Reflections on the latest WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership
The WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership, one of the largest gatherings of WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod members, was held Jan. 19–21 in Chicago. The event was a huge success, with attendees offering many positive comments. Jonathan Hein, coordinator of WELS Congregational Services, provides the following reflections on the conference. . . .
The WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership was held in Chicago, Ill., from Jan. 19-21. More than 1,600 called and lay members came together to learn about the cultural and strategic challenges facing the church today and how WELS members can apply God’s unchanging Word to these issues. Hear more about the conference from those who attended in this short recap video.
LATEST NEWS
WELS chaplains meeting
Thirty-seven people attended the annual meeting of the Association of WELS Chaplains on Feb. 6 at the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry in Waukesha, Wis. The purpose was for those who have gone through the WELS Chaplain Certificate Program or are currently going through the program to grow and learn from one another. . . .
Congregations have the opportunity to directly encourage and support their members who are pursuing public ministry at Martin Luther College (MLC). Through the Congregational Partner Grant Program, members can financially support students’ ministry studies. MLC will then match the gift amount from a congregation, up to $1,750 per student for the 2026–27 academic year, to further the impact on students.
Keep an eye out for this month’s WELS Connection to see how Ben Schoch, an MLC student from Chesaning, Mich., has been blessed by the program.
“Your gifts, God’s blessings–An annual report to our members” is now available online. The report tells the story of the ministry that is being carried out on behalf of WELS members through their offerings and includes photos of Christian brothers and sisters around the world and updates on WELS ministry.
Print versions are being sent to every WELS congregation and individual donor. Additional print versions are available from Northwestern Publishing House for free. Visit nph.net or call 800-662-6022.
To view the report online, visit wels.net/annualreport. There you can also download a PowerPoint presentation with notes that allow anyone to share the highlights of our synod’s work. Alternatively, churches can invite a WELS Christian giving counselor to give the presentation. Contact WELS Ministry of Christian Giving at 800-827-5482 for more information.
Looking for a shorter summary of WELS’ work to share with congregation members or prospects? Order a two-sided flyer that gives an overview of WELS and its ministries that is designed for tract racks, narthex displays, and community fair booths. This flyer is updated annually and available in packs of 25. The first pack is free. Subsequent packs are $6.25. To order, visit nph.net or call 800-662-6022.
An endowment fund provides ongoing, dependable support for gospel ministry. Once established, the principal remains invested, while annual distributions are made available to support ministry allowing the impact of a gift to continue year after year. Working with WELS Foundation, St. Paul in Appleton, Wis., took a one-time gift and turned it into a lifetime of connecting people to Christ.
Join us for WELS Night at the Milwaukee Admirals on Friday, Feb. 28, at the UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena.
Purchase an exclusive WELS Night quarter-length-sleeved T-shirt, wear it with our WELS fans, and cheer on the Admirals! Visit wels.net/events for more information.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
Easter postcards available for purchase
Easter outreach postcards are again being offered through Echt Printing. These personalizable postcards, which match the theme of The Foundation resources for 2025–26, are used to invite your community to Easter events. The order deadline is Feb. 16, 2026.
Looking for a Lenten devotional? Triumph at the Cross by Pastor Harold L. Senkbeil contains 47 devotions—one for each day from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. This devotion book is an excellent companion for your time spent at the foot of the cross in repentance, reflection, and renewal.
Leading with a Humble Heart, a 40-day devotional by Zac Bauermaster, is an invitation for Christian leaders to stare the challenges of leadership in the face with humility and confidence that can only be found in God's Word and prayer.
More resources for Bible study, discipleship, evangelism and outreach, youth, compassion ministries, and more are available at welscongregationalservices.net.
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