SAVE THE DATE
The 2025 WELS Synod Convention will be held July 21–24 at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn.
Constitution and Bylaws
View and download the latest Constitution and Bylaws as adopted in August 2023 by the synod convention.
Report to the Twelve Districts
View and download the 2024 Report to the Twelve Districts (RTTD) or view it online in the flipbook.
2023 Statistical Report
Each year, WELS collects data from all congregations and schools. That data is compiled in a statistical report containing information for every church, circuit, conference, and district. WELS Congregational Services then publishes an annual Statistical Summary & Analysis to help congregations and the synod plan how to best steward the resources God provides.
About the 2025 synod convention
What is the synod convention?
The synod in convention is the legislative body of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). It establishes, reviews, and amends the policies and the direction of WELS as we pursue our mission.
The purpose of the synod convention is
- to meet as a delegate synod to carry out the responsibilities of the legislative body of WELS,
- to celebrate God’s blessings on our ministry in the past,
- to nurture our faith, and
- to set in motion an agreed-upon plan of ministry for the future.
Where is the convention?
Martin Luther College (MLC)
1995 Luther Ct, New Ulm, MN 56073
Website: mlc-wels.edu
Phone: (507) 354-8221
When is the convention?
Monday, July 21–Thursday, July 24, 2025
Who attends the convention?
About 400 delegates chosen by the districts attend the convention. Male called workers (pastors, teachers, and staff ministers) and voting lay members of WELS congregations make up the voting body of the synod convention. In addition, representatives from synod governance (Conference of Presidents and Synodical Council) as well as representatives of various WELS and parasynodical ministries and missions attend the convention as advisors or observers.
What kind of business is addressed at the convention?
Topics will range from ministry and administrative operations to the financial ministry plan (budget). The Book of Reports and Memorials (BORAM) includes information about any topics to be discussed and any items of business to be determined at the convention. It is important for delegates to familiarize themselves with the BORAM ahead of the convention.
Submitting memorials
The deadline for submitting memorials to be printed in the Book of Reports and Memorials is Jan. 15, 2025. Memorials submitted after Jan. 15 and approved for convention consideration will be posted on this convention website, if they are received by June 15, 2025.
Nomination Alert
The synod Nominating Committee will meet in January 2025 to propose candidates for positions to be elected at the 2025 synod convention.
All WELS pastors, male professors, teachers, and staff ministers; and voting members of WELS congregations are authorized by the constitution to submit nominations by Nov. 30, 2024. Access to the position descriptions and the nomination form are available online.
The list of candidates will be posted online by May 15, 2025. The delegates will elect one candidate for each position at the 2025 synod convention.
