Tag Archive for: Christ through us news

God’s work in Ukraine continues

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Our sister church the Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC), along with all the citizens of Ukraine, has been experiencing the hardship and suffering caused by four years of a terrible and destructive war. Families have had to flee to safer locations, homes have been destroyed, and some pastors have had to relocate to areas away from the war zones.

When the war began, WELS members responded with their own personal prayers and with prayers in their congregations. They also responded generously with gifts and offerings. Those gifts, regularly forwarded to the ULC, have been faithfully used to provide food, fuel, transportation, medicine, and clothing. And the members of the ULC did not keep those gifts for themselves. They have responded to our generosity with generosity of their own, making needed supplies available to many people in their communities who have been affected by the brutality and scarcity of war.

Vyacheslav Horpynchuk, the bishop of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church, tells the story far better than I can. This is what he writes:

Here the fifth year of the full-scale Russian invasion began. Thanks be to God this winter is coming to an end. It has been the most severe winter in the recent decades: lots of snow, very low below freezing temperatures and very heavy bombardments of our electrical, heating systems and residential areas of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, as well as smaller cities and villages. Lord, have mercy.

I would like to thank all the brothers and sisters in WELS who came to help us. Many people did not have any extra warm blankets, and some people requested some help to survive that cold. We provided all our congregation members in need with extra warm blankets to survive the cold in apartments with no heat or with very little heat. We also continued to provide all the needy with thermal wear. All of them send their gratitude to all in WELS for your generous help. Thank you very much!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yet even in these terrible times, God finds ways not only to bless his people but also to create opportunities for God’s people to carry out his mission. Through the works of love done by the members of the ULC, God has brought many non-Christians into contact with Christian love in action, but more important, with the saving gospel of Jesus and the comforting power of his Word. Many have begun to worship regularly in ULC congregations, and dozens of people have been instructed and confirmed.

Roger Neumann, our WELS liaison to the ULC, adds some of his observations:

While the war rages on and people deal with the elements of nature, the gospel ministry is not stopped. I’m very thankful to our Lord for the faith he has given our brothers and sisters in Christ in Ukraine. The ULC pastors continue to preach the gospel, help those who are in desperate need, and offer encouragement and friendship to many people. So many people suffer from depression and anxiety, not certain if they will survive this ordeal or what their futures will be like. The pastors bring them the reassurance that the Lord loves them and will continue to bless them. They also encourage the people to pay more attention to the spiritual blessings that they have in Christ and not focus on the physical needs that are lacking at this time.

While most ULC churches have lost members who have fled from the war and taken refuge in neighboring countries, there are, nevertheless, four new mission sites. Pictured below is mission work being done in one of those sites in Snihurivka.

 

 

 

 

 

People in those towns have welcomed pastors to share the gospel with them. In addition, a number of ULC members have taken refuge near Poznan, Poland. Bishop Horpynchuk will be making a trip there, and it’s hoped that a new mission can be started. God is certainly opening new doors and opportunities, despite the war and adversity. God be praised!

I want to thank all of you who have already responded to this need in Ukraine with your generous gifts and prayers. With the end of the war still not in sight, the need continues. Learn more about the Ukrainian Lutheran Church and how you can support it at wels.net/ukraine.

Serving with you in Christ,

WELS President Mark Schroeder

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WELS Home Missions approves three new mission starts

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At its spring meeting, the WELS Board for Home Missions approved three new mission starts, continuing its work of bringing the gospel to growing communities across the United States while navigating ongoing financial and manpower challenges:

Bastrop, Texas
Located about 25 miles east of Austin, Bastrop is experiencing rapid growth fueled by new residential development and expanding economic activity. Major employers now headquartered in Bastrop, including X and Starlink, have drawn new families to the area. As Bastrop continues to expand, many residents lack church connections, and a confessional Lutheran presence remains limited. Members of Holy Word in Austin, Texas, have formed a committed core group that has been meeting regularly, engaging the community through service and outreach, and building relationships with residents.

Greeneville, Tenn.
Greeneville, Tenn., is a growing community positioned between the Johnson City/Kingsport/Bristol metro area and Knoxville. While the area reflects strong Bible Belt culture and openness to conversations about faith, currently no confessional Lutheran church serves the community. A committed core group, supported by nearby WELS congregations in Johnson City and Morristown, has been meeting regularly and actively engaging with the community. The group has already hosted public worship services, drawing more than 40 people to its first service (pictured above) and averaging mid‑20s attendance at subsequent gatherings.

North Marana, Ariz.
North Marana is one of the fastest-growing areas in the Tucson metro area, now home to more than 60,000 residents. A new mission effort—known locally as Mission Marana—is already active in the community, with a committed core group that gathers for Bible study and regularly serves at local events across North Marana.

In addition to the new mission starts, the board approved three Home Missions enhancement grants. Congregations receiving enhancements include Good Shepherd, Holmen, Wis.; Mount Olive, St. Paul, Minn.; and Resurrection, Chesapeake, Va.

Balancing gratitude, needs, and stewardship

Since the launch of the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative in 2023, 31 new missions have been approved for funding by WELS Home Missions. Approving three new mission starts at the recent meeting of the Board for Home Missions is cause for thanksgiving, but it falls short of the desire to approve ten new starts each year. It does, however, reflect current realities. In WELS today there are 150+ pastoral vacancies. Additionally, Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO) and special gifts to Home Missions have not kept pace with the rising costs of establishing and supporting new missions.

“If these are our current realities as we continue with the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative,” says Mark Gabb, WELS Home Missions administrator, “then we respond accordingly. Yes, we trust that God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. But we’re also told not to put the Lord to the test.”

Gabb goes on to say, “It isn’t about a lack of opportunities but stewarding the finite resources we do have. This is nothing new. God’s people have been wrestling with money and manpower challenges for generations. As we look at new mission opportunities along with the current home missions we continue to support, our aim will be to wisely steward God’s gifts.”

Despite these challenges, Home Missions leaders remain encouraged by what God is already doing through committed core groups and supportive congregations.

“We thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and encouragement,” says Gabb. “Our home mission congregations continue to reach people with the gospel. That gospel is transforming hearts and lives, and that will last into eternity. What a privilege and joy it is to be a part of that!”

To learn more about these new mission starts and enhancements, visit wels100in10.net.

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Support for Asia-Oceania ministries

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In late January and early February 2026, Daniel Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief, and Paul Biedenbender, pastor at Christ, Denver, Colo., and a member of the WELS Christian Aid and Relief Commission, traveled to Thailand to meet with WELS missionaries, administrators, and other church leaders from the Asia-Oceania Team. WELS Christian Aid and Relief works with WELS missionaries in this large mission field by providing funding for humanitarian aid and disaster relief programs.

