Seven new home missions approved

For generations, WELS congregations have been beacons of Christ’s light, proclaiming the gospel and nurturing faith. Yet millions in North America still live beyond the reach of a WELS church. Through the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative, WELS Home Missions is planting new churches where hope is needed most, while strengthening our synod and building a growing network of gospel outposts.

This vision is coming to life thanks to your prayers and support. At the fall Board for Home Missions meeting, seven new missions were approved—each one a new beacon of Christ’s light, made possible by your generosity.

The seven new mission starts include:

• Altoona, Wis.: Just east of Eau Claire, Altoona is rapidly growing. A core group from St. Mark in Eau Claire has been doing outreach since early 2023, steadily building interest.
• Buffalo, N.Y.: With 95,000 people in the target area and no WELS church nearby, a committed group is meeting to lay the foundation for a new church.
• Naples, Fla.: Naples is growing quickly and changing demographically. Leaders are meeting with locals and planning outreach to connect with unchurched residents.
• Olathe, Kan.: A booming, family-friendly city in the Kansas City metro, Olathe is home to a core group from Mt. Olive in Overland Park that’s planning for future growth.
• The Sandhills, N.C.: This growing region near Fort Bragg attracts retirees and military families. A group from Tree of Life in Cary is actively canvassing and building a prospect list.
• West Richland, Wash.: Near the Tri-Cities, West Richland is expanding quickly. A group from Southridge in Kennewick began outreach and plans to launch worship in 2025.
• Wilmington, N.C.: In a fast-growing area with no nearby WELS church, a group from Ascension in Jacksonville meets regularly in preparation to launch their church.

Learn more about these new starts at wels100in10.net.

This isn’t a short burst of effort—it’s the steady building of a lighthouse. Each new congregation is another beacon of Christ’s light in a darkening world. With your help, we’re building a network of gospel outposts—one light, one soul at a time.

Thank you for your partnership. Your gifts are bringing the gospel to new communities and strengthening our synod’s foundation for generations to come.

In Christ’s service,
The WELS Missions Team

P.S. Planting new churches isn’t just about numbers—it’s about reaching individual souls with the gospel. Watch Jett’s story in our “Faces of Faith” video to see how your support helps bring Christ’s love to people who need it most.