About the Mission Board
A committee of the WELS Michigan District, called to plant churches, grow ministry, and proclaim Christ across four states and the surrounding areas.
Coordinating Mission Work Across the District
The Michigan District Mission Board is a standing committee of the Michigan District of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). We work on behalf of district congregations to identify, plan, and support new mission opportunities throughout Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas.
That work takes many forms: studying communities for new church starts, walking alongside exploratory and called missionaries, helping congregations partner in ministry with one another, and connecting local mission efforts with the resources of the wider synod.
Plant. Partner. Proclaim.
Three commitments guide everything the Mission Board does.
Plant New Churches
We look for communities across our district and its surrounding areas where a new WELS congregation could take root, and we support the called workers who plant them.
Partner New Ministries
We help existing congregations partner together on outreach, staff ministry, and new ways of reaching their neighbors with the Gospel.
Proclaim the Gospel
Every plan, study, and partnership serves one goal: proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior to people who need to hear it.
From Opportunity to Ongoing Ministry
- Studying population growth, demographics, and existing WELS presence to identify promising mission fields
- Recommending new mission starts and staff ministries to the district and synod
- Supporting called missionaries and exploratory pastors with guidance, prayer, and resources
- Encouraging partnerships between established congregations and new or struggling ministries
- Connecting local mission efforts with WELS Home Missions and other synod resources
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”Romans 10:15 (EHV)
Serving on the Board
The Mission Board is made up of pastors and lay members from across the district who volunteer their time to guide this work.
Members
Rev Aaron Duve – Chairman
Mr Kevin Traub – Financial Secretary
Mr Eric Davis
Mr David Eddy
Rev Joshua M Krieger
Rev Roger G Riedel
Mr Jim Schwab – BHM Representative
Home Mission Counselors
Mark Birkholz
Timothy Flunker