While there, Sims and Biedenbender also attended the dedication of the new training facility for Thai Village in Chiang Mai. More than two hundred friends, artisans, donors, and partners gathered at the dedication to support Thai Village’s mission to train and employ low-income people; support Christian outreach and education; and create opportunities to share God’s love in the community. Thai Village, an independent nonprofit organization, is a WELS-affiliated ministry that works closely with the Asia-Oceania Team.

WELS Christian Aid and Relief contributed funding for the outreach pavilion at the new facility—the place most used by the community. Sims shares, “We support this mission wholeheartedly! It was a joy to meet their artisans and hear their testimonies about how Thai Village and the gospel shared there changed their lives.”


View dedication photos Learn more about Thai Village

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2026 International Youth Rally registration open

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Registration is open for the 2026 WELS International Youth Rally, July 14-17, at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. The cost is $450 if attendees register by April 30 and $475 from May 1-29.

The rally is open to all WELS teens heading into their freshman year of high school through seniors graduating this spring. Teens from across the country will gather to discover ways to lead and serve, worship with thousands, and attend workshops to share the saving gospel.

The theme for the 2026 rally is “Christ through us,” inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 and the synod’s ten-year plan, which calls each of us to be Christ’s ambassadors.

Two keynotes will be presented based on the theme. Luke and Rachel Beilke, who have served as missionaries in Latin America since 2022 and also lead the efforts of Academia Cristo‘s ministry, will present “Christ through ordinary you.” Their presentation will explore how Jesus isn’t just something that happens at church, on mission trips, or is limited to missionaries far away, but he uniquely positions all of us to share his love. Jonathan Hein, director of the WELS Commission on Congregational Counseling, will present “Before you were ready.” His presentation will explore that each time God’s people felt they weren’t ready to shoulder responsibility, God had equipped them for the work he gave them.

Workshops will be held for both youth leaders and youth. Topics include encouragement for Christians in today’s world such as “Why youth leaders matter more than ever” and “Illustrations that impact” for youth leaders, and “A day in the life of a home missionary,” “Who are you when nobody’s watching?,” and “Starting a spiritual conversation” for youth.

Learn more about the workshops, recreational excursions, and the rally—and register—at welsyouthrally.net.

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You can help start the next new mission

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Dear Friend,

“Should we scale back 100 Missions in 10 Years?” That’s a question I hear frequently. With the number of pastoral vacancies and ever-increasing ministry costs, it’s a valid question. God has called us to be good stewards of the resources he has given us. So, as we count the cost of 100 in 10, do we need to be less aggressive and scale back our goal? I’ve thought about this—a lot—and I’ve come to this conclusion: No, at least not yet. Here’s why . . .

From the start, 100 in 10 was an aggressive initiative that stretched us all in our vision, our stewardship, and our trust in the Lord’s promises. Three years in, 100 in 10 is nearly keeping pace, having approved 28 new starts and 24 enhancements. We’re seeing the gospel’s power at work in places like Boston, Mass.; Marquette, Mich.; Queens, N.Y.; Houston, Texas; Kronenwetter, Wis.; Folsom, Calif.; and more, bringing hope and peace to the lost and hopeless.

The 100 in 10 initiative has also been a catalyst for exciting work throughout our synod. It has forged and strengthened partnerships across WELS. It has brought greater collaboration with others and sparked new ministry ideas and efforts. God’s people have responded generously, investing more than $4.3 million in the initiative. I have seen firsthand how the Lord is blessing efforts, transforming hearts, and impacting lives through the good news of salvation through Jesus.

The Lord has a history of doing this. We read about it in the pages of Scripture. We witness it in the history of our church body. Christ works through us to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. It really is a joy watching Christ work through his people to spread the light of his Word “from age to age,” which is “our chief endeavor” (“God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage,” Christian Worship).

This is where you come in. Planting new missions is costly but worth it! Financial gifts from God’s people help cover costs and make a difference. Our missionaries will tell you that and thank you profusely for your gifts. I can also tell you how major gifts from God’s people make a lasting impact, allowing us to plant new missions where we never thought we could.

On average, WELS Home Missions invests nearly $2 million in each new mission. Together, the ongoing gifts of God’s people help us keep planting “yet one more” so more people may hear the message of peace and hope we have through Christ. This is what 100 Missions in 10 Years has always been about: Christ working through us to reach the lost. As you consider how God has generously blessed you, will you consider giving a generous gift to Home Missions to plant “yet one more” mission so we can reach more people with the gospel?

Your gift helps support existing missions, strengthens outreach efforts, and ensures that new gospel outposts are planted in new communities across North America. Together—and only together—we keep pressing forward with boldness, trusting that the Lord will use our combined efforts as he sees fit and in ways we never imagined.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

In Christ,
Rev. Mark Gabb
Administrator, WELS Home Missions

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Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, you send out your church to proclaim your good news to all creation. We praise you for allowing us to participate in your mission and for blessing our efforts. Continue to guide our church body as we prayerfully aim to open 100 missions in 10 years and enhance 75 existing ministries. We thank you that, so far, we’ve been able to open 28 missions in the past three years. We pray that you would guide our mission churches on their path from new starts to thriving congregations so they can bless their communities for years to come. Amen.

Reflections on the latest WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership

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The WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership, one of the largest gatherings of WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod members, was held Jan. 19–21 in Chicago. The event was a huge success, with attendees offering many positive comments. Jonathan Hein, coordinator of WELS Congregational Services, provides the following reflections on the conference:

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The 2026 leadership conference centered on the theme of WELS’ recently adopted long-range plan, “Christ through us.” The aim was to draw people back to the heart of Christian leadership: not what we accomplish through Christ, but what Christ continues to do through his people. Some highlights included the following:

  • Four keynotes touched on major cultural needs for ministry efforts: courage, character, critical thinking, curiosity, and better collaboration between all God’s people—men and women. (About a third of attendees were women.) One congregation president said, “The final day’s emphasis on critical thinking—paired with a serious call to better recognize the ideas and gifts of women—will force us to ask different questions about whether our structure really encourages the full body of Christ to serve together.”
  • Sixty-nine breakouts allowed participants to examine “best practices”—tactical approaches to ministry around WELS that the Lord seems to be blessing. Breakouts on leadership development were especially popular. One lay leader shared, “What struck me was how many breakouts focused on growing as leaders, not growing numbers. The emphasis on character and collaboration was refreshing and deeply needed.” Also popular were breakouts on revitalizing congregations and schools. A pastor noted, “After a tough few years in ministry, this was encouraging in the best sense. Seeing what the Lord is blessing elsewhere didn’t make me feel behind. It reminded me that he’s still building his church, and that faithful work—even in small places—matters.”
  • One in ten attendees was under the age of 24. This was an intentional effort, not just to equip the next generation of leaders but also to hear their insights on how to better reach and disciple people their age. One high school–aged attendee wrote, “It was encouraging to know that our perspectives mattered. It felt like my church was inviting us to help shape ministry now.”
  • Worship was inspiring and encouraging, grounding everything else in the forgiveness and peace Christ provides. Music was led by 20 students from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis. The three preachers represented different aspects of leadership: in the parish, in the synod, and in training future workers. Twenty area pastors helped with distribution of the Lord’s Supper to the 1,600 WELS attendees.

