Register for the 2025 synod convention. Registration ends May 15, 2025.
Access position descriptions and nominees for the offices up for election.
View the tentative agenda for the 2025 synod convention.
The 68th Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod will be held July 21–24, 2025, at Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn. About 400 voting delegates from around the country will attend the convention.
The theme of the 2025 synod convention is “Christ through us.” This theme highlights both God’s blessings to the synod as it celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2025 as well as God’s continued work through WELS in years to come. A new strategic plan that establishes synodical, congregational, and individual objectives and strategies will be introduced at the 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
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.
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.
The primary source of the convention’s business is the Book of Reports and Memorials (BORAM), which contains various departmental reports as well as formal petitions to the synod convention called “memorials.”
The synod in convention elects qualified individuals for various synod boards and commissions. Also up for election this year is the synod’s first vice president and secretary. The synod Nominating Committee met in January 2025 to propose candidates for these positions.
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.
Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn.
The mission of Martin Luther College is to train men and women to meet the public ministry needs of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and to proclaim the Word of God faithfully and in accord with the Lutheran Confessions in the Book of Concord. To fulfill this mission, Martin Luther College carries out all instruction and programs of student life according to the gospel as revealed in the inspired and inerrant Word of God. Learn more at mlc-wels.edu.
View and download the latest constitution and bylaws as adopted in August 2023 by the synod convention.
View and download the 2024 Report to the Twelve Districts (RTTD) or view it online in the flipbook.
WELS Center for Mission and Ministry
N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive
Waukesha, WI 53188
Contact Us
Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Phone: 414-256-3200
