From February 7 to February 9, students at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary participated in Mission & Ministry, an annual three-day event organized by a student committee. Under the theme “Go!” based on Matthew 28:19, this event highlighted the worldwide work of WELS. 

Each day featured a worship service, an overview of ministry highlights by WELS leaders, an encouraging keynote address by a worker in the field, and the opportunity to attend three breakout sessions of interest. Presenters encouraged students with the Lord’s promise to be with his people always, no matter where they serve, whom they serve, or in what role they serve, giving them the strength to carry out his Great Commission.

The student committee arranged for 24 breakout sessions on different topics. These sessions included presentations on world missions building bridges across cultures, leveraging the internet to reach people around the world through TELL, starting a new home mission, urban ministry in the United States, renewing expectations of church membership since the pandemic, and how our churches support people with disabilities and their families. All presenters shared how their work carries out the Savior’s commission with the Savior’s promise.

WELS organizations set up displays to share information about their work in God’s kingdom. The seminary family was blessed to have visitors each day: the pastor-track juniors from Martin Luther College participated on the first day and the students of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary participated on days two and three. Another special guest was Pastor Holger Weiss, president of the seminary owned and operated by our sister synod in Germany, the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church (ELFK). Pastor Weiss served as preacher in the opening service and shared blessings and challenges of mission work in Germany during a breakout session on the first day.

For photos of the event, visit the seminary’s Facebook page.