Rather than minimizing current challenges in congregational life, the conference addressed them openly. Declining participation in some contexts, leadership fatigue, and cultural change were named honestly—yet always in light of Christ’s ongoing faithfulness to his church. One leader shared, “I appreciated the honesty. No one pretended ministry is easy right now. But the focus kept coming back to Christ’s promises instead of our anxiety. That kind of clarity gives you courage to keep serving.”

With that confidence, leaders returned to their congregations, schools, and ministries reminded that the future of the church does not rest on perfect plans or flawless leadership but on a faithful Savior who continues to work through his people.

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Thanks to Rev. Hein for his summary and to all who planned, presented, and attended this conference.

Serving with you in Christ,

WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

 

Video recordings of two keynote presentations as well as materials from many breakout presentations are available on the conference website. The remaining keynote video recordings will be released in coming weeks.

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WELS chaplains gather for annual meeting

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Thirty-seven people attended the annual meeting of the Association of WELS Chaplains on Feb. 6 at the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry in Waukesha, Wis. The purpose was for those who have gone through the WELS Chaplain Certificate Program or are currently going through the program to grow and learn from one another.

The Chaplain Certificate Program is designed to equip called workers and lay members (both male and female) to bring the gospel to places outside the church, such as healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, military installations, and public safety agencies. Online courses offered through Martin Luther College apply biblical truths to issues encountered by chaplains.

The work of WELS chaplains was recently highlighted in both WELS Connection and Forward in Christ. View photos from the meeting.

Watch WELS Connection Read FIC article Learn more
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Conference of Presidents holds its winter meeting

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The Conference of Presidents (COP) met Jan. 6-9. At that meeting, the COP discussed the following items:

  • The current number of pastoral vacancies. There are 162 total vacancies for pastor-trained men (unchanged from October), of which 154 are in congregations (up from 148 in October). The vacancy numbers will improve somewhat in the spring, since the graduating class at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., will be larger than it has been in recent years.
  • Guidelines for the call process. These guidelines apply to how often called workers can receive calls, how district presidents work together to coordinate when calls are issued and which names can be used on call lists, and how many names should be included. The COP reviewed the current guidelines and the suggestions for changes and decided to keep the current guidelines in place.
  • What information should be included in the profiles of called workers that are provided to congregations when they are considering candidates to call.
  • The process for assignments of called worker candidates. Assignments will take place at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., in May.

Synod statistics for 2025 and Congregation Mission Offering (CMO) subscriptions are currently being gathered, with Feb. 6 being the deadline for both. Congregations are encouraged to submit their statistics and CMO subscriptions by that date.

The Doctrine Committee of the COP will hold its annual meeting with the Doctrine Committee of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod at the end of January.

Serving with you in Christ,

WELS President Mark Schroeder

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2025–26 school statistics offer opportunity to reflect

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Enrollment in WELS schools this school year has decreased slightly from the 2024–25 school year, according to the recently released 2025–26 school statistics. Lutheran high school enrollment continued to climb, up 2.6 percent (from 7,484 students to 7,680 students), while Lutheran elementary school enrollment remained flat. Enrollment at WELS early childhood ministries declined slightly, down 4.9 percent (from 11,338 students to 10,784 students). These statistics match a nationwide decline in school enrollment due to falling birth rates in the US.

“When we take a look at the overall enrollment picture [in WELS],” says James Rademan, director of WELS Lutheran Schools, “about a third of our schools are growing, about a third of them are staying the same, and about a third are actually reducing in enrollment.”

A shortage of called teachers has affected some schools. Rademan says that several early childhood centers have paused their work because they couldn’t get enough workers to staff the centers, and some smaller schools are struggling to get teachers for their classrooms. “The opportunities continue to far outweigh the manpower that we have,” he says.

To combat this situation, WELS Lutheran Schools is encouraging congregations and schools across the districts to recruit, retain, and renew.

  • Recruit individuals who could serve well in gospel ministry, be it pastors or teachers. “Our encouragement and how we recruit can go a long way on what kind of reach we can make through our schools,” says Rademan.
  • Retain current called workers. “Are we valuing the workers that we have as much as we could?” says Rademan. “Let’s not just say we need more workers, but let’s review how we are supporting the current workers we have.”
  • Renew or review the mission of the children’s ministry. “We want everyone to go through this process to make sure they keep examining their ministry needs and goals,” says Rademan. “What are the blessings, the challenges, the opportunities the Lord has provided us with?” This review can help local congregations and schools adapt to changing conditions and make informed long-range ministry decisions.

WELS Congregational Services offers consulting support for congregations that want help with this process. Learn more about congregational consulting opportunities.

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New administrator installed

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On Jan. 9, Charles Vannieuwenhoven was installed as the administrator of the Board for Ministerial Education. Attending the installation and participating in the laying on of hands were the presidents of WELS’ four ministerial education schools and the chairman of WELS Board for Ministerial Education. Pictured from left in above photo: Richard Gurgel, Martin Luther College; Earle Treptow, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary; Duane Rodewald, WELS Board for Ministerial Education; Charles Vannieuwenhoven; Matthew Crass, Luther Preparatory School; and Mark Luetzow, Michigan Lutheran Seminary. Vannieuwenhoven began his call at the Center for Mission and Ministry in January.

Read Vannieuwenhoven’s recent Forward in Christ article to learn more about his ministry priorities for WELS Ministerial Education.

Running with perseverance

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Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Dear Friend,

In this race called life, 2026 is another mile marker. How is your race going?

The truth is, “running with perseverance” can be very difficult. While the Father washed our sins away in Baptism and made us his own children, while we have the powerful assurances of the Spirit’s Word, while the Lord feeds our faith with his own body and blood in the bread and wine of Communion, we are still sinners living in a sinful world. Instead of staying focused on Jesus, we’re tempted to get off track. We start to become entangled in sin and pick up burdens that are a drag on our mission of serving Christ and others.

