The Conference of Presidents (COP) met at the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry in Waukesha, Wis., October 6-9, for its annual fall meeting. Although the COP met virtually during the summer, this was its first in-person meeting with the five new district presidents. During its meeting, the COP heard reports from WELS ministries and took action on or approved several items. Some items of note:
- The COP issued a provisional call to Mr. Joshua Birkholz to serve as the director of the Ministry of Christian Giving.
- It appointed District President Jonathan Schroeder as the COP liaison to the WELS Technology Committee.
- The COP adopted resolutions related to call request guidelines and Martin Luther College teacher certification.
- Mark Gabb, administrator for WELS Home Missions, reported that the rising costs of opening and supporting new mission locations are causing budgetary pressures. He explained several adjustments the Board for Home Missions is considering in its program going forward.
- Chief Financial Officer Kyle Egan reported that WELS ended the 2025–2026 fiscal year in a good financial position, supported by higher-than-anticipated gifts and lower-than-planned expenses. As planning begins for the next biennium, he noted that while local ministry offerings have generally kept pace with inflation, Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO) have not. As a result, a smaller share of congregational giving is being directed toward our shared ministry as a synod, and inflation is reducing how much ministry those offerings can support.
- Larry Schlomer, administrator for WELS World Missions, detailed the blessings of expanded ministry in Latin America through Academia Cristo and new gospel outreach in Senegal. Work in the United Kingdom has expanded to four preaching stations.
- Congregational Services and Home Missions are identifying areas of mutual effort to consider possible future partnerships.
- Lutheran Schools gave an update on the WELS theology curriculum project, which is now in the writing phase.
Current Conference of Presidents
WELS President Mark Schroeder
WELS First Vice President Joel Voss
WELS Second Vice President John Bortulin
Arizona-California District President Joel Heckendorf
Dakota-Montana District President Benjamin Tomczak*
Michigan District President Snowden Sims
Minnesota District President Dennis Klatt
Nebraska District President Stephen Helwig*
North Atlantic District President Michael Seifert
Northern Wisconsin District President Kevin Westra*
Pacific Northwest District President Daniel Lange
South Atlantic District President Jonathan Schroeder*
South Central District President Paul Seager*
Southeastern Wisconsin District President Daniel Leyrer
Western Wisconsin District President Michael Jensen
WELS Secretary Tyler Peil, advisory
*elected in 2026
Serving together with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder
