Delegate Information

As a delegate to our synod’s convention, you have been chosen to serve our Lord and his church. 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. You have accepted a high privilege and a solemn responsibility.

THE PURPOSE

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.

YOUR ROLE

You are one of about 400 voting delegates who represent our churches, missions, and schools from around the world. You should be an informed decision-maker who learns the views of those you represent and then prayerfully ponders and votes on what WELS should be doing for the Lord.

HOW TO PREPARE

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.” A memorial outlines a particular item of business for consideration by the delegates. As a  representative from your geographical area, you are asked to know the views of those you represent and are responsible to make sure those views get heard. Please attend district, conference, or circuit meetings where the BORAM will be discussed.