WELS’ 2021 statistics are now available
The complete 2021 Statistical Report as well as the 2021 Statistical Summary are now available at welscongregationalservices.net/stats.
“Statistics are one of the tools believers use as they seek to steward God’s blessings wisely,” says Rev. Jonathan Hein, coordinator of WELS Congregational Services. Hein explains that each year, WELS congregations track certain statistics—membership totals, attendance figures, ministrations, offerings, types of gains and losses, etc. That information can help churches with their ministry planning. WELS compiles all that congregational information in its annual statistical report, which aids WELS’ leaders as they plan the synod’s collective ministry. The complete statistical report is hundreds of pages of information. WELS Congregational Services annually produces a briefer statistical summary report. This year’s summary is 19 pages long and contains information such as:
- The reported total WELS membership at the end of 2021 was 340,511.
- From 2020 to 2021, total WELS membership decreased by 1.1 percent (down 3,733 souls). That is the smallest loss WELS has experienced in the past six years.
- Currently 20 percent of WELS members fall into the category of “youths”—those newborn through 8th grade.
- Congregation Mission Offerings for 2021 increased by 4 percent from the previous year.
“The statistical summary gives us reasons to praise the Lord of the church,” says Hein. “It also identifies challenges that deserve prayer and planning.”
Hein concludes, “The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians, ‘You do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed’ (1:7). God has richly blessed our congregations and our synod with every type of resource we need to proclaim his gospel. May the Spirit give us the faith and the wisdom to steward those resources well.”
For more details, visit welscongregationalservices.net/stats.
