Under the theme, “Christ through us,” about 400 voting delegates from around the United States attended the 68th Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod from July 21–24, 2025, at Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn.

Delegates included male called workers (pastors, teachers, and staff ministers) and voting lay members of WELS congregations. In addition, representatives from synod governance (Conference of Presidents and Synodical Council) as well as representatives of various WELS and parasynodical ministries and missions attended the convention as advisors or observers.

According to the convention website, the theme highlighted both God’s blessings to the synod as it celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2025 as well as God’s continued work through WELS in years to come.

The 2025 agenda included elections for synodical positions, worship, ministry presentations, and fellowship time. Professor Joel Otto, WELS Historical Institute board of directors chairman and WELS 175th Anniversary Planning Committee chairman, gave a presentation on Tuesday afternoon about the history of the synod. Pres. Earle Treptow gave a report Wednesday afternoon on the blessings at WLS including updates on the process toward building a new educational center and gathering space at the seminary. Professors Brad Wordell and Sam Degner served as floor committee chairmen and presented their committee’s reports during the convention. Mission Advancement director Sean Young manned the seminary display and connected with many attendees to share news and updates about WLS.

Livestream recordings of the convention are available on the convention website: https://welsconvention.net/news/livestream/