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.

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