London and the United Kingdom

London is one of the most diverse and important cities in the world. Since the 1980s, the WELS European chaplaincy program has held monthly services in London for WELS-connected believers in the area. In recent years, many members from WELS’ sister churches around the world have been moving to the U.K. In response to this opportunity, WELS World Missions sent full-time missionaries to serve London and the United Kingdom with the goal of planting churches and developing a new sister church body.

God has greatly blessed this fledgling ministry. New churches are forming in central London, Wolverhampton and Manchester. With the Lord’s blessing, it is the prayer this mission work could provide a springboard for further in the U.K., made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and the entire continent of Europe.

Get involved!

  • If you’re in the area, please visit holyword.co.uk for worship information or to connect with a WELS missionary.
  • If you’re interested in volunteering to help the ministry effort, connect with Shannon Boehme at WELS Mission Journeys.
  • If you are a WELS member serving in the military and stationed in the United Kingdom, check out WELS European Chaplaincy.

Check out Discover Hidden Gems to watch more weekly videos released by WELS’ mission team.

Meet the missionary

Rev. Dr. Michael Hartman leads church planting efforts in the United Kingdom, focusing on London and international ministry. Exploratory work has led to the establishment of a “hub” church in central London Aldgate, with a network of smaller worship groups in Wolverhampton, Northwoods, and Manchester. Hartman works with individuals who have connections around the world, ranging from Africa and South America to Europe and Asia.

Hartman graduated from the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1999 and has a Doctor of Ministry in church planting. Prior to serving in the U.K., Hartman served as a world missionary in Latin America for 23 years. He led the One Latin America Team to bring the gospel to the Spanish-speaking world and equip leaders with resources to form churches. God used him to found Academia Cristo, a Spanish language Bible Institute and church planting ministry.

Hartman currently lives in London with his wife, Rachel, and their four children.

Download and read more biographies at wels.net/missionarybios.

Support mission work by selecting “London & United Kingdom” from the drop-down menu. Your gift supports initial outreach and church planting efforts in London and the greater United Kingdom.

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Latest News – London and the U.K.

Praying for London and the U.K.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for making me your child. Many people in London and the U.K. searching for peace and purpose in their lives. Your son Jesus told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. . . Let not your heart be troubled.” Bless those working to share the good news of Jesus and the peace he brings which surpasses all understanding. Open doors and hearts for the proclamation of your gospel. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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PICTURES OF LONDON & U.K.

Browse through and share pictures from London and the U.K., taken by WELS missionaries and national workers.