Introduction

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is an American confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity. Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2020, it had a baptized membership of 378,399 in 1,266 congregations with 1,044 pastors across the United States and Canada.

What is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod?

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is a evangelical Christian denomination headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. WELS was founded in 1850 by German immigrants seeking to provide a Lutheran church body in North America free from state interference. Today, WELS consists of over 400,000 members in almost 2,000 congregations across the United States and Canada.

-A brief history

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination within the conservative wing of Protestantism. Founded in 1850, WELS consists of 400,000 members in about 1,200 congregations. The largest Wisconsin-based religious organization, WELS also includes 25 high schools, 13 colleges and universities, and 16 support ministries.

-What we believe

We believe that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God, that it is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

We believe that there is one true God, who exists as a Trinity of persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

We believe that Jesus Christ died to save us from our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

WELS Outreach

WELS Outreach is the mission and evangelism arm of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). WELS Outreach exists to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people who are not yet Christians, to assist churches in starting new missions, and to support existing WELS congregations and schools as they engage in mission and evangelism efforts.

-WELS Missions

WELS Missions is the mission arm of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). We work with WELS churches and members to engage in Gospel witness throughout the United States and around the world.

-WELS Church planting

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is a church planting denomination. We are committed to planting churches that faithfully proclaim God’s Word and offer Sacraments administered according to Christ’s institution.

We believe that church planting is a means of sharing the Gospel with those who are not yet members of the body of Christ. It is our desire to see people come to faith in Jesus and be baptized into His Church.

If you are interested in learning more about WELS Church Planting, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

WELS Schools

WELS Schools is a ministry of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Our mission is to provide a Christ-centered education that develops spiritual maturity, academic excellence, and service for Christ.

We are committed to partnering with parents in the training of their children by providing quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible.

We currently operate four early childhood centers, 23 elementary schools, and five high schools across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Our schools offer a wide variety of programs to meet the needs of students of all ages and stages of life.

Whether you are looking for a preschool, elementary school, or high school, we invite you to explore our website and discover the many ways WELS Schools can partner with you in the training of your children.

-Our elementary schools

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran elementary schools provide a Christ-centered education that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and faith to succeed in life.

We offer a wide range of programs and services to meet the needs of our students and families, including:

-A rigorous academic program that prepares students for success in high school, college, and beyond
-A focus on developing the whole child, including social-emotional learning and character development
-Extracurricular activities and athletics that help students develop teamwork, leadership, and other essential life skills
-A warm and welcoming community that supports families through the challenges and joys of parenting

-Our high schools

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran High Schools (WELS) are privately supported high schools operated by Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) agencies and congregations. WELS is a not-for-profit religious and educational organization with its headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The mission of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran High Schools is to provide Christian parents with high schools that offer their children quality academics and activities in a Christ-centered environment.

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran High Schools are accredited by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

WELS Congregations

There are over 1,300 WELS congregations in the United States and Canada. Wisconsin is home to the largest number of WELS churches with more than 700 congregations. California, Minnesota, and Illinois round out the top four states with the most WELS churches.

WELS congregations hold a wide variety of worship styles—from traditional to contemporary—and they range in size from fewer than 50 members to several thousand.

-A map of our congregations

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is an American Confessional Lutheran church body of more than 400,000 members in nearly 1,300 congregations. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Synod is divided into 15 districts serving churches throughout the United States and Canada. Internationally, WELS works with partner churches in countries such as Tanzania, Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, and India.

-Find a congregation near you

There are over 900 Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations in the United States and Canada. Use the search form below to find a congregation near you.

WELS Resources

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is an American confession of faith Protestant denomination in the Lutheran tradition. confessions of faith make up the doctrinal standard for the WELS. Together with the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), it is one of the largest United States-based Lutherani denominations.

-Bible studies

WELS Bible Studies is a great way to learn more about God’s Word. These studies cover a wide range of topics, so there is something for everyone.

WELS Bible Studies are topical, informative, and practical. They are perfect for individuals or groups. And they are easy to use—simply read and discuss the questions found in each study.

Each WELS Bible Study includes:
-An introduction to the topic
-A focus on specific passages from Scripture
-Discussion questions
-Suggestions for further study

-Books

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity.Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2019, it had a baptized membership of 368,915 in 1,274 congregations, with churches in 46 US states and four Canadian provinces. It is the third-largest Lutheran body in the United States after the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS).

-Videos

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity.Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2019, it had a paid professional clergy of 608 and 1,402 lay pastors. In 2019, average worship attendance across its congregations was estimated at 310,203.