The Report to the Twelve Districts, put out in even years, reports the work of the synod to the districts for their conventions.
Archives
WELS 2023 Call Reports
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Pastor, teacher, and staff minister call report
The call report details when pastors, teachers, and staff ministers change positions within WELS. The Conference of Presidents oversees and coordinates the calling process.
*CRM: “Candidatus Reverendi Ministerii.” This means that a person does not currently hold a divine call but is eligible to receive one. He is a “Candidate for the Holy Ministry.”
*Obituaries: From now on, deaths reported on the call report will only be for called workers who are actively serving at the time of their death or for those who have retired from active ministry. This reflects the current Yearbook policy set by the Conference of Presidents.
View archived call reports – previous to 2023.
WELS 2022 Call Reports
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Pastor, teacher, and staff minister call report
The call report details when pastors, teachers, and staff ministers change positions within WELS. The Conference of Presidents oversees and coordinates the calling process.
*CRM: “Candidatus Reverendi Ministerii.” This means that a person does not currently hold a divine call but is eligible to receive one. He is a “Candidate for the Holy Ministry.”
*Obituaries: From now on, deaths reported on the call report will only be for called workers who are actively serving at the time of their death or for those who have retired from active ministry. This reflects the current Yearbook policy set by the Conference of Presidents.
View archived call reports – previous to 2022.
Convention Presentations- 2021 Synod Convention
Find the presentations, resources and PDF’s given and presented to the 2021 Synod Convention.
Note: Some presentations have been edited due to security issues.
Minutes – 2021 Synod Convention
View the minutes for each day of the 2021 Synod Convention.
Resolutions and Reports – 2021 Synod Convention
View the Floor Committee reports and resolutions presented at the 2021 Synod Convention.
Daily Agenda – 2021 Synod Convention
View the most updated agenda for each day of the 2021 Synod Convention.
Please note: Agenda is subject and likely to change.
Convention Resources – 2021 Synod Convention
Find the presentations, resources and PDF’s given and presented to the 2021 Synod Convention.
Note: Some presentations have been edited due to security issues.
WELS 2021 Call Reports
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Pastor, teacher, and staff minister call report
The call report details when pastors, teachers, and staff ministers change positions within WELS. The Conference of Presidents oversees and coordinates the calling process.
*CRM: “Candidatus Reverendi Ministerii.” This means that a person does not currently hold a divine call but is eligible to receive one. He is a “Candidate for the Holy Ministry.”
*Obituaries: From now on, deaths reported on the call report will only be for called workers who are actively serving at the time of their death or for those who have retired from active ministry. This reflects the current Yearbook policy set by the Conference of Presidents.
View archived call reports – previous to 2021.
Elections – 2021 Synod Convention
Ballot, nominees, and position descriptions for the elections at the 2021 Synod Convention in Watertown, Wis., July 26 – 29, 2021.
Key Convention Documents – 2021 Synod Convention
Find the 2021 Book of Reports and Memorials, Synod Convention delegate book, voting and advisory delegates, floor committees, and delegate reimbursement form.
WELS 2020 Call Reports
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Pastor, teacher, and staff minister call report
The call report details when pastors, teachers, and staff ministers change positions within WELS. The Conference of Presidents oversees and coordinates the calling process.
*CRM: “Candidatus Reverendi Ministerii.” This means that a person does not currently hold a divine call but is eligible to receive one. He is a “Candidate for the Holy Ministry.”
*Obituaries: From now on, deaths reported on the call report will only be for called workers who are actively serving at the time of their death or for those who have retired from active ministry. This reflects the current Yearbook policy set by the Conference of Presidents.
View archived call reports – previous to 2020.
Convention Resources – 2019 Synod Convention
Find the presentations, resources and PDF’s given and presented to the 2019 Synod Convention.
Note: Some presentations have been edited due to security issues.
Assignment and Call Request
Requests for Called Workers
Requesting a new called worker for your congregation or school, whether you plan to ask for a graduate assignment from one of our worker training schools or call from the field of current workers, is an important process in the life of your ministry. Use the resources provided to give careful consideration to the request and appropriate communication to the candidate you call.