The inspired writer of Hebrews encourages us to throw off the sins and distractions that hinder us from our heavenly goal. We have all we need in Christ, who endured the cross for our sins and rules everything for our benefit. These other things only get in the way if we let them. Though the sinful nature lures us to the false satisfaction of idols, though our weakness of faith causes us to fear the threats of our enemies, with our eyes fixed on Jesus through his good news in Word and sacraments, we can run this race with perseverance. We know where we’re going and why we’re here. This helps us not to grow weary or lose heart. I pray that our Lord Jesus strengthens you as you run his race in 2026.

As you do this, would you help WELS continue its proclamation of Christ’s gospel across the world? Your donation to WELS Mission and Ministry supports all the work of our synod, including ministerial education, opening missions, and supporting the local ministry of our churches and schools.

It’s a particularly exciting time to be a WELS member with all the opportunities God is giving us. We have a bold new strategic plan, “Christ through us,” which you can read at christthroughus.net. We are on track to open 100 new home missions by 2033. The Holy Spirit is blessing world mission work so that it is estimated we’ll enjoy fellowship with one million people outside the United States within ten years. Advances in technology are helping us train gospel ambassadors, communicate in other languages, and reach people in countries where we don’t have a physical presence.

The race is indeed marked out for us. Our champion, Jesus, is on the throne. His Word and Spirit guide our lives. Heaven awaits us at the finish line. And we have the privilege of inviting others. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s the adventure of a lifetime! We praise God for all you do for our Savior’s kingdom and for considering making the Lord’s work through WELS a part of that again this year!

In Christ,
Kurt Lueneburg
WELS Director of Christian Giving

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Prayer: Lord, help us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for our salvation and now sits victoriously on heaven’s throne. May your good news in Word and sacrament strengthen and empower us to throw off everything that hinders, including the sins that lead us away from you. Bless us, our churches, and our synod this coming year so that, by your grace, we can continue training workers and sending them out into the world to proclaim your name. Amen.

Pioneering the gospel in unreached areas

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Dear Christian Friend,

As we approach Christmas—a season when we celebrate the birth of our Savior and the hope he brings to the world—we’re reminded that more than 6.5 billion souls, over two-thirds of humanity, live in places where the name of Jesus is scarcely known. These are not just numbers; they are individuals, families, and communities waiting to experience the life-changing hope found in the gospel. This Christmas, as we rejoice in the gift of Christ, we remember our calling as his ambassadors, sent to proclaim the saving message of Jesus to every nation under heaven. Through us, Christ reaches the nations.

For 175 years, God has blessed WELS with opportunities to bring the gospel to new lands. Yet the mission remains unfinished. Millions are born and die each year without access to the truth we hold so dear. With renewed urgency and prayerful confidence, we look to the future, asking God to use us to reach lost souls with his Word of salvation. This is “Christ through us”—a mission that knows no borders, limits, or barriers too great for God’s grace.

As part of WELS’ long-range strategic plan, we’ve set a goal to “Pioneer missions in high-risk and unreached areas.” This is a bold commitment to go where the gospel is least known and access is most restricted. We trust God to open doors and prepare hearts.

God has opened two remarkable new mission fields. In Senegal, One Africa Team Missionary Dan Kroll has accepted a relocation to begin outreach among the Wolof people—a tribe where 99 percent identify as Muslim. The work will begin with learning language and culture, building relationships, and seeking every opportunity to share the gospel. Plans are underway to add a second missionary to the Senegal team, joining Kroll in immersion and outreach. Together, these missionaries will plant seeds of faith, train local leaders, and gather believers who will share Christ in their own communities.

Senegal is just one example of the vast need in the “10/40 window”—a region stretching from West Africa to East Asia between 10 degrees north and 40 degrees north latitude, home to the greatest concentration of unreached people groups on earth. In this window, billions live without access to the gospel. The spiritual darkness is profound, and the need for new workers, resources, and prayer is greater than ever. The opportunity before us is urgent: to bring the light of Christ to those who have never heard his name, to offer hope where there is none, and to answer the call to reach the lost.

Will you help us pioneer these new world mission fields? Your gift to the New World Mission Fields Fund will support outreach to the Wolof tribe in Senegal and other high-risk, unreached areas. This Christmas, as you reflect on God’s greatest gift to us, consider sharing that gift with those who have yet to hear the good news. Together, we can answer Christ’s call to go, to send, and to pray—trusting that his promise will not fail.

With hope, humility, and boldness, we entrust our efforts to the Lord of the harvest, confident that he will accomplish far more than we could ever ask or imagine. This is Christ through us.

In Christ’s service,
Rev. Larry Schlomer
Administrator, WELS World Missions

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Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the resolve of WELS World Missions and our synod to “pioneer missions in high-risk and unreached areas.” Guide, protect, and bless Missionary Dan Kroll as he begins work in Senegal, Africa, among the Wolof tribe, which is 99 percent Muslim. We ask you to also go with Rev. John Hildebrant, who has accepted the call to serve on the Asia-Oceania Team, focusing on outreach to the Hindi, one of the largest unreached populations in the world. He will begin his ministry with a one-year immersion experience in India. According to your will, Lord, work through us to reach the ends of the earth with the good news of your redemption. Amen.

Join the global gospel movement this Christmas

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Dear Christian Friend,

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we’re reminded that more than 6.5 billion people live where the name of Jesus is scarcely known. The “Commission” priority of WELS’ long-range strategic plan calls us to extend our confessional Lutheran witness beyond familiar borders, forging partnerships and equipping a global missionary force to share Christ’s love with a world in need.

Now is the time to unite in prayer, generosity, and action, supporting efforts that spark the movement of the gospel across continents. Watch this short video to see how the “Commission” priority is shaping our mission.

Will you join us in this global movement?

God has provided a new mission opportunity in Senegal. Missionary Dan Kroll will soon begin outreach among the Wolof people, a tribe where 99 percent identify as Muslim. The work starts with learning language and culture, building relationships, and sharing the hope of Christ. You’ll soon receive a mailing with more details.

Will you help us bring the light of Christ to those who have never heard his name? Your gift to the New World Mission Fields Fund will directly support outreach in Senegal.

Thank you for your faithful support. Your prayers and gifts make it possible to bring the gospel to places where Christ’s name is barely known. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this
Christmas, may the light of his love fill your heart.

In Christ’s service,
Rev. Larry Schlomer
Administrator, WELS World Missions

P.S. Read a special Forward in Christ article that shares inspiring stories of pioneering missions—including Dan Kroll’s work in Senegal and other efforts to reach the unreached.

