Brief History

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) began in 1850 with three German pastors meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. WELS has long focused on its commitment to proclaiming God's Word in its truth and purity, outreach to the lost, and Lutheran education.

To view an extensive timeline format of WELS history, click here.

Church Body Statistics

Baptized Members:	414,295
Communicants:	315,355
Congregations (US, Canadian, and Caribbean):	1,239
Pastors:	1,224
Schools:	289
Missionaries:	69

Contact Information

Pastor Mark Schroeder
Phone from US: 414-256-3888
E-mail: mark.schroeder@sab.wels.net

Website: http://www.wels.net