“Christ through us”: A synod convention preview

WELS is not merely a religious organization or a Christian denomination. More accurately, it is a fellowship of more than 1,200 congregations and 330,000 people who have joined together in a common faith and a common mission to proclaim the gospel faithfully to as many people as possible. The synod is not a “thing.” It is people.

Photo Mark Schroeder wearing green vest with cross — WELS President Mark Schroeder

This July, representatives of those people and congregations will gather for WELS’ 68th Biennial Convention at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn. They will thank God for his blessings, review the work that we have done together, learn of opportunities that God is placing before us, and discuss the challenges facing us and how we plan to address them with God’s help. The theme for this year’s convention is “Christ through us.”

Here is a preview of things the convention delegates will be addressing:

The convention will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the synod in its worship focus, convention essay, and thank offering.
Elections will be held for synodical officers (first vice president and recording secretary) and for various boards and commissions.
Convention delegates will have the privilege of deciding to declare fellowship with a confessional Lutheran church in Tanzania, Africa—the African Missionary Evangelism Church (AMEC). Synod representatives have been working with the AMEC for several years to determine whether we are in full agreement in doctrine and practice. As a result of those discussions, the Commission on Inter-Church Relations will be recommending that WELS declares that our two church bodies are in fellowship.
The new long-range strategic plan entitled “Christ through us” will be presented for adoption. This plan outlines how we, under God’s direction and blessings, will carry out our synod’s mission through the year 2035.
The Conference of Presidents will be recommending a change in the way that elections for synodical officers are held. Currently, delegates nominate individuals for each office at the convention, with voting taking place soon after. The proposed change will allow delegates to submit nominations in early summer. The final ballot would then be published before the convention. This would give delegates time to learn more about the candidates, and it would give those on the ballot time to begin thinking about the possibility that they could be called to serve. The change, if adopted, would take place at the 2027 convention.
Memorials, which are requests for the synod to take action, and other recommendations will be discussed and decided.
All areas of ministry and synod departments will report on the work they have done and the plans they are making.
The convention will adopt the ministry financial plan that outlines how financial resources will be used in the next two years.

Over the years, delegates have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to attend a convention and get a clear understanding of all that we do together as a synod. The convention will be live streamed, and I invite you to participate by watching as much as you can. Please pray for God’s blessings on this year’s convention.

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