Altoona, Wis.

New start: Located just east of Eau Claire, Altoona is one of the fastest-growing communities in western Wisconsin. With a population nearing 10,000 and projected to grow by 3 percent annually, Altoona attracts young families, professionals, and retirees seeking a small-town feel with access to urban amenities. The Western Wisconsin District Mission Board has been working closely with a core group from St. Mark in Eau Claire since early 2023. This group has been active hosting community events, launching monthly devotional services, and building a growing prospect list. With strong local support, a clear ministry plan, and a heart for outreach, the Altoona mission is poised to bring the gospel to a community eager for connection and truth.

Fast facts:

  • Altoona’s population has grown nearly 15 percent in the last four years.
  • The core group consists of 32 people and has a prospect list of 25 families.
  • Monthly “Food for the Soul” devotional services and Bible studies began in May 2025 at the Fish House in Altoona.
  • Past outreach efforts include concerts in the park, early childhood JAM events, senior living visits, parade participation, and digital evangelism.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, we praise you for your gracious words of forgiveness and love, and that we are all made right with God through your saving work on the cross. It is that gospel message that motivates your servants in Altoona, Wis., to bring that good news to all who have ears to hear it. Your harvest fields truly are plentiful. Please be with this new mission start as they go out to proclaim your victory over sin. Give them the words to say and the courage to proclaim them boldly. Bless their hands at work so that they may be the tools you use to reap your harvest. All glory and honor are yours alone. Praise be to you, O Christ! Amen.

Contacts:

General email: altoonalutheran@gmail.com

Core group members:

Mr. James Paulus
jspaulus11@gmail.com
715-523-2762

Mr. Jacob Fuhrman
fuhrmanjn@gmail.com
715-505-8421

Mr. Jason Richards
jr.envision@gmail.com
715-271-5009

Buffalo, N.Y.

New start: As one of the largest metro areas in the United States without a WELS church, Buffalo presents a unique and urgent opportunity for gospel outreach. The target area—Kenmore, North Buffalo, and Tonawanda—has about 95,000 residents within a 2-mile radius. A dedicated core group has begun gathering for Bible study and outreach, laying the groundwork for a new church plant. With Buffalo’s affordable housing, expanding job market, and a population eager for spiritual connection, the mission team is excited to build relationships and share the hope of Christ with the community.

Fast facts:

  • The core group meets twice a month for study and fellowship and partners with Prince of Peace in Fairport, N.Y., and Cross of Life in Mississauga, Ont., for support and outreach.
  • One-third of residents are minorities, and Buffalo is a leading destination for refugee resettlement, especially for families from Burma, Somalia, and the Middle East.
  • Early outreach activities include volunteering with various local nonprofits as well as hosting “Easter for Kids” events, summer soccer camps, and pop-up art projects at local parks.

Prayer: 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for missionaries who travel to all parts of the world fortified with your Word. Give the Buffalo, N.Y., core group confidence and courage to stand strong in their Buffalo neighborhoods to be the salt of the earth right where they live. Forgive our hesitance to boldly proclaim your saving message from the rooftops and bless their efforts as they enter your mission field. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Contact:

Mr. David Froehlich, Core group member
dffroehlich@gmail.com
515-505-0045

Naples, Fla.

New start: Naples, consistently ranked among the best places to live and retire in the United States, is experiencing rapid growth and demographic change. The district mission board and mission counselor have made multiple visits—talking with locals, meeting community leaders, and learning about the area’s needs. A significant portion of residents are unchurched and eager for spiritual connection. With strong financial support and a clear plan, the mission is ready to hit the ground running—focused on reaching out, making connections, and sharing the hope of Christ with a growing and diverse community.

