New director for the Commission on Worship
Paul Prange has accepted the call to serve as director of the Commission on Worship. He replaces Bryan Gerlach, who retired in August 2024. Although Prange has been serving for…
Connecting teens to Christ and one another
Just two months after WELS teens joined together for the biennial WELS International Youth Rally in Colorado, over one hundred WELS teens found a way to connect with one another…
Statistical analysis digs into current called worker shortage
Each year, WELS collects data from all congregations and schools. WELS Congregational Services compiles this data into a comprehensive statistical report and publishes a statistical summary and analysis. The 2023…
Where are they now? Grace, Tucson, Ariz.
In January 2019, Forward in Christ featured Grace, Tucson, Ariz., in an article discussing the blessings and challenges of mergers and multi-site ministries. Two small struggling congregations, Peace, Sahuarita, and…
Resources to build up Christians of all ages
WELS Congregational Services created so many resources for churches in 2023 that it can be hard to keep track of them all. We’re highlighting four that can be a blessing…
Shifting congregational culture
Congregational culture change isn’t easy, but if successful, it opens up new ways of using the gifts God has given us to further his kingdom. Story at a glance An…
Delegates play an important role in synod’s ministry
WELS’ 67th Biennial Synod Convention was held July 31–Aug. 3, at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, Mich., under the theme “Embrace the Cross—Anticipate the Crown.” Three hundred forty-eight convention delegates met…
Challenged churches
All churches face challenges. Defining the biggest challenge can help congregations determine what can be done to meet it. “Are we a challenged church?” One congregation closes every 90 minutes,…
New director for WELS Special Ministries
Joel Gaertner has started his work as director of the Commission on Special Ministries, taking over for James Behringer who retired in June. “I want to give thanks to Jim…