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Striving to provide called workers

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“Calling” is one of the four priorities outlined in the synod’s “Christ through us” long-range strategic plan (along with “Culture,” “Congregations,” and “Commission”).

For our synod to carry out its mission faithfully, we need an adequate number of well-trained pastors, teachers, and staff ministers to teach and proclaim God’s Word in our congregations, schools, and mission fields. That need has become more acute in recent years as we are experiencing a significant shortfall in the number of called workers available to serve.

So it comes as no surprise that “Calling” has been identified as one of the priorities of our synod as we plan for the future.

The “Calling” priority has five main components. With God’s help, we will:

  1. Expand pathways to ministry. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., will be examining how we can provide new ways for future pastors, teachers, and staff ministers to enter ministry. Some of those things are already being done. At Martin Luther College, we are already attempting to recruit WELS members who are serving in public schools. Such people already have a teaching degree; MLC provides the instruction needed to become ministry certified in WELS. Other WELS people may have degrees in other fields. We will develop ways to provide them with the educational skills needed to teach, along with the instruction needed to become ministry certified.
  2. Innovative recruitment efforts. We will be looking at ways to improve and expand our efforts to recruit traditional students for entry into Martin Luther College. Those efforts will likely expand the current practice of school recruiters meeting with high school students by specifically working with current called workers and congregations to expand recruitment efforts.
  3. Ensure ministerial education stability. We will look for ways to ensure that our synodical schools remain on a firm financial foundation and to enlist our members in working toward that goal.
  4. Establish a sustainable strategy for called worker development. We will look at how best to deploy the workers that we have now, exercising the best stewardship in how and where we use them.
  5. Support called worker well-being. Having spiritually and physically healthy called workers ensures that they will be able to cope with the challenges and pressures of ministry, thus reducing the number of called worker resignations. We will find ways to help congregations provide the best support and encouragement possible.

Of course, we can make our plans. But in the end, it is only with God’s blessing that these plans will bear fruit.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

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WELS Synodical Council meets

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The Synodical Council met Nov. 7–8 for its fall meeting at the Center for Mission and Ministry, Waukesha, Wis. The Synodical Council (SC) is the group of lay leaders and called workers that oversees the synod’s operations, planning, and budget.

The following issues were addressed at this meeting:

  • Mr. Kyle Egan, WELS’ chief financial officer, reported that synod finances remain healthy, with higher-than-expected Congregation Mission Offerings and gifts from individuals this year and lower expenses than forecasted. All areas of ministry reported increased levels in their special funds. The annual audit has been completed with all entities receiving an unmodified opinion—the best that can be given.
  • The “Christ through us” long-range strategic plan is beginning to be implemented by all areas of ministry.
  • A task force on ministry recruitment is continuing its work. Three new ministry recruitment counselors have been called and are working to define the duties and scope of the program.
  • Planning for building projects at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., (classrooms, offices, library remodeling, and a gathering center) and Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis., (music classrooms and auditorium) is proceeding.
  • The SC approved calling two new missionaries to begin work in Senegal, Africa; a church planting coordinator in Latin America; coordinators for women’s ministry in Europe and Africa; and a professor at Asia Lutheran Seminary. These positions do not require additional synod operating support, since the funds are available from World Missions special funds. The SC also approved additional staffing in WELS Communications to allow the team to better leverage existing and emerging digital communication tools to reach a new generation while also maintaining valued communication tools upon which older members rely.
  • Synod subsidiaries (WELS Investment Funds, WELS Foundation, WELS Church Extension Fund, and Northwestern Publishing House) all reported strong financial results.
  • WELS has received more than $4 million in gifts toward the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative. With the seven recently approved new missions starts, we are slightly shy of the goal of 30 in the first three years of the effort.
  • The SC discussed issues relating to WELS VEBA health insurance, the synod pension, and the synod’s compensation guidelines.

This was the first meeting of two new SC members who were elected at the 2025 synod convention: Rev. Bart Brauer (pastor at-large) and Rev. Jon Bauer (pastor at-large). Newly called administrator of the Board for Ministerial Education, Rev. Charlie Vannieuwenhoven, will join the SC after the first of the year.

The next meeting of the Synodical Council will take place in April 2026.

Learn more about the SC.

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Ministry recruitment counselors ready to serve

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On Oct. 20, Mrs. Mary Heckendorf, Mr. Samuel McKenna, and Rev. Mark Schroeder were installed as ministry recruitment counselors during chapel at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis.

The ministry recruitment counselors will work alongside pastors, teachers, staff ministers, parents, and lay leaders to help them actively recognize gifts in others, share information about ministerial education, and keep gospel ministry top of mind for WELS youth. This initiative aligns with the “Calling” priority of the long-range strategic plan, which focuses on producing more workers for a growing harvest.

Each ministry recruitment counselor has a unique background that will help shape his or her efforts. Heckendorf has served as both a WELS and public school teacher. McKenna is retired from the military and was a recruiter for the Marines and the National Guard. Schroeder most recently served as pastor at Peace, Gilbert, Ariz., and has also taught at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, Mich., and Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis.

Their efforts are critical as WELS faces declining birth rates. “2024 was the fifth year in a row that we have more deaths than births in our synod,” notes McKenna. “So it’s important that we find different places and new ways to encourage people to be called workers—pastors, teachers, staff ministers, and missionaries.” Hear more from the counselors about the importance of these positions.

Charlie Vannieuwenhoven, who will begin serving as administrator of WELS Board for Ministerial Education in January, will help guide the efforts of the ministry recruitment counselors.

“Working to increase our recruitment efforts will be an immediate focus,” says Vannieuwenhoven. “The ministry recruitment counselors will play a big role in these efforts. Working with them to help understand their role and see how they can best go about their work will be one of my first priorities.”

Learn more about the ministry recruitment counselors.

Learn more about Charlie Vannieuwenhoven, new administrator of WELS Board for Ministerial Education.