Fast facts:

  • Naples was ranked #1 Best Place to Live and #1 Best Place to Retire in the US in 2024–2025.
  • Naples is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in Florida, with a population expected to surpass 200,000 by 2033.
  • More than half of Collier County residents are unchurched, making it a wide-open field for gospel outreach.
  • Initial financial support includes a $100,000 pledge for the first two years.
  • Initial outreach plans have the mission focusing on the Golden Gate–Vineyards area, where middle-class families are settling and affordable housing is more accessible.
  • Early outreach plans include community events, canvassing, and partnerships with local organizations like Youth Haven, Champions for Learners, and Habitat for Humanity.

Prayer: 

We thank you for giving us this opportunity to explore the Naples, Fla, area to gather a core group and reach the lost in the community. Provide a home missionary to take up these efforts, gather your people, and share the Savior’s love. Let all of it be for the advancement of your kingdom, the glory of your name, and the salvation of souls. Amen.

Contacts:

Rev. Wayne Uhlhorn, Mission Counselor
wayneuhl@gmail.com
760-420-1682

Rev. Ben Zahn, District mission board chairman
zahn.email@gmail.com
843-236-9134

Olathe, Kan.

New start: Olathe, located in the fast-growing southwest Kansas City metro area, has seen its population surge with continued growth expected. Major employers have fueled this expansion, making Olathe one of the most affordable and family-friendly cities in the nation. The Nebraska District Mission Board has been working with Mt. Olive in Overland Park, Kan., to establish a new mission, gathering a dedicated core group and hosting regular Bible studies and planning meetings. With strong support from Mt. Olive and a clear vision for outreach, the Olathe mission is poised to reach many new families with the gospel.

Fast facts:

  • Olathe’s population grew by 18 percent since 2010, reaching 169,000 in 2023.
  • The city was named one of “The 25 Most Affordable, Fast-Growing Cities to Consider in 2024” and ranked #1 in America for millennials to buy a home.
  • More than $220 million in business investment and 2,800 new jobs were added in 2024, with major expansions from Garmin, Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, and Walmart.
  • The core group of ten people has held Bible studies and fellowship at local parks; has served the community by handing out food to the needy and hosting a food drive canvass; and has plans to continue partnering with a local nonprofit, Mission Southside, for further service projects.
  • The core group is building a network of community partners and maintains active outreach through social media, with Facebook and Instagram accounts to connect with local families.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, you sit at the right hand of your Father in heaven. It is there you rule all things for the good of your Church. We rejoice that in your infinite wisdom you have seen fit to bless the work of your people in spreading the gospel Olathe. We humbly ask that you cause the gospel to thrive not just in Olathe, but in every new start, every mission, and every established congregation so that more people can know of your forgiveness and your salvation. Give us—frail jars of clay—the strength and zeal to take the treasure you have given to us and to share it with all the lost. It is in your saving name we rejoice and pray, Amen.

Contact:

Mr. Jake Zeller, Core group member
zellerjacob@hotmail.com
949-207-8758

The Sandhills, N.C.

New start: The Sandhills area of North Carolina is experiencing steady growth as both retirees and young families move into the area, with major investments like Amazon’s new data center fueling local development. With close proximity to Fort Bragg—the world’s largest military base—the region also attracts commissioned military personnel who often choose to make the Sandhills their permanent home. The effort is being led by a core group from Tree of Life in Cary, N.C. The team has begun regular outreach and canvassing, building momentum and a growing prospect list in a region where confessional Lutheran churches are few.

Fast facts:

  • Moore County’s population is projected to reach 124,000 by 2030.
  • The Sandhills area is home to military families, including commissioned officers and special ops personnel from nearby Fort Bragg who often settle permanently after service.
  • A core group of 11 people began meeting in January 2025 for Bible study and outreach. Initial outreach efforts include a food collection canvass and a booth at a community movie night with face painting and handouts and ongoing plans for further community events.
  • The mission is supported by Tree of Life in Cary, which voted unanimously to provide volunteers and financial support for the new congregation.

Prayer: 

Holy Spirit, come with power and grace on the Sandhills of North Carolina. Bless the preaching of your Word as carried out by the core group and members of Tree of Life. Bring more souls into your harvest kingdom. Move us to be Tarheels, standing firm, letting nothing move us, always giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain! Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Nathan Strutz, Tree of Life Lutheran Church
nathanwstrutz@gmail.com
608-515-4334

West Richland, Wash.

