Training future church planters

In January 2025, three different groups of students from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS), Mequon, Wis., went on trips as part of a special partnership with WELS Home Missions. These trips were an opportunity to help mission churches connect with more people, strengthen their presence in their communities, and develop clear ministry plans. At the same time, the trips gave WLS students a chance to learn what it takes to start a new church, work with and understand different communities, and grow their confidence in sharing the gospel. By mixing classroom lessons with hands-on experience, the students got to see what mission work is really like and build skills they’ll use when they become pastors.

Trip 1: Fredericksburg, Va.

Hosted by The Way Church in Fredericksburg, Va., this trip offered a theoretical foundation for ten WLS seniors under the guidance of Lucas Bitter, home missionary at Intown, Atlanta, Ga.; and Matt Rothe, home missionary at The Way; along with Mission Counselor Mark Birkholz.

The students spent the week studying the principles of church planting, analyzing potential future mission fields, and formulating detailed ministry plans for each location. They also engaged with lay leaders and experienced worship in a mission setting.

“This trip gave our seniors a head start,” shared Bitter. “If assigned to plant a new church, they’ll go in with their eyes wide open, understanding the importance of structuring a healthy organization that incorporates the gifts of all God’s people alongside their passion for sharing the gospel.”

Trip 2: Parrish and Lakewood Ranch, Fla.

Risen Savior in Parrish, Fla., hosted 11 WLS students, accompanied by WLS Professor Jonathan Micheel, Mission Counselor Wayne Uhlhorn, and Pastor Ben Balge. Students got hands-on experience by participating in a variety of ministry and outreach activities that are typical at a new mission start: volunteering at community service events, helping with a sports camp, and interviewing civic and religious leaders to build community profiles.

“This is my second WLS trip, and it’s inspiring to see these young men eager to learn how to reach out with the gospel,” said Uhlhorn.

Student Cooper Knoll noted, “Mission work isn’t just about having the ‘perfect outreach strategy.’ Our work showed that it’s important to be flexible to adapt to the needs of the community so we can better serve them with the gospel.”

Trip 3: Greater Houston Area, Texas

Nine students traveled to the greater Houston area, led by Professor E. Allen Sorum and Mission Counselor Matt Vogt. They focused on canvassing neighborhoods and building community profiles for the new mission that was approved in fall 2024 in Cypress/Waller and a mission opportunity in Rosenberg that’s currently being explored.

For student Jacob Kieselhorst, a conversation with a man he met while canvassing was eye-opening: “He shared his struggles, and I had the chance to share the gospel with him. It became so much more than canvassing—it was a profound mission experience.” (Watch his testimonial here).

These trips taken during the seminary’s Winterim term are a testament to the collaboration between WELS Home Missions and WLS. By combining academic study with real-world experiences, these trips help train future pastors for the unique challenges of mission work.

The initiative aligns with WELS’ goal of planting 100 missions in 10 years. Through this partnership, students gain the tools, confidence, and vision to bring Christ to diverse communities across North America.

As student Collin Maurice summarized, “Every interaction is an opportunity to share your faith. This trip reinforced that mission work is a mindset, not just a strategy.”