The church I attend is part of a national church body called the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Why? There are things that are difficult for individual churches to do such as sending out missionaries and training new pastors, teachers, and staff ministers. So we band together to do those kinds of projects as well help keep each other teaching directly what the Bible says. Every two years, the synod holds a convention with delegates from around the country to review our current status and make plans for the future.
This is the 175th anniversary of our synod. It started so small and there were many times where we were on the verge of heading down a bad path, but ultimately, our truth did not bend around popular culture and our beliefs have remained consistent regardless of what is trending.
From that humble beginning we have now spread out around the world. I was on a committee that was focused on gathering information from our mission board so I got extra insight into the amazing work being done around the world. The international Christian community is exploding in places you might expect, but also in places that would shock you. (Some of those places can’t be reported since it would put lives in danger.) Inside the US, we are working to plant 100 new missions within 10 years and also to strengthen/restart 75 of our existing ministries. We’re two years into that plan and it’s going well, but as costs rise, it makes the work more challenging. Regardless of where the missionaries were located, they had incredible stories to share about how the gospel works in individual hearts.
The convention was held in New Ulm, MN at Martin Luther College. That’s the same place Tyla and I have been visiting to work with their leadership on some ideas. It’s a special place because every one of our pastors, teachers, and staff ministers goes through that school and receives the same solid, doctrinal education. (Pastors continue on for another four years at seminary.) It’s fun being there when the students are on campus, but it was also interesting this time to be there with ~400 other delegates. Many extra people came to the opening worship service and it was a treat to hear 800 people singing together. Breaks and meals were full of interesting conversations and when meetings finally ended late in the evenings, there was social time with drinks from Schell’s Brewing. The cool beer was a welcome freshment because it was in the low to mid 90s with extreme humidity. I was so thankful that I skipped the free lodging in the dorms and got a room at a hotel. The AC (and privacy) were very welcome.
It was a little weird being on campus without Tyla, but she and I will be back there in a couple months for another meeting. I did enjoy seeing familiar faces from the campus staff and meeting new ones as well. I got a tour of some of their tech services too and hope to continue that conversation in the future.
It was four very long days but I’m so happy that I could attend. Since we have so many churches and there are so few delegates, it’s a rare opportunity that a church gets to send someone. This could very well have been a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, but the memories of this convention will last that long.
If you want to dive in deeper, all of the materials and live streams are available at https://www.welsconvention.net. A couple of their photos are included below.
