Since the 1960s, WELS World Missions has been working to share the gospel in Mexico. For many years, the efforts of missionaries focused on seminary instruction, counseling congregations, and assisting in the establishment and operation of the national church. The fruits of those efforts are seen in WELS’ sister synod, Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Confesional (IELC). They are served by 6 pastors and 2 pastors-in-training. Learn more about WELS mission history in Mexico. 

WELS is entering a new phase of partnership with the existing church body. We currently have no missionaries in Mexico for the first time in many years, but we continue to communicate with and support our brothers and sisters in Mexico. As the national pastors have taken over what had been the work of the missionaries in their national church, much of our work in Latin America generally and Mexico specifically has turned to reaching new people with the gospel through Academia Cristo’s online efforts and social media. A great many of those people being reached through Academia Cristo reside in the region’s most populous country, Mexico. As our Latin American missionaries are focused on new opportunities for the gospel throughout Latin America, the congregations in Mexico are training their members in biblical stewardship of time, talents, and treasures so that they can continue to be beacons of the gospel in Mexico into the future. 

Fast Facts:

• Baptized national members: 226
• Congregations: 7
• National pastors: 6
• Academia Cristo mobile app finishers: 227
• Academia Cristo active students: 64
• Academia Cristo students gathering groups: 7