Integrating to benefit ministry
Institutional Ministries (IM), a WELS-affiliated ministry, was founded in 1901 for the purpose of meeting the spiritual needs of those who are institutionalized. Today, the team of chaplains and volunteers…
WELS seniors celebrate past blessings and reimagine future
The Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) reached a milestone this year: 40 years of helping WELS seniors serve in God’s kingdom. To WELS members throughout the United States, OWLS…
God’s people grow
Continuing education offers opportunities for called workers—and the people they serve—to grow. “Faithful gospel ministers always seek to hone their skills and adapt to ministry changes. They recognize that there…
Gospel Hands: Proclaiming Jesus to those with hearing loss
Verna Weigand never envisioned working as a sign language interpreter. But then she married her husband, Dean, whose younger brother was deaf from birth. “I wanted to be able to…
Caring for called workers
Connected. Supported. Encouraged. We all want to feel these ways in our personal and professional lives. The same is true for congregational called workers. “While many calling bodies informally provide…
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…
A new home for Jesus Cares Ministries
For the past 25 years, The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA) has been sharing the love of Jesus with individuals with special needs through Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM). Through programs like…
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…
My church family
I love my church family. That’s what I call the people who belong to my congregation. Do you see the difference between calling church members “the congregation” and calling them…