Each WELS district holds a convention once every two years, in the year between synod conventions. These conventions allow delegates to consider local ministry topics and issues that apply to the synod at large as well as to hold elections for district officers and committee members.

This year’s conventions, held in June, focused mainly on elections in 5 of WELS’ 12 districts because these districts did not have an incumbent on the ballot for district president. The new district presidents include Benjamin Tomczak, Dakota-Montana District; Stephen Helwig, Nebraska District; Kevin Westra, Northern Wisconsin District; Jonathan Schroeder, South Atlantic District; and Paul Seager, South Central District. The men who completed their service on the Conference of Presidents include Douglas Free, Dakota-Montana District; Philip Hirsch, Nebraska District; Joel Zank, Northern Wisconsin District; Charles Westra, South Atlantic District; and Donald Patterson, South Central District.

“I’ve often thought that ‘district pastor’ describes the work better than ‘district president,’ ” says Zank, who served as president of the Northern Wisconsin District for 12 years. “While there are administrative responsibilities, the heart of the work is pastoral. Just as a layperson turns to his or her pastor for spiritual guidance and encouragement, pastors, teachers, and staff ministers have a district president to whom they can turn. Whether celebrating joys, working through challenges, or addressing difficult situations, the district president seeks to keep pastors, teachers, and staff ministers grounded in God’s Word. He prays with them and for them. At its heart, the work is simply caring for those who care for God’s people.”

Zank continues, “The district president also works closely with his circuit pastors to encourage and advise congregations. That may mean helping a congregation through a pastoral vacancy, offering guidance during times of conflict, or assisting as they work through other challenges.”

Each district president also serves on WELS’ Conference of Presidents, which maintains the synod’s doctrine and practice, is responsible for funding the synod budget, and serves as the Assignment Committee for pastors, teachers, and staff ministers.

To learn more about the new district presidents, see “Get to know WELS’ new district presidents.”

Featured image above (left to right): New district presidents Jonathan Schroeder, Paul Seager, Kevin Westra, Benjamin Tomczak, and Stephen Helwig.

Volume 113, Number 08
Issue: August 2026