San Tan Valley, Ariz.

New start: Located on the eastern edge of Phoenix, San Tan Valley is experiencing rapid growth with no signs of slowing down. Since 2022, the Arizona-California District Mission Board has been working with Heritage in Gilbert, Ariz., to plant a new mission in the area. A core group of 26 adults has been gathering regularly for Bible study and community events, building connections and momentum. In October 2024, they began holding regular worship services and have already identified 127 prospects interested in learning more about the new church.

Fast facts:

  • The population in the target area is expected to reach 103,718 in the next three years, an 18.47 percent increase.
  • There is no confessional Lutheran church in the target area.
  • The core group has been actively participating in local events such as youth art camps, community fall festivals, and holiday markets to connect with residents and share the gospel.
  • After “soft launching” worship in October 2024, an average of six guests visit each week. Four prospective members are currently in Bible information class.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, you are the source of all life. Pour out your goodness in the community of San Tan Valley, Ariz