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Another convention filled with blessings

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The synod convention, held in July at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., made some important decisions. It adopted a new long-range strategic plan, setting the direction and focus of the synod for the next ten years. It adopted the ministry financial plan, which details how the synod will fund its various ministries. And it changed the way that elections for synod officers (president, vice presidents, and secretary) will be held in the future. Instead of the current practice of delegates nominating individuals for those offices at the synod convention, delegates will make those nominations several months prior to the convention. Once the ballot is established (based on the number of nominations), the ballot will be posted, giving delegates an opportunity to learn more about the nominees.

This convention also elected three new synod officers. The two vice presidents and the recording secretary are part-time positions, so parish pastors serving in these positions continue to serve their congregations. Rev. Joel Voss of Resurrection, Centerville, Ohio, (who had been serving as the second vice president since 2009), was elected to a four-year term as the first vice president. Rev. John Bortulin of St. John, Mukwonago, Wis., was elected to a two-year term as second vice president. Rev. Tyler Peil of Prince of Peace, Taylorsville, Utah, was elected to a four-year term as recording secretary. Ending their time of service were Rev. James Huebner (first vice president) and Rev. Robert Pasbrig (recording secretary). We thank God for their faithful service and pray for God’s blessings on those who were newly elected.

Many other positions on various boards and committees were also elected. You can find those results online.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

Find all synod convention news, photos, videos, and reports and resolutions at welsconvention.net.

 

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Conference offers connections and insights

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Opportunities to connect, share experiences, and grow in God’s Word were just a few of the blessings attendees experienced at the Hands of God conference held this past July.

Sponsored by the WELS Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the conference focused on how to serve the deaf and hard of hearing members of God’s church. Forty people—including more than 20 deaf or hard of hearing individuals—discussed topics like using technology devices in church for the deaf/hard of hearing, welcoming deaf/hard of hearing guests at church, and setting up a deaf Bible study. One workshop—led by a panel of deaf members—centered on the Deaf culture, how it is unique, and how congregations can bridge any gaps.

“In America, about three percent of deaf people regularly attend church,” says Rev. Daniel Frey, pastoral advisor for the WELS Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Committee. “So we talked a lot about what we can do to really help that number grow.”

Eight people from Frey’s congregation, Gethsemane, Lee’s Summit, Mo., attended the conference, including five who are deaf and two interpreters.

“As their pastor, I was so happy that they were there and got to talk with other deaf Christians and tell their story to other deaf Christians,” Frey says.

The WELS Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, part of WELS Special Ministries, exists to help congregations share the gospel with members of WELS and others who are deaf or hard of hearing. One of its current initiatives is adding to an online religious sign language dictionary to help the deaf and interpreters share the gospel more effectively.

Learn more at wels.net/mdhh. Read about one of Frey’s members and the Deaf ministry at Gethsemane in Forward in Christ magazine.

 

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WELS Foundation makes annual endowment distributions to support ministry

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Thanks to the generosity of God’s people, WELS Foundation distributed $1.4 million for our Savior’s gospel ministry in July from the WELS endowment funds. The endowment funds managed by WELS Foundation provide ongoing, dependable support for the Lord’s work in WELS Ministerial Education, WELS Home and World Missions, and cross-cultural outreach.

WELS Foundation also manages endowments established by individuals, congregations, and other WELS-affiliated ministries. In total, WELS Foundation distributed $4.7 million from more than 400 endowments this year, providing ongoing financial support for Christ’s gospel work throughout WELS.

“An endowment is a long-term fund in which the principal is invested, and a portion of the earnings is distributed annually to support ministry,” explains Mr. Jim Holm, executive director of WELS Foundation. “Endowments are invested and managed through WELS Investment Funds, ensuring responsible stewardship of every dollar.”

Endowment support in action

Every year, young men at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., dedicate themselves to rigorous theological training in preparation for a life of service as pastors in WELS. Their calling is clear—but covering the cost of their education can be a challenge.

Thankfully, God is working through the generosity of his people.

In July 2025, more than $52,000 in scholarship support was distributed to seminary students from donor-established endowments through WELS Foundation. These gifts are the result of faithful Christians who were motivated by love for the gospel and a desire to help the next generation of shepherds proclaim Christ. By establishing endowments, they have created a legacy of Christian generosity—one that provides reliable, yearly support for seminary students answering the Lord’s call.

In addition to student scholarships, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary received $98,469 from the WELS Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Endowment. This endowment provides ongoing support for seminary operations, helping ensure the seminary can continue its mission of preparing the next generation of pastors.

Seminarian Connor Herter shares, “Over the past two years, I have been showered with abundant financial gifts, which have enabled me to focus on fulfilling our Lord’s Great Commission. The gifts ensure that there is no financial barrier for any young man who seeks to serve as a pastor in our synod.”

Herter relays his gratitude to those who have provided support through endowments. “While you and I may never meet, I can only express my deepest appreciation and love for your generous hearts,” he says. “Your gifts have enabled me to stand shoulder to shoulder with other young men who seek to do the same thing: serve God and love his people. God bless each one of you.”

Supporting endowments for generations to come

“Whether you establish your own named endowment or contribute to an existing one, your support becomes part of something enduring—a legacy that supports gospel work for years to come,” concludes Holm.

To learn more about adding to an existing endowment or establishing a new endowment for a ministry close to your heart, contact your local WELS Christian giving counselor at wels.net/giving-counselors or call 800-827-5482.

 

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