“We are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20).
“Christ through us” is a gospel-driven initiative calling every believer in WELS to embrace their God-given privilege and responsibility as Christ’s ambassador.
Rooted in the love of Christ who reconciled us to God, this initiative takes to heart this truth: “God is making his appeal through us.” Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit shapes a culture where every member sees themself as a vital part of Christ’s mission—men and women, young and old, lifelong Lutherans and those new to the faith.
It’s more than a plan. It’s a prayer: that Christ would work through us to awaken hearts and bring the hope of the gospel to one million souls around the world.
The new long-range strategic plan names four priorities for WELS to focus on for the next ten years. These sweeping areas tackle the challenges the church—and WELS—face today.
[Sharing your faith] doesn’t have to be so scary. It can just be showing your love in a caring, kind way. We have something that is so precious and so valuable. We have such a treasure that we can’t help but let that out.
Melissa Romberg
Riverview Lutheran Church, Appleton, Wis.
My uncle and my cousin and my grandma and grandpa, they don’t go to church very often. I try to ask them if they can come to church or go to church. I say, “I really want you to go to church. I want you to believe in Jesus.” I want to be in heaven with them. Even [if] you ask them and they say no, they’ll still probably think about it, and they might come sometime.
Cole Winder
Riverview Lutheran Church, Appleton, Wis.
I think it’s all of our jobs to [share our faith], especially those of us who have access to people who are not churched...We’re here to worship God and to make disciples of all people. And that message has been really strong to me since I became WELS. I definitely see Christ working through me. Christ gives me the courage to say these things, and he gives me the opportunity to say these things.
Jena Winder
Riverview Lutheran Church, Appleton, Wis.
Christ isn’t looking for perfect people. He’s here to save all of us that are imperfect. And when you’re in the midst of sin and when you’re far from Christ, that’s exactly the right time to be running toward the church and to be running toward Christ.
Isaiah Wells
Riverview Lutheran Church, Appleton, Wis.
People who love Jesus and are affected deeply by the gospel just naturally tell others about the gospel, or they bring them to a place where they can hear about the gospel. And that’s one of the beauties of our [WELS congregations]. We have the gospel.
Rev. Ryan Kolander
Riverview Lutheran Church, Appleton, Wis.
Connect with us
Stay informed and encouraged about the long-range strategic plan.
