Our focus for 2025–2035

The new long-range strategic plan names four priorities for WELS to focus on for the next ten years. These sweeping areas tackle the challenges the church—and WELS—face today. With the plan’s theme, “Christ through us,” we are given a powerful reminder—God works through us to carry out his work as his ambassadors.

Culture: Cultivating a gospel-driven culture
Congregations: Strengthening WELS’ backbone
Calling: Producing workers for a growing harvest
Commission: Bringing Christ to the nations

The call to proclaim God’s Word is not limited by geography, culture, or language. The world is in need of good news, a gospel message we have and need to share.

More than 6.5 billion people—over two-thirds of humanity—live in places where the name of Christ is scarcely known. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent individuals, families, and entire communities that have yet to experience the life-changing hope found in the gospel. As part of Christ’s church on earth, we believe that God has commissioned us as his ambassadors, sending us out with a purpose: to proclaim the saving message of Jesus Christ to every nation under heaven. Through us, Christ reaches the nations.

Reflecting on 175 years of grace-filled ministry in WELS, we are filled with gratitude for the countless lives transformed by the gospel. WELS now has working partnerships with churches and missions in 49 countries around the world.

Yet, the mission is still unfinished. Children are still born in places without a gospel presence. Millions die every year without access to the gospel truth. With renewed urgency and prayerful confidence in Christ, we look to the future, asking God to continue using us to reach lost souls with his Word of salvation.

Borderless support network

The call to share God’s Word isn’t limited by geography, culture, or language. It is a universal command for every believer and every nation. To expand the reach of the gospel, we are forging a borderless support network, built on international ministry partnerships. By collaborating with confessional Lutheran church bodies that share doctrinal fellowship with WELS, we multiply our impact exponentially. WELS currently sends 50 missionaries into the world who are joined by more than 400 trained pastors and hundreds of trained leaders. Together, they form a growing confessional Lutheran army committed to reach the lost.

This robust mission collaboration equips pastors and congregations worldwide to thrive as Christ’s ambassadors. Together, we share resources, training, and encouragement, fostering a united front in the global mission field. In this network, no congregation or leader stands alone; we support one another to ensure the gospel reaches places we could never go by ourselves.

A global missionary force

Historically, WELS has sent missionaries from the United States to plant the gospel in new lands. This model has borne much fruit, but the present reality demands more workers than ever before. The solution lies in empowering pastors and evangelists from our global sister churches. These leaders are uniquely equipped to bring the gospel to their own people, cultures, and regions.

By investing in their training and spiritual formation, we unlock a boundless missionary force capable of reaching places where outsiders may never have access. We strive to equip these global leaders with the truths of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, ensuring that the message remains pure and carries the power of God’s promise. Together, we are building a borderless network of ambassadors who boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Confessional Lutheran seminaries

A thriving church depends on well-trained shepherds—pastors and leaders who can faithfully proclaim Christ’s reconciling love in every context. As the gospel gains ground in new regions, emerging Lutheran church bodies recognize the need for seminaries grounded in the authority of Scripture and the clarity of the Lutheran Confessions.

Our goal is to establish confessional Lutheran seminaries in key global locations. These programs will serve as centers for theological education, nurturing the next generation of pastors and church workers. By empowering local leaders with sound doctrine and ministry skills, we ensure that God’s saving grace is shared faithfully and effectively, tailored to the unique cultural contexts of each nation.

Multi-language mission efforts

The growth of mission churches around the world has created a rich tapestry of languages and cultures within our global fellowship. However, many nations still lack Lutheran resources in their native tongues, limiting access to the gospel’s life-changing message.

By producing and translating gospel resources, training materials, and worship aids, we aim to make God’s Word accessible to all people, regardless of their language. Trusting the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we provide believers worldwide with communication methods and tools that continue to amaze, but, most important, we provide the gospel.

Missions in high-risk and unreached areas

Despite progress, vast regions of the world remain unreached, places where sharing Christ’s love is not only challenging but sometimes dangerous. These high-risk areas require innovative strategies, unwavering courage, and fervent prayer.

Our vision is to pioneer WELS missions in these difficult contexts, working diligently to identify and develop approaches tailored to each unique situation. Whether through covert ministry, digital outreach, or local partnerships, we are committed to preaching the gospel faithfully wherever God opens doors. We know that God is always with us, preparing hearts and granting protection as we carry Christ’s message of reconciliation to those who need it most.

As we look ahead, our mission is clear: to bring Christ to the nations with unwavering commitment and compassion. This calling is not reserved for a select few but is the shared responsibility of every believer, congregation, and church body united by Christ in our beloved WELS. With hope, humility, and boldness, we entrust our efforts to the Lord of the harvest, confident that he will accomplish far more than we could ever ask or imagine. This is Christ through us!

Author: Larry Schlomer
Volume 112, Number 12
Issue: December 2025

How can I be Christ’s ambassador to the nations?

PRAY: Commit to praying for one WELS world missionary or world mission field this week. Visit wels.net/missions to find names and stories.
CARE: Consider the demographics of your community. Is there an opportunity to reach out in Christian love to those from another country or culture?
FOLLOW: See mission news, photos, and videos by following @WELSMissions on Facebook and Instagram. Share your favorites!
SUPPORT: Encourage your congregation to support WELS World Missions through special offerings, mission partnerships, or volunteer efforts.
LEARN: Read Roland Cap Ehlke’s book Speaking the Truth in Love to Muslims to gain insights into some of the people WELS missionaries are reaching out to around the world and who may even be living near you. Find the book at nph.net.

Remember: The work of the church is Christ’s alone, but Christ works through YOU!

Visit christthroughus.net for more ideas and to learn more about WELS’ “Christ through us” long-range strategic plan.