Request a Graduate Assignment or Call List
Please note: WELS Cloud login required for request form
Call List Requests Questionnaire
Additional information for Principal requests
Additional information for Early Childhood Ministry Director requests
Assignment Requests
Assignment request information and instructions
Sample letter to teacher assignment candidate
Sample letter to pastor assignment candidate
WELS New Teacher Induction Information
Common Resources
Call document, teacher
Call document, early childhood ministry director
Call document, staff minister
Call document, pastor single congregation
Call document, pastor dual congregation
WELS 2019 Call Reports
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Pastor, teacher, and staff minister call report
The call report details when pastors, teachers, and staff ministers change positions within WELS. The Conference of Presidents oversees and coordinates the calling process.
*CRM: “Candidatus Reverendi Ministerii.” This means that a person does not currently hold a divine call but is eligible to receive one. He is a “Candidate for the Holy Ministry.”
*Obituaries: From now on, deaths reported on the call report will only be for called workers who are actively serving at the time of their death or for those who have retired from active ministry. This reflects the current Yearbook policy set by the Conference of Presidents.
View archived call reports – previous to 2019.
Unpublished Memorials – 2019 Synod Convention
The following convention memorials were submitted after the deadline for the printed Book of Reports and Memorials.
Resolutions and Reports – 2019 Synod Convention
View the Floor Committee reports and resolutions presented at the 2019 Synod Convention. All resolutions have been adopted.
Elections – 2019 Synod Convention
Ballot, nominees, and position descriptions for the elections at the 2019 Synod Convention in New Ulm, Minn., July 29 – August 1, 2019.
Minutes – 2019 Synod Convention
View the minutes for each day of the 2019 Synod Convention.
Daily Agenda – 2019 Synod Convention
View the most updated agenda for each day of the 2019 Synod Convention.
Please note: Agenda is subject and likely to change.
Key Convention Documents – 2019 Synod Convention
Find the 2019 Book of Reports and Memorials, Synod Convention delegate book, voting and advisory delegates, floor committees, and delegate reimbursement form.
Scouting Bible Study
The Conference of Presidents was asked to review the current Scouting organization to determine whether Scouting has changed in a way that would remove the objectionable features.
In a twelve-lesson study on Scouting prepared under the auspices of the Conference of Presidents for use in our congregations, Scripture and quotations taken directly from Scouting resources point out that essentially nothing in Scouting has changed.
Foreign Travel Insurance
The Foreign Travel Insurance Request form must be completed within 90 but not less than 30 days prior to the commencement of travel. No coverage will be provided for any travel unless the online form has been completed and approved. Please make sure that you take this time requirement into your trip planning timeline.
International travelers are advised to make no travel arrangements until the travel request has been approved by WELS. Please visit osac.gov for travel advisories.
All international travel should be booked through WELS International Travel Partner, Fox World Travel. If you are not planning on booking your travel through Fox, please give a brief explanation why you are not using Fox World Travel on the form.
Complete the online Foreign Travel Insurance Request form.
Report to the Twelve Districts 2018 – Online Reports
The Report to the Twelve Districts, put out in even years, reports the work of the synod to the districts for their conventions.
Documents from the WELS Conference of Presidents
The following documents are provided by the Conference of Presidents to help WELS congregations. The documents available for download include:
- WELS Review of the Evangelical Heritage Version Bible Translation
- WELS Review of the Christian Standard Bible Translation
- Closed communion announcement samples
- A study of marriage, divorce, malicious desertion, and remarriage in light of God’s Word
- Statement on marriage and marriage policies for WELS congregations
- Safeguarding religious freedom: sample policies for WELS congregations, schools, and organizations
- Template for bylaw article dealing with marriage and human sexuality
WELS 2018 Call Reports
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Pastor, teacher, and staff minister call report
The call report details when pastors, teachers, and staff ministers change positions within WELS. The Conference of Presidents oversees and coordinates the calling process.
*CRM: “Candidatus Reverendi Ministerii.” This means that a person does not currently hold a divine call but is eligible to receive one. He is a “Candidate for the Holy Ministry.”
*Obituaries: From now on, deaths reported on the call report will only be for called workers who are actively serving at the time of their death or for those who have retired from active ministry. This reflects the current Yearbook policy set by the Conference of Presidents.
Synod Convention Presentations
The PowerPoint presentations and videos available below were presented at the 2017 Synod Convention, July 31-Aug. 3, at Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis. The presentations and videos may contain information that delegates find valuable as they share the convention proceedings with their local congregations.
