 years of God’s grace on the synod. He added, though, that “while there may be a temptation on an anniversary such as this to look at our own efforts and accomplishments, our anniversary and convention theme places the focus where it belongs. On Christ. On his gospel. On his grace. On him, as he works through clay jars like us.”

Schroeder continued to expand on that anniversary and convention theme—“Christ through us”—as he walked delegates through the synod’s history and its current blessings and challenges. Setting the stage for the presentations that would follow from synod leaders, Schroeder said, “As we look at our synod today, important issues lie before us, both challenges and opportunities. At this convention, you will hear of both. We will neither hide from the challenges nor ignore the opportunities.”

Schroeder concluded his report with words that the apostle Paul spoke to Timothy: “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). “Recognize the source of your strength,” Schroeder encouraged delegates. “Depend on that strength to meet the challenges you will face. And be confident and joyful in that strength as you carry out the mission you’ve been given.”

Delegates remarked following the report that both the synod history and the current statistics shared were interesting and will help inform their work at the convention. Read the full “Report of the President.”