Upcoming synod convention to look at the past and the future
The 68th biennial convention of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod will be held at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., July 21-24, 2025. About 400 voting delegates from around the country will attend the convention.
The theme of the 2025 synod convention is “Christ through us.” This theme highlights both God’s blessings to the synod as it celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2025 as well as God’s continued work through WELS in years to come. A new strategic plan that establishes synodical, congregational, and individual objectives and strategies will be introduced at the convention.
“The convention provides grassroots input to the plans and priorities of the work we do together as a synod,” says WELS President Rev. Mark Schroeder. “I think that past delegates will tell you that attending a synod convention is an informative, uplifting, and memorable experience. Delegates hear reports from all areas of the synod’s ministries and gain a new appreciation for the opportunities and blessings that God provides.”
The Book of Reports and Memorials, which will be available in May 2025, details information and items of business that will be discussed at the convention, including any memorials. A memorial is a formal request to the convention to take action on a specific matter or proposal. Synodical entities (boards, commissions, and other duly constituted groups); congregations; circuits; conferences; districts; pastors; male professors, teachers, or staff ministers; and voting members of WELS congregations may submit a memorial to be considered for inclusion in the printed Book of Reports and Memorials; the deadline is Jan. 15, 2025. Memorials submitted after Jan. 15 and approved for convention consideration will be posted on the convention website if they are received by June 15, 2025. Find more information and submission details at welsconvention.net.
The synod in convention also will elect qualified individuals for various synod boards and commissions. A nomination alert for potential candidates for the synod Nominating Committee to consider for the ballot is currently open. All nominations must be received by Nov. 30, 2024. The list of candidates will be posted online by May 15, 2025. Keep up to date with synod convention updates at welsconvention.net.