Additional addendum resources:
Jon Hein – Demographic Study video
Earle Treptow – Compensation Calculator Demo video
Earle Treptow – Supporting Called Workers Bible Study video
Tuesday morning session video
Tuesday afternoon session video
Wednesday morning session video
Wednesday afternoon session video
Note: No special guests or missions presentations will be available due to security protocol.
*due to linked data of multiple files, a PDF is provided instead of a PowerPoint.
Key Convention Graphics – 2017 Synod Convention
Download the Our Great Heritage logo and the stage banners as seen at the 2017 synod convention. If you have any questions about artwork please contact WELS Communication Services at [email protected]
Supplemental BORAM materials
The following documents are referenced in the Book of Reports and Memorials, but are not printed. They are available to view online and download for your reference.
Safeguarding Religious Freedom Sample Policies for WELS Congregations, Schools, and Organizations
Safeguarding Religious Freedom
Sample Policies for WELS Congregations, Schools, and Organizations
In a changing moral climate, God’s people can continue to make a profound impact as faithful witnesses to his love and truth. Given the freedom to live out and exercise our faith, WELS congregations, schools, and affiliated organizations can engage what is sometimes a hostile social and political culture in ways that offer clear light and enduring hope amid the growing spiritual darkness. We do that by proclaiming law and gospel, not primarily to change society or human behavior, but to change hearts through the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.
Key Convention Documents – 2017 Synod Convention
Find the 2017 Book of Reports and Memorials, Synod Convention delegate book, voting and advisory delegates, floor committees, and delegate reimbursement form.
Elections – 2017 Synod Convention
Ballot, nominees, and position descriptions for the elections at the 2017 Synod Convention in Watertown, Wis., July 31 – August 3, 2017.
Daily Agenda – 2017 Synod Convention
View the most updated agenda for each day of the 2017 Synod Convention.
Please note: Agenda is subject and likely to change.
Minutes – 2017 Synod Convention
View the minutes for each day of the 2017 Synod Convention.
Resolutions – 2017 Synod Convention
View the resolutions presented at the 2017 Synod Convention. Resolutions have been adopted unless otherwise noted.
Whistleblower procedures
Whistleblower policies and procedures
Joint statements
For the past four years, representatives from our synod and from the Evangelical Lutheran Synod have been meeting for informal discussions with counterparts from the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. At the most recent meeting, held December 1 – 3, participants unanimously adopted a document that reports on the results of the meetings that have taken place. The report also looks ahead to the future and outlines some the areas that still need to be addressed.
As you will read in the report, those involved in the meetings have agreed that God has blessed these meetings and that there have been real benefits and blessings as a result of the discussions. Please pray that God would continue to bless these efforts, to his glory.
Resolutions – 2015 Synod Convention
View the resolutions presented at the 2015 Synod Convention. Resolutions have been adopted unless otherwise noted.
Minutes – 2015 Synod Convention
View the minutes for each day of the 2015 Synod Convention.
Daily Agenda – 2015 Synod Convention
View the most updated agenda for each day of the 2015 Synod Convention.
Please note: Agenda is subject and likely to change.
2015 Synod Convention shuttle schedule
View and download the 2015 Synod Convention shuttle schedule by airport arrival and departure times. Schedules available for Detroit, Flint, and Saginaw airports.
Official Synod Reports
Find the most recent and archived Annual Report, the Book of Reports and Memorials, Proceedings, and Report to the Twelve Districts, along with the yearbook listing and the WELS Constitution and Bylaws.
WELS Annual Report
The WELS Annual Report provides a clear picture of the synod and the activities carried out by its areas of ministry. Copies of the report are mailed in January to all congregations as well as to members who have made a direct gift to WELS during the year.
If you would like someone to present this year’s Annual Report to your board or congregation, call WELS Ministry of Christian Giving at 800-827-5482 to be connected to a counselor in your area. Note: Counselors will bring extra copies of the Annual Report to distribute during their presentation. More copies of the report are available at Northwestern Publishing House.
You can also give your own Annual Report presentation using the PowerPoint available below.
2015 Synod Convention unpublished memorials
The following convention memorials were submitted after the deadline for the printed Book of Reports and Memorials.