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WELS Conference of Presidents meets

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The Conference of Presidents (COP) met Oct. 7–9 at the Center for Mission and Ministry (CMM) in Waukesha, Wis., to discuss the following areas:

  • Pastoral vacancies: The tally of pastoral vacancies includes 148 parish vacancies and 162 total vacancies for pastor-trained men. This represents a vacancy rate of just under 12 percent. The ideal vacancy rate is 6 to 8 percent. Larger classes from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in the coming years will provide some relief for the shortage, but recruitment of candidates for the pastoral ministry needs to be emphasized in our congregations.
  • Theology curriculum: The COP provided guidance to the team that is developing the new K-12 theology curriculum (replacing Christ-Light), noting that the materials should be available in multiple translations (New International Version and Evangelical Heritage Version) like the Small Catechism is.
  • Assignments: The Assignment Committee will meet via teleconference on Dec. 15 to assign mid-year graduates from Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn. The COP resolved that it would no longer assign tutors at the synodical schools (Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Martin Luther College, Luther Preparatory School, and Michigan Lutheran Seminary) for a third year, unless exceptional circumstances require it.
  • Retirement advice: The COP will be developing written advice for called workers who are nearing retirement. Ideally, the district president will meet with these workers to help them prepare for retirement.
  • WELS 175th anniversary: The COP is encouraging all WELS congregations to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the synod this fall. Worship materials are available in The Foundation, a worship resource provided by Congregational Services.
  • Calls: Michael Ewart, pastor at St. Peter, Appleton, Wis., was called to serve as a Christian giving counselor in the Northern Wisconsin District.
  • Congregation Mission Offerings: Congregation Mission Offerings continue to be strong. The COP is thankful to congregations and members for their generous support.

This was the first in-person meeting of the Conference of Presidents since the synod convention this summer, where delegates elected three men to serve in the synod presidium: Joel Voss as first vice president, John Bortulin as second vice president, and Tyler Peil as recording secretary. The first and second vice president serve as voting members of the Conference of Presidents and as advisors to the Synodical Council. The recording secretary serves as an advisory member of the Conference of Presidents. All three of these synod offices are part time.

As part of the meeting, Peil was installed into his new role as recording secretary at the CMM’s weekly chapel service. Voss and Bortulin had been installed during the closing service at the synod convention.

Read more about the new synodical officers and learn more about the COP.

 

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Leadership conference registration opens

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Registration is now open for the WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership, Jan. 19–21, 2026, at the Hilton in Chicago, Ill.

This conference is the flagship leadership event in WELS, offering called workers and lay members, men and women, and current and future leaders an opportunity to grow in their faith, learn new ministry strategies, and contemplate how they and their congregations can best reach out with the gospel in their communities.

“People will return home from this conference with new ideas, yes, but more important, with renewed hearts,” says Jonathan Hein, director of WELS Congregational Services and part of the conference planning committee. “That’s what strengthens a congregation more than anything else.”

Strengthening congregations is one of the four main priorities of the synod’s new long-range strategic plan, “Christ through us,” which was approved at the synod convention this past summer.

“The WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership is where we honestly wrestle with some of the major strategic challenges in WELS,” says Hein. “For example, at this conference you will see a strong focus on the retention of young members, on the need to better engage women in the ministry of the church, and on the need for a more robust approach to cradle-to-grave discipleship.”

Four keynote presentations will touch on larger strategic and cultural issues that affect every congregation and American Christianity as a whole. Sixty-nine breakouts, divided into tracks for those who want to focus on specific topics, will offer practical ideas for participants to bring home to their congregations, helping transform a long-range vision into real-world action.

Says Hein, “I’m most excited to see what happens after the conference—when the people who attended return home with renewed purpose and their congregations begin to feel that ripple of gospel momentum.”

This conference also will have a strong emphasis on youth participation, with conference planners working to have about 10 percent of attendees be high school- and college-aged members.

The deadline to register for the leadership conference is Nov. 30. Early-bird registration, ending Nov. 15, is $299 per person.

Register for the conference today and get a taste of just some of the breakouts being offered through short video teasers from conference presenters.

 

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Strengthening WELS’ backbone

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The synod’s recently adopted long-range strategic plan, entitled “Christ through us,” establishes four main priorities for the next ten years. Those priorities are

  • cultivating a gospel-driven culture,
  • strengthening WELS’ backbone in congregations,
  • bringing Christ to the nations as our commission, and
  • living up to our calling to produce workers for a growing harvest field.

In this issue of Together, we focus on the second priority: strengthening WELS’ backbone in congregations.

Your congregation is a part of the vital foundation that supports our shared gospel ministry efforts. WELS congregations are where the light and truth of God’s saving gospel is proclaimed to members and where God’s truth is shared with people in the community. And, just as important, through their mission offerings, congregations support the proclamation of the gospel around the world and in newly planted congregations in the United States and Canada. Congregations are also places where members identify and encourage young people to consider preparing for a lifetime of service in the public ministry.

For all these things to happen, we need to encourage WELS members to be actively and personally engaged in the life and work of their congregation. Our goal is to better equip all members to embrace their God-given role in Christ’s mission. Members will be encouraged to view their friends and neighbors as their personal mission field and their homes as places where children are led by parents to know and serve their Savior. To succeed in equipping our lay members to carry out these tasks, we intend to provide congregations with the necessary resources to enable all members to serve their Savior and his mission joyfully and confidently according to their gifts and talents.

Beyond encouraging WELS members in our congregations, our goal is to continue to help congregations enhance their ministry efforts. That can happen in a number of ways. Maybe a congregation in a changing setting can adjust its ministry plans to reach people more effectively. Perhaps a congregation can re-evaluate the mission and sustainability of its elementary schools and early childhood ministries. Some congregations will explore collaboration or even merger with other congregations to expand efforts to reach more people with the gospel.

And, of course, when we talk about congregations, we also refer to the new home mission congregations that God will enable us to plant. One of the key strategic elements of our mission planting will be to prioritize starting new congregations—outposts for gospel proclamation—in places where our confessional Lutheran voice is not yet present. Read more about the seven new home missions that were recently approved.

But mission efforts really begin in the home as the first mission field. We recognize that the high school and college years are when many of our young members are tempted to drift away from congregational life and worship. The more that parents lay a firm foundation of faith in the home, the more our young adults will stay connected to the Savior, to worship, and to their congregations.

It all starts in the home with faithful, God-fearing parents. It continues in the congregation as the gospel works in people to strengthen their faith. And then, as we work together to take the saving message to more people in new places, God will work through us to build his church.

The “Christ through us” plan depends on all of us. We encourage you to read more about the plan—and how you can be part of it—at christthroughus.net.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

 

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Seven new home mission starts approved

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In September WELS Board for Home Missions met and approved seven new missions toward the synodwide goal of starting 100 new missions and enhancing 75 ministries by 2033.

“With the approval of these seven new missions, we’re not just planting churches—we’re expanding the reach of the gospel where there isn’t a WELS presence,” says Mark Gabb, Home Missions administrator. “It’s also a direct step toward our synod’s goals laid out in the ‘Christ through us’ long-range strategic plan. Our goal is to expand WELS’ reach through strategic church planting so that millions more will have the opportunity to hear the gospel. This is at the heart of our 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative, and these new missions bring us closer to that milestone. We thank God for the prayers and support that make this bold outreach possible.”