New start: West Richland, located just outside the Tri-Cities, is experiencing rapid growth as families and professionals move in for its strong job market and quality schools. Since 2024, the Pacific Northwest District Mission Board has been working with a committed core group of members from Southridge Church in Kennewick to establish a second site in West Richland. The group has already begun outreach through community service activities and fellowship events. With continued momentum and support, the new mission aims to launch regular worship and ministry activities in 2025.

Fast facts:

  • West Richland was named the second-best small town to live in in the US in 2025, with a population expected to surpass 74,000 in the next decade.
  • The core group consists of 24 members and is supported by Southridge Church in Kennewick as a multi-site ministry. They have chosen the name “Westridge Church.”
  • The core group is already active in the community, having assisted with a community Easter Pancake Breakfast & Egg Hunt, hosting a river float, and organizing a door-to-door food drive.
  • The mission currently has 41 families on its prospect list. Six have already shown strong interest in joining the ministry.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the opportunity you have placed before us in West Richland, Wash., to serve you and your kingdom. Continue to bless the core group’s efforts, emboldened now by prayers, resources, and support from Christian sisters and brothers. We know that you have gone before us, and we trust you to stay with us. We humbly ask you to generously pour out your provision—financial, spiritual, and emotional. Open doors that only you can and provide the leaders and volunteers needed to walk through them. You know every soul who will be reached by this ministry. Soften their hearts to receive the gospel. Work through the core group to provide a pursuing and welcoming spirit that fosters the growth of their relationship with you. Allow this ministry to be a light in this community, shining your love and truth for generations to come. Through Jesus, Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Timothy Wilkens, Southridge Church
pastorwilkens@gmail.com
509-820-1080

Wilmington, N.C.

New start: Wilmington’s northeast neighborhoods are seeing a surge of new families and rapid development, making this area one of the fastest-growing corners of North Carolina. A core group of 18 people from Ascension in Jacksonville, N.C., meets regularly for Bible study and planning. With no WELS church nearby and easy access along U.S. 17, the group is laying the foundation for a welcoming church that blends in-person and online worship, Bible instruction, and plenty of community service.

Fast facts:

  • Wilmington ranks No. 1 on a list of metropolitan areas that attracted new residents in 2024.
  • The nearest WELS congregation to Wilmington is nearly 50 miles away.
  • In recent months, the core group organized a kayak-based river cleanup, led a community food drive with a volunteer group it hosted, and launched a weekly Life Group for Bible study and fellowship.
  • Read more about the new mission effort in Wilmington, N.C., in this Missions Blog from May 2025: wels.net/moving-fast-but-staying-grounded.

Prayer: 

Lord God, we are your dearly loved children. Ground the core group in Wilmington in the good news of Jesus’ work for us so that they can have a solid foundation to work for you. Give them boldness and opportunities to share the good news of Jesus throughout southeastern North Carolina so that more and more would know what you have done for them. Bless the work in Wilmington according to your will and give the core group faithfulness to persevere so that they can make the most of the opportunities in front of them. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Steven Saatkamp, Ascension Lutheran Church
pastor@ascensionjax.com
715-541-9248

Arlington, Tenn.

New start: Arlington, located 25 miles northwest of Memphis, is on the brink of rapid growth with Ford Motor Company set to build a new plant for electric truck production. Since 2022, the South Atlantic District Mission Board has been working with a dedicated group of 60 members and Pastor Jim Turriff from Gloria Dei, Memphis, who plan to relocate and establish a fresh start in Arlington under a new name.

