WELS convention in session at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minnesota
The 375 delegates at the 68th Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), held July 21–24 at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minnesota, gave a nod to the past while making a stride into the future.
The convention’s theme, Christ Through Us, put it all into perspective, according to WELS President Mark Schroeder in the opening of his President’s Report: “This year marks 175 years of God’s grace to our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. And while there may be a temptation on an anniversary such as this to look at our own efforts and accomplishments, our anniversary and convention theme place the focus where it belongs. On Christ. On his gospel. On his grace. On him, as he works through clay jars like us.”
In his convention essay, Rev. Joel Otto, chairman of the WELS 175th Anniversary Planning Committee, provided delegates a look back at God’s grace to WELS through the years, highlighting challenges and blessings, plus historical leaders and events.
While delegates gave thanks for 175 years of WELS ministry, they also looked ahead to the future, approving a new long-range strategic plan (also entitled Christ Through Us) for 2025–2035. This plan is an issues-based plan, offering four priorities and 20 goals related to key issues the Long-Range Planning Task Force uncovered after conducting surveys, cultural analyses, and talking to focus groups. The four priorities are culture, congregations, calling, and commission.
Rev. Joel Voss (left) and Rev. John Bortulin, were elected to serve as WELS’
first vice president and synod second vice president, respectively.
To lead WELS into the future, delegates elected 23 men to synodical offices, boards, and commissions. Three new synodical officers were elected: Rev. Joel Voss, first vice president; Rev. John Bortulin, second vice president; and Rev. Tyler Peil, recording secretary. Rev. James Huebner (first vice president) and Rev. Robert Pasbrig (recording secretary) were thanked for their combined 38 years of service on the Conference of Presidents. Both decided not to stand for reelection.
Special guests to the convention included Rev. Glenn Obenberger, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod; Rev. Makisimu Musa, president of the Obadiah Lutheran Synod of Uganda; and Bishop Baltazar Kaaya of the Africa Mission Evangelism Church in Tanzania.
Left to right: Missionary Howard Mohlke, team leader of the One Africa Team;
Rev. Makisimu Musa; Rev. Larry Schlomer, WELS World Missions administrator;
WELS President Rev. Mark Schroeder; Bishop Baltazar Kaaya;
and Rev. Mark Rieke, chairman of the Africa Administrative Committee.
Watch presentations and read more convention news at welsconvention.net.
Submitted by WELS Communication Services
