Over 43 million people speak Spanish in the United States and over 450 million speak Spanish around the world. WELS wants to reach out to those who live in this language and culture!

As we consider reaching Spanish-speaking families in the U.S., we encourage congregations to look at their communities, react to the language and cultural barriers, and take the gospel in the most direct path possible to members of the community. In many cases, reaching 3rd generation Hispanics means understanding the culture; language isn’t a barrier. When language is a barrier, WELS can help you understand cultural realities, become aware of the possibilities, and undertake outreach efforts so that every person can gather to learn, worship, and enjoy the fellowship of “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Sometimes that is done completely in Spanish. Increasingly more is done in a bilingual mode, so that parents and children can both hear the Word in the language that makes the most sense for them.

Hispanics living in the U.S. often express a desire to learn more about the community in which they live. Using English language classes, community events, and religious activities at the local congregation, bridges can be built across cultures. These Hispanic brothers and sisters in Christ might want to share the Good News with relatives and friends outside the U.S. WELS has many resources and training to help.

WELS Home Missions has a full-time Hispanic Outreach Consultant, Rev. Tim Flunker, who is ready, willing, and able to help any congregation reach the Spanish-speaking community nearby. You can contact him by calling 920-217-2704 or by emailing [email protected].

By the grace of God, 140 locations in the U.S., and an additional 60 locations throughout the world are now engaging their neighbors. Would you like to join them?

Fast Facts

• Hispanic Souls: 2,450
• Congregations serving Hispanic people: 140
• Spanish worship services held every weekend: 18
• Weekly Spanish Bible classes (in congregations that do not have Spanish worship): 15
• Congregations with bilingual vicars: 2
• Congregations receiving Hispanic outreach assistance from students at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary: 2
• Congregations receiving Home Missions financial subsidy for Hispanic outreach: 7