Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

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Asia-Oceania Regional Meeting – June 9-13, 2025

October 17, 2025 By Deb Witte

Rev. Medi Sutrisno, Asia-Oceania Regional CELC Committee Chairman

“That All May Hear and Believe” was the theme of the Asia-Oceania Regional Meeting of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC), held June 9-13, 2025, in Bali, Indonesia.

Geraja Lutheran Indonesia hosted the gathering, welcoming participants from 14 countries representing 17 groups that included current and prospective CELC member church bodies. They were joined by WELS mission workers and several WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) administrative representatives, bringing the total attendance to 72.
 
During the convention, WELS Missionary Joel Nitz asked meeting participants what blessings they experienced through their time together. Three key overlapping themes stood out:
 

Encouragement in Christ
Meeting others who share their faith brought participants much-needed encouragement. Many work in places where there are very few Christians, and being together reminded them they are not alone in the work God has given them. Time spent in God’s Word, praying, and talking openly about the joys and struggles of gospel ministry gave them renewed strength.

  • “I experienced great encouragement. We are so small. Here I see our unity in the Word on a larger scale.”
  • “In [our country] we have so few believers; [there is] no fellowship like this.”
  • “It was comforting to see we have the same struggles, big and small, but also to see how God provides for our ministries.”

Building connections
Many valued meeting others who serve in gospel ministry across the region. They traded contact information, hoping to support each other in prayer and to stay in touch. Some talked about studying the Word together or sharing resources to help one another as they continue serving in their own countries.

  • “It was a good opportunity for networking for our ministries in Asia.”
  • “The conference helped me see the need for patient endurance. I would like to keep meeting and following up on ideas.”
  • “We hope the connections from this conference will continue.”

Sharing ministry practices
Participants gained practical ideas by listening to those who face similar challenges. They enjoyed hearing how others in different countries teach the Word, plan worship, and reach out to their neighbors. These conversations gave them new ideas and fresh motivation for their work. Many hope to keep learning together through online classes, follow-up chats, and by sharing helpful materials.

  • “I learned about planning, studying the Word, and the hardships others face.”
  • “Each country has something to offer. I learned how I can help others and they can help me.”
  • “Hearing how others handle challenges encouraged me to keep serving and to look for solutions.”
 

Nearly six out of every ten people in the world’s 8.2 billion population live in Asia and Oceania. Yet only 8 percent in this vast region know Christ as their Savior, leaving more than 4.5 billion souls in spiritual darkness. Jesus’ words ring true: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35).

These days in Bali were a compelling reminder that God’s workers are not alone in the harvest. United in Christ, meeting participants returned home encouraged and equipped to continue sharing the good news of Jesus. We pray that God will bless their ongoing work so that many may hear and believe.

Submitted by Prof. Lawrence Olson, Administrative Committee member for the WELS Asia-Oceania Team
 

 

Filed Under: News

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference is a worldwide fellowship of Lutheran church bodies, committed to the teachings of the Lutheran Church found in the Book of Concord of 1580. Established in 1993 with thirteen churches, the CELC has grown by God’s grace to include thirty-four church bodies today.

Every three years, representatives from CELC churches gather for fellowship and theological study at an international convention. Regional meetings are held in alternate years. These gatherings provide spiritual encouragement for confessional Lutherans who often find themselves quite isolated. Visitors are always welcome at these gatherings

Joint work of the CELC includes the writing of The Eternal Word: A Lutheran Confession for the Twenty-First Century, which testifies to the unity of doctrine enjoyed by CELC churches. The CELC also has a commission to help coordinate and improve theological training in CELC churches.

Speaking about the heart and core of the CELC, former President Gaylin Schmeling wrote:  “The CELC stands ready to give answer to the confident hope of salvation in Christ that is within us. It is a refuge for those seeking confessional homes and a beacon shining the light of the Gospel in a sin-darkened world. Here the central truth of the Reformation, justification by faith alone, continues to be proclaimed. We are declared righteous by nothing we do or accomplish, but alone on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work which is counted as ours through faith in the Savior. He accomplished salvation for all on the cross and announced it to all by His resurrection, declaring the whole world righteous in Christ. This treasure is brought to us personally through the means of grace and is received by faith alone in the Savior which is worked through those very means of grace.”

Recording of the Ninety-Five Theses

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