About the WELS

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) conducts a worldwide ministry with congregations operating in Africa, India, China, Indonesia, Japan, South America, and North America! The sun never sets on the mission congregations of the WELS. In the past quarter century, the WELS has expanded its ministry to every state in our country, and to more than a dozen nations around the world. Jesus said, "Go, make disciples." The WELS is responding, "Yes, Lord, we will go."

The WELS is confessional and professional. WELS Pastors take 11 years of language training, studying Hebrew, Greek, Latin, German and Spanish. They read and study the Scriptures in their original languages! Studies in English and history; training in counseling, sermon writing and educational methodology are all part of the ministerial curriculum. Because we believe the Bible is God's Word, our intent is to provide for the church well trained pastors and teachers; to teach the Word as God inspired it; to minister as effectively as possible to each person according to his or her need.

The WELS is known internationally as a teaching church. Nearly 400 churches have their own elementary school; 22 area high schools; 2 colleges, a seminary, Sunday Schools, Bible classes for teens, adults, and seniors! Christian education is a hallmark of the more than 1,200 congregations of the WELS.

The WELS demonstrates Christlike caring, providing homes for the aged, the infirm and the mentally impaired. It offers services for the blind and deaf. The WELS has full time institutional and military chaplains, all funded and sent by the church. People who belong to the WELS have special needs and the goal of the WELS is to minister to people in their circumstance of life, no matter what that may be.

Meditations, a quarterly devotional booklet; Forward in Christ, a monthly family magazine; the People's Bible commentary, a series of books on the Old and New Testament Scriptures for lay people; educational and inspirational books for children, teens, and adults; and professional books for pastors and teachers are all a part of the ministry of the printed word of our own publishing house, Northwestern Publishing House.

Since its founding in 1850, gathering for worship has been a weekly focal point in the life of the WELS - to hear what God has to say; to sing God's praises; to enjoy the company of other Christians.

Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10) --- Whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. (John 11:26)" Life in Jesus Christ, the Savior for all people, here in this life and in the life to come - this is the faith of the WELS.