At the synod convention in July, WELS passed a resolution supporting a new long-range strategic plan titled “Christ through us” that encourages every member to embrace their role as Christ’s ambassador. See how you can be part of this exciting, gospel-driven initiative.
Culture is a shared mindset—commonly held values and expectations—that shapes what an organization does. As WELS marks 175 years of God’s grace, we prayerfully reflect on the world’s and our own culture to faithfully carry out Christ’s calling to be his ambassadors.
A congregation’s culture flows first from our leader and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yet in his gracious design, Christ also works through human leaders such as called workers and lay members to mold the culture of congregations.
Through this strategic plan, we strive to build and support gospel-minded leaders who embody Christ’s mission of sharing the good news with all people.
“How could you not want to give that gift to everybody?” remarks Jena Winder, member at Riverview, Appleton, Wis., about sharing the good news with others. “I don't think there's anything more. Well, I know there's nothing more important. And so it's worth the risk.”
This is one example of what having a zealous gospel mindset looks like—putting one’s own comfort aside to share God’s grace with others because his Word is our highest priority.
As we live in a culture searching for purpose and connection, personal outreach is more crucial than ever. Our goal is that all believers prayerfully consider how they can embrace their role as living witnesses to Christ’s love to best use their spiritual gifts from God.
“While people are going through life, we can be there and be the people to share that hope with them when they need that the most. The Great Commission is for all of us,” reflects Travis Winder, member at Riverview, Appleton, Wis., on the importance of personal outreach.
The call to serve as Christ’s ambassadors is a high privilege, but it is not an easy path. Jesus himself warned that following him demands self-denial and cross bearing.
God has given all believers spiritual gifts to best serve him. Through encouragement and examples rooted in Scripture, we will help believers demonstrate courageous love and bear bold witness to the gospel, even when it invites opposition.
Many in our society yearn for authentic community instead of the fleeting connections they currently experience. Christ calls us to foster deep Christian community, revealing to the world the unity and love found in him.
We strive to build welcoming spaces where people not only find community but most importantly find peace in their Savior.
Christ calls all of us to be his ambassadors. See the resources below to learn how you can help shape a gospel-driven culture in your congregation.
WELS Commission on Discipleship provides resources, encouragement, and training to assist congregations as they seek to strengthen individuals and families in their connection to Christ and their ongoing walk of faith.
WELS Women’s Ministry exists to nurture, encourage, and equip women to faithfully use their gifts for service in God’s kingdom.
Learn more about Women’s Ministry resources and opportunities.
Want to share the gospel with someone who doesn’t know Jesus? Point them to whataboutjesus.com, a website that presents basic belief topics in an easy-to-understand format for those who aren’t familiar with God’s Word.
WELS Congregational Services offers several workshops, Bible studies, and trainings to prepare leaders and congregations for faithful witnessing. Learn more about the available modules by reading the descriptions below.
Learn more about Evangelism modules.
This workshop empowers pastors to understand their impact and role in shaping their congregation’s culture.
Learn more at shadowoftheleader.com.
St. Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (4:2). Paul’s words remain applicable to Christians today. In Season and Out of Season uses Paul’s experiences in Philippi as a model, encouraging Christians to share God's Word in every season.
Let’s Go is designed to inspire and equip Christians to connect the unchurched people in their lives to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This study can be used by large or small Bible study groups as well as by individual Christians.
One by One is a Bible study based on Pastor David Rosenau’s keynote presentation at the WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership in January of 2020. Throughout this study, participants will learn why seeing every soul as a treasure is critical to faithful evangelism efforts.
Everyone Outreach is a program designed to help congregations reflect on their habits and culture to further outreach efforts.
The Congregational Evangelism Kit is a video-based training for congregational evangelism leaders. These tools help congregations build a solid foundation for reaching lost souls with God’s saving grace.
