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CONGREGATIONS

Strengthening WELS' backbone

 

Our goals in strengthening WELS' backbone

Congregations are the backbone of our synod as they support the broader work of our church body. While we live in a world full of secularism and skepticism, our congregations continue to embody the love of Christ to strengthen and expand ministry efforts. Looking ahead to the next ten years, we pray that God blesses our congregations, drawing the lost into fellowship and equipping the faithful to stand firm in his Word.

Engage members in mission

God grants spiritual gifts to all his people to build up and strengthen his church. We want all God’s people—men and women, young and old—to see that their ideas, insights, and talents are gifts that God has given for use in zealous ministry efforts. 

By providing training and resources, we will empower congregations to foster an environment where all believers joyfully and confidently serve as Christ’s ambassadors according to their gifts and callings. 

Support ministry enhancement efforts

Every congregation experiences challenges, blessings, and opportunities. Through this strategic plan, we will support congregations in their ministry enhancement efforts to further Christ’s mission. 

We stand ready to help congregations assess their strategies, providing encouragement, advice, and resources to plan and implement efforts that enhance their outreach and discipleship ministries. 

 

Expand WELS’ reach through strategic church planting

We are called to share the gospel with all people. Yet America’s shifting landscape—marked by growing population drift—leaves millions beyond the reach of WELS’ gospel witness with only two percent of the population living near our congregations. 

Our goal is to strategically plant congregations in underserved areas, bringing the hope of reconciliation to lost souls. 

 

Elevate the home as the first mission field

Christian families play a vital role in our congregations and God’s church overall. By prioritizing our homes as the first mission field, we help ensure the gospel thrives among future generations. 

We strive to equip parents to embrace their roles as spiritual leaders in passing down the faith, with congregations ready to support them. 

Provide sound Lutheran resources

Called workers and lay leaders need resources that remain faithful to God’s Word. Having these resources readily available allows leaders to focus more time on relational gospel work to reach more souls. 

Throughout this strategic plan, we will empower congregations with sound Lutheran resources in areas such as discipleship, worship, outreach, planning, and leadership to amplify impact. 

 


Learn more about our congregations

  • Congregational resources

    WELS Congregational Services exists to encourage and equip congregations for faithful and fruitful gospel ministry. Learn more about the resources and supports available at welscongregationalservices.net. 

  • 100 Missions in 10 Years

    Home Missions’ initiative to plant 100 new home mission churches and enhance 75 existing ministries from 2023–2033 aligns with “Christ through us” by strategically planting new churches. Learn more about this initiative and its progress by visiting wels100in10.net and watching the video below.

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