Fast facts:

  • There is currently no Lutheran presence in this high-growth area.
  • The core group has already begun laying the groundwork for outreach, participating in an Everyone Outreach weekend and engaging in Bible studies to strengthen its mission. The group is set to celebrate its grand opening as a new church in fall 2025.
  • Arlington’s population grew 357 percent from 2010 to 2019 and has increased by about 28 percent since then, with projections suggesting it will double in the next decade.
  • The new Ford plant is projected to create 5,800 jobs and is considered to be the largest single auto industry investment in U.S. history. This new mission reflects a similar effort from 35 years ago when WELS planted Christ Our Savior in Columbia, Tenn., in response to General Motors building its Saturn plant in the area.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, we thank you for the privilege to be your witnesses in the world and this opportunity to establish a gospel outpost in Arlington, Tenn. Give the members of the core group both zeal for and joy in their work, knowing the fruits of their labor are only by your goodness and grace. When the work is challenging and the efforts fall short of our expectations and yours, forgive us and fill us with your grace to see Christ alone. Humbly we pray you bless these efforts for the advancement of your kingdom. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Jim Turriff, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
revturriff@gmail.com
509-594-0715

Erie, Colo.

New start: Erie, located 30 miles north of Denver, has experienced a 55 percent population increase from 2010 to 2020, with continued growth expected. The Colorado District Mission Board began exploring this area in 2022. A core group of 10 adults has been gathering for fellowship and Bible study while attending local festivals to share its plans for a new church. So far, 25 people have expressed interest in learning more about the mission efforts.

Fast facts:

  • Rev. Caleb Kurbis has accepted the call to serve this new mission start in Erie.
  • Erie, Colo., is expected to grow to 90,146 people by 2032.
  • Erie is an attractive location for young professionals seeking more house and open space compared to neighboring Boulder and Denver.
  • The core group has been active in the community, hosting a Christmas party with activities for kids at a local coffee shop, giving out dog treats at a dog park, handing out treats and church information on Halloween, and meeting people through free coffee and donuts at neighborhood soccer games.
  • The town leaders have encouraged the establishment of multiple churches, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for new church plants.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you lived, died, and rose for the forgiveness and life of all people. As you have brought us into your kingdom through your gospel, you now call us to share that gospel with others, that they may be brought into your kingdom, too. Thank you for the opportunity to do that in Erie, Colorado! Bless the efforts of this new mission, keep your abiding presence with the core group, grant them a missionary of your choosing in your time, and draw many more souls to you through their work. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Tim Spiegelberg, Carbon Valley Lutheran Church, Firestone, Colo.
pastor@carbonchurch.com
720-833-8873

Jarrell, Texas

New start: Jarrell is a rapidly growing town located 44 miles north of Austin in northern Williamson County. The county has seen its population surge from 426,000 in 2010 to 671,000 in 2022, with continued growth expected. For the past three years, Pastor Don Patterson has been working with a core group of 11, which began holding weekly worship in October 2024. The group has identified 90 prospects, many of whom they connected with by volunteering in the Jarrell Bible Community Food Pantry. The plan is to rent space for eight years before securing land and constructing a permanent church home.

Fast facts:

  • The greater Austin metro area is projected to be the fastest-growing metro area in the entire United States over the next five years.
  • The Jarrell School District has seen a 96 percent increase in enrollment since 2018–19 and is projected to double in size over the next five years.
  • The core group has been actively participating in local events such as Octoberfest and food drives as well as connecting with community leaders to establish a strong presence in Jarrell.
  • Fourteen Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary students traveled to the greater Austin area in 2023 to assist the core group, mission counselor, and district mission board as they explored the potential of planting a new church in the area. Read more at wels.net/from-the-very-beginning.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, we are moved by your love, and we want the world to know you too. It’s a profound privilege to be part of the effort to change eternity for people using the simple gospel about your gift for us. You gave it all every second of your earthly life. Now you bless our efforts to create churches where people will find your grace for many years to come. You have recently granted financial support to put a pastor in Jarrell, Texas, to nurture the little flock there and to make inroads to many new families. Thank you for the privilege of serving you in Jarrell, and please help the core group make the most of every opportunity so many will see as their Lord and Savior when you return. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Don Patterson
revdonwp@gmail.com
512-784-5429