The seven new mission starts include:

Altoona, Wis.: Altoona is one of the fastest-growing communities in western Wisconsin. With a population nearing 10,000 and projected to grow, Altoona attracts people seeking a small-town feel with access to urban amenities, which are located in nearby Eau Claire, Wis. A core group from St. Mark, Eau Claire, has been active hosting community events, launching monthly devotional services, and building a growing prospect list since early 2023.

Buffalo, N.Y.: Buffalo is one of the largest metro areas in the United States without a WELS church. The target area has about 95,000 residents within a two-mile radius. A dedicated core group has begun gathering for Bible study and outreach, laying the groundwork for a new church plant.

Naples, Fla.: Ranked among the best places to live and retire, Naples is seeing fast growth and demographic change. The district mission board and mission counselor have made multiple visits—talking with locals, meeting community leaders, and learning about the area’s needs. With strong support and a clear plan, the mission is ready to reach the many unchurched residents eager for spiritual connection.

Olathe, Kan.: Olathe, located in the southwest Kansas City metro area, has seen its population surge, and continued growth is expected. Major employers have fueled this expansion, making Olathe one of the most affordable and family-friendly cities in the nation. A dedicated core group from Mt. Olive in Overland Park, Kan., has been hosting regular Bible studies and planning meetings.

The Sandhills, N.C.: The Sandhills area of North Carolina is growing as retirees and young families move in. Its proximity to Fort Bragg also draws military personnel who often settle there permanently. A core group from Tree of Life, Cary, N.C., has begun outreach and canvassing, building momentum and a prospect list in a region where confessional Lutheran churches are few.

West Richland, Wash.: West Richland, located just outside the Tri-Cities, is experiencing rapid growth. A committed core group from Southridge, Kennewick, Wash., has been working to establish a second site in West Richland since 2024. The group has already begun outreach through community service activities and fellowship events and aims to launch regular worship and ministry activities in 2025.

Wilmington, N.C.: Wilmington is in one of the fastest-growing corners of North Carolina. A core group of 18 people from Ascension, Jacksonville, N.C., meets regularly for Bible study and planning. With no WELS church nearby and easy access along U.S. 17, the group is laying the foundation for a welcoming church that blends in-person and online worship, Bible instruction, and plenty of community service.

Learn more at wels100in10.net.

 

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Beacons of light across North America

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Dear Christian Friend,

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

That verse is the heartbeat of our synod’s long-range strategic plan, “Christ through us.” It’s also the heartbeat of our congregations—beacons of the light of Christ’s salvation to a world lost in the darkness of sin.

Right now, WELS congregations reach about two percent of the U.S. population—roughly 6.8 million people living within a 15-minute drive of a WELS church. But WELS Home Missions has set a bold goal with the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative: increase that reach to three percent. That’s an additional 3.4 million souls—souls who could be within reach of a confessional Lutheran congregation proclaiming the message of reconciliation with God through the perfect life and innocent death of Jesus.

This isn’t just about planting churches. It’s about strengthening the backbone of our synod. It’s about building a network of congregations—both longstanding and newly planted—that radiate the unity and love of Christ, draw the lost into fellowship, and equip the faithful to stand firm in a fragmented world.

We’re seeing this vision come to life in places like Boston, Mass.; Erie, Colo.; Marquette, Mich.; Celina, Texas; and San Tan Valley, Ariz. These aren’t just dots on a map—they’re communities where the gospel is desperately needed. And thanks to your prayers and support, we’re seeing core groups form, Bible studies begin, and worship services launch.

But we’re also seeing the cost.

Real estate, rent, and construction expenses are rising. A single mission start may require up to $2 million in support from Home Missions over 12+ years. Yet, we press on—not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it. Because Christ became poor so that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). And now, we share those riches with those who are still poor.

Will you help us reach that three percent?

Your gift today will help us

  • plant new churches in underserved communities.
  • support core groups already laying the groundwork.
  • equip missionaries and provide resources for long-term ministry.

This is not a short burst of effort—it’s the steady building of a lighthouse. Each new congregation we plant is another beacon of Christ’s light in a darkening world. Together, we’re constructing a network of gospel outposts—places where the lost are found, the weary are refreshed, and the faithful are equipped to shine. And with your help, we’ll keep building—one light at a time, one soul at a time.

In Christ’s service,
Rev. Mark Gabb
Administrator, WELS Home Missions

Donate Now

Prayer: We praise you, Lord Jesus, for giving us salvation and the privilege of serving as your ambassadors. Thank you that we have enough churches across the country to reach two percent of the population. We ask you to bless us according to your will to open more missions to reach even more souls across the U.S. May our churches shine your saving light in the spiritual darkness, disciple members, and support our wider synod efforts to train and send workers to proclaim your Word in the world. Amen.

New long-range strategic plan in place

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The delegates to the convention in July adopted a new long-range strategic plan entitled “Christ through us.” This plan outlines the priorities of what we as a synod and as congregations have adopted for the next ten years. This plan was adopted not as a “top down” directive of what the synod will do and how we will conduct our ministry. Rather, it is an outline of the prayerful priorities and goals we have as we work together to carry out the mission that God has entrusted to us.

The title of the plan, “Christ through us,” emphasizes the focus and center of this plan, which is completely on Christ and on what he has done for us and for a world of sinners. But it also emphasizes the truth that God in his grace has chosen to work through us, his people and his ambassadors. The plan, which you will hear more about in the coming months, has four basic components: culture, congregations, commission, and calling.

  • When addressing culture, the plan stresses the importance of developing a culture in our congregations in which all our members recognize that they are Christ’s ambassadors, each with the personal privilege and responsibility of communicating the message of Christ to the people they know. It will guide us as we work to make our congregations places where people are welcomed and participate in the life and work of the congregation.
  • When addressing congregations, we will work to engage all members in the mission and ministry of the church. We will provide support and resources for ministry enhancement efforts in congregations. We will work to expand the synod’s gospel outreach through strategic church planting. We will elevate the home as the first mission field and provide sound Lutheran resources in discipleship, worship, outreach, and planning.
  • When addressing commission, we will foster international ministry partnerships to expand the gospel’s reach. We will equip a global missionary force, not only by sending WELS missionaries but also by training pastors and evangelists from global sister churches and establishing confessional Lutheran seminaries in key global locations. We will foster robust mission collaboration with church bodies in full doctrinal fellowship with WELS. We will expand multi-language mission efforts and explore mission work in high-risk and unreached areas.
  • When addressing calling, we will address the shortage of called workers by carefully expanding pathways into gospel ministry. We will establish innovative recruitment efforts for future called workers. We will maintain the long-term stability of our ministerial education schools. We will adopt a strategy for the professional development of called workers and will support their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

The “Christ through us” plan depends on all of us. We encourage you to read more about the plan at christthroughus.net.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

 

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“Christ through us” long-range strategic plan adopted

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On the final day of the 68th biennial convention, delegates were first reminded by Rev. Jesse Stern, pastor at Bay Pines, Seminole, Fla., in the opening devotion that “the joy of Christ for us is the privilege of Christ through us.”

