FAQ
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.
Check-in hours will be between noon and 4 p.m., Monday, July 21. Delegates should plan to arrive in time for the orientation session at the Luther Student Center beginning at 4 p.m., July 21. An opening communion service will be held at 6:30 p.m., July 21, in the Chapel of the Christ on the Martin Luther College campus. General sessions will begin at 8 a.m., Tuesday, July 22. The closing service and installation of officers will be held Thursday, July 24, in the Chapel of the Christ. The convention concludes with lunch on Thursday.
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.
Do delegates need to prepare for the convention?
YES. Each delegate will be sent a copy of the Book of Reports and Memorials (BORAM) that they should read prior to the convention. It will also be available online in early May. BORAM is the primary source of the convention’s business, containing 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. It is important to know what’s in BORAM before floor committees meet to better understand what is being presented and discussed.
Since delegates are the representatives from their geographical areas, they are asked to know the views of those they represent and are responsible to make sure those views get heard. District presidents will inform delegates of the dates for district, conference, or circuit meetings where BORAM will be discussed.
An important duty of delegates is to elect synodical officers and board members. Delegates should read the position descriptions and candidate biographies ahead of time so they are prepared for the elections.
Where can I find the Book of Reports and Memorials (BORAM)?
A printed copy of BORAM will be sent to all delegates and congregations in May, arriving before districts meet in June. It, along with any additional reports, will be posted online in early May
How does a delegate register?
All convention delegates must register online. The deadline to register is May 15.
What does it cost to attend?
The delegate fee of $275 helps to offset the cost of the convention. It is intended that the delegate’s congregation will pay this fee. When registering, delegates will be required to submit payment via credit card. If using a personal card, delegates should seek reimbursement from their calling body or congregation. The Minnesota and Dakota-Montana Districts have paid the registration fee for all their delegates, so delegates from those two districts will not be required to submit payment in order to register.*
*Minnesota and Dakota-Montana District delegates: Please refer to the registration instructions included in your first informational packet to find the registration fee code you will need to enter in your registration form in lieu of payment.
The following travel expenses will be reimbursed:
- Cost of gasoline (with receipts) in lieu of mileage
- Costs of meals while en route to/from the convention
- Economy air fare to Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
- Airport parking and baggage fees
To request reimbursement of travel expenses, submit the reimbursement form with receipts per the instructions on the form by Sept. 15, 2025.
Where do delegates stay?
Unless other arrangements are made, in-person delegates will be assigned a room in the Martin Luther College dormitory. (There is no charge to stay on campus.)
Delegates can also stay off campus at a local hotel at their own expense. Delegates are responsible for making their own reservations.
Are meals provided for delegates?
Delegates will be provided all meals at the MLC cafeteria beginning with Monday supper and concluding with lunch on Thursday. No food and beverage expenses while the convention is in session will be reimbursed.
Is there a dress code at the convention?
There is no specific dress code for the convention. Some delegates dress in sport coats and ties, and others wear shorts and sandals. The gymnasium where the convention is held is air conditioned.
What should delegates bring with them to convention?
- Their copy of BORAM
- The delegate information booklet
- An electronic device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) and charging accessories.
- Comfortable clothing and personal care items
Should delegates bring their own personal electronic devices?
Yes, if possible, delegates should bring their own personal electronic device (a laptop, tablet, or smartphone) with WiFi capabilities. A majority of the convention materials will be made available electronically during the convention. PowerPoint presentations and all convention resolutions also will be displayed on large screens located at the front of the convention floor.
What if I was supposed to attend, but now can’t?
If for any reason you are unable to attend the convention, please contact Carla Martin as soon as possible. Please do not find your own replacement, as all convention delegates must be certified by their district secretary.
Carla Martin, secretary to the president
414-256-3202
[email protected]
I am not a delegate. Can I still attend the convention?
Guests may watch the proceedings from the balcony in the gymnasium. (Only delegates have access to the convention floor.) Access to the balcony is by staircase. A limited numbers of chairs will be available near the rear of the gym for those who cannot maneuver stairs. Guests may also tune in online via the livestream. Guests and visitors may purchase meal tickets at the cafeteria entrance.
I’m not attending the convention, but want to keep up to date. Will there be information available online?
The entire convention will be streamed live on this website.
This website will also include resolutions, election results, pictures, articles, some presentations, and more. Together, the synod’s e-newsletter, will highlight important decisions and cover major events at the convention. Subscribe to Together for synod convention updates.
Social media posts at facebook.com/welslutherans will bring up-to-the-minute updates.
Convention recaps will also be included in the August WELS Connection and the September edition of Forward in Christ magazine.
More information for the delegates regarding travel and housing logistics is available in the delegate booklet.
Register
Registration is open for delegates to the 2025 synod convention. Registration ends May 15, 2025.
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.”
WELS Statistical Report
The 2024 WELS statistics have been gathered by WELS Congregational Services. View the complete report as well as a summary and analysis of the data.
