175th Anniversary Resources

News & Resources

This anniversary is an opportunity to remember God’s grace to WELS. He has permitted the message of Christ to be proclaimed to us and through us, so that from those small beginnings WELS is today a nationwide and worldwide church body. Access the resources below to learn more about WELS history and celebrate the 175th Anniversary.

Congregational Resources Educational Resources Promotional Resources

Congregational Resources

NEW RESOURCE: 175th Bible Study
- This free comprehensive study guide is designed for pastors, teachers, and congregational leaders who wish to walk a class or small group through Christ Through Us: A Pictorial History of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (1850–2025).
- Each lesson closely correlates with a chapter from the book and includes carefully crafted questions to prompt discussion and reflection. Leader guides and student handouts are also available.
- The study highlights not only the blessings God has poured out on the synod as it carries out its mission across the nation and the world but also the theological and cultural challenges that refined WELS into a distinctly Christ-centered, confessional Lutheran church body.
NEW RESOURCE: 175th Offering Brochure
- This brochure explains what areas of ministry the 175th special offering supports along with directions on how to give. Download the brochure below.
Ready-made bulletin inserts on WELS history are available for congregations to download below. There will be new bulletin inserts made each month of the anniversary celebration.
175th Anniversary Worship resources are available on The Foundation. Resources include promotional graphics and worship planning for the anniversary. Access the 175th Anniversary Worship Resources!

Downloads

NEW RESOURCE: 175th Bible Study

Companion Study Guides

PowerPoints

NEW RESOURCE: 175th Offering Brochure

Congregational Brochure

175th Offering Brochure (PDF)

Bulletin Inserts

A Synod is Born

The Founding of the Seminary

Finding Fellowship

The Election Controversy

Federation with Minnesota and Michigan

The Apache Mission

The Protes’tant Controversy

Educational Resources

Christ through Us: A Pictorial History of the Wisconsin Synod, 1850-2025, has been published. Order your copy today!
The Wisconsin Synod Lutherans is now available to order. This book includes a historical overview of WELS beginning with the Synod’s roots in Germany to present day.
NPH has put together a collection of WELS history books to celebrate the 175th Anniversary. Take a look at the WELS 175th collection!
An interactive timeline of WELS history has been put together for the website.
A series of articles on key individuals in our synod’s history are appearing in the Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly. Additional articles will be written for the WELS Historical Institute Journal as well.
Forward in Christ is featuring articles and historical photos for the anniversary throughout 2025.
Watch the WELS Historical Institute YouTube channel to learn more about WELS History.