ABOUT
THE 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
- 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.
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.
2025 Delegate Booklet
All the important information about serving as a delegate to the synod convention is included in this booklet. Get information on how to prepare, travel planning, what to expect while at the convention, and more.
Book of Reports and Memorials
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.”