Floor Committee #18: Elections announced the 23 men who were elected to synodical positions and who will be serving various boards and commissions in upcoming years.

Delegates then heard from Floor Committee #9: “Christ through us” Long-Range Strategic Plan. Its single resolution recommended that delegates adopt the revised 2025 long-range strategic plan and urged “all areas of WELS ministry, under the direction of the Synodical Council, to establish SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) objectives for ministry, to fund and implement them with the four priorities and 20 goals of the long-range plan, and to ensure that the initial set of these SMART objectives and corresponding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is included in the 2026 Report to the Twelve Districts.”

Several delegates commented on the plan. Some asked for more clarification and direction on how to communicate and use this plan in their local congregations. Others encouraged exploring new ways to reach out with the gospel—especially to the younger generation—and emphasized the importance of everyone being involved in outreach to their families, friends, and acquaintances.

“This is an exciting time,” said Rev. Dan Baumler, a member of the long-range strategic plan floor committee. “We are not just talking about [the issues] in little groups. No. Together we’re saying this is what we face. There are blessings, but let’s go, let’s tackle this, let’s trust our leaders. I hope everyone here is excited about where we’re going because of this plan that clearly maps out what we’re facing. And we’re going to do it together.” Delegates adopted the resolution and the revised long-range strategic plan, available here.

WELS President Mark Schroeder then introduced Dr. Matthew Harrison, the president of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, who briefly addressed the delegates.

“Our dialogue with your guys has been the highlight of my professional career,” he said. “To rediscover that dialogue and have conversations with [President Mark Schroeder] and the rest of your guys has been a pleasure beyond which I know of no others as the president of the Missouri Synod. You push us toward the Scriptures.”

He continued, “Thank you for standing for the truths. . . . Thank you for confessing, thank you for being who you are, thank you for keeping the faith. We covet your prayers . . . God bless you in all your worthy endeavors.”

In his final remarks as the convention came to a close, President Schroeder encouraged delegates to remember what they experienced and share what they learned with their congregations. “Above all we recognize that everything we do, every mission we undertake, every worship service we hold, is focused on one person, and that’s Christ. On his grace. On his promises. On the work that he did for us.” Read all the reports and resolutions at welsconvention.net/resolutions.

 

 

 

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Plan proposes synodical priorities for all WELS members to internalize

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On Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Jonathan Hein, a member of the synod’s Long-Range Planning Task Force, presented a proposed ten-year long-range strategic plan as WELS enters its eighth generation of God’s grace.

This plan’s theme, “Christ through us,” is taken from 2 Corinthians 5:18-20: “God . . . reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

Hein explains, “ ‘Christ for us’ is ‘the message of reconciliation’ St. Paul speaks of. What Christ did for us is our motivation. We love because he first loved us. ‘Christ THROUGH us’ is the method by which Christ shares that message. He gives us his Word and sacraments and asks us to use those life-giving tools in a dying world.”

This proposed strategic long-range plan is an issues-based plan, offering priorities and goals related to key issues the committee uncovered after conducting surveys and cultural analyses and talking to focus groups. An example of one such issue is the exodus of young adults from churches.

The committee is proposing four intertwined priorities on which WELS will focus over the next ten years:

Culture: Cultivating a gospel-driven culture

Congregations: Strengthening WELS’ backbone

Calling: Producing workers for a growing harvest

Commission: Bringing Christ to the nations

Each priority has five goals that further define how WELS will meet the challenges and opportunities it faces. If these priorities are approved at the synod convention, the areas of ministry will develop more specific objectives and “KPIs” (key performance indicators) to assess progress toward the goals.

“The way I like to picture the long-range plan is almost like a filing cabinet,” says Hein. “The four priorities are your four drawers and then there’s five goals, like five filing folders, within each of those drawers. Then areas of ministry and even support groups are going to put their objectives, their programs, their initiatives, into one of those 20 folders.”

Hein stresses that this plan is different from those in the past, which focused more on synodical goals for the areas of ministry. “The emphasis is really on understanding that the ‘US’ in ‘Christ through us’ is all of us. It’s not the synod, it’s not the pastors, it’s all of us. The Lord has given all of us the opportunity to serve as his ambassadors in the relationships that he places us in. . . . I think if we can do that more broadly as a church body, that we take personal ownership of the mission that Christ has given to his church. I’m excited to see what Christ will do through that effort.”

Mr. Ken Hall, a lay delegate from St. John, Sturgis, Mich., is ready to take what he heard and share it with his church and neighboring congregations. “The whole thing was eye-opening,” he says. “You get involved in your own things [in your congregation] . . . and so you’re not really looking at all the other things—the big picture. And this was the look at the big picture. It was huge.”

One big thing Hall took away from the presentation was “the notion that the Great Commission is our commission. The called workers are there to equip us; we’re the foot soldiers and that really needs to be brought home to people.”

The “Christ through us” Long-Range Strategic Plan Floor Committee, consisting of a mix of pastor, teacher, and lay delegates from 9 of the 12 districts, met via Zoom in June to study the plan. Hein and Mr. Kurt Nitz, another member of WELS Long-Range Planning Task Force, met with the group to review the document. Since then, the floor committee has been working collaboratively to offer thoughts and suggestions on the strategic plan even before the convention began.

Rev. Bradley Wordell, floor committee chairman, says he encouraged his floor committee to study the entire Book of Reports and Memorials since the long-range plan encompasses areas affecting the synod in its totality.

“One clear message that we have gotten is that we’re a very blessed church body. We have the gospel. We have the Word of God,” says Wordell, a pastor delegate from the Southeastern Wisconsin District. “The Lord is definitely using our beloved synod in amazing ways for the sake of the gospel and his kingdom.”

The “Christ through us” Long-Range Strategic Plan Floor Committee will be offering any resolutions and/or reports on the plan in the coming days. Read the strategic plan and view Hein’s presentation at welsconvention.net. Learn more from Hein on trends in WELS based on the 2024 statistics in his recent Forward in Christ article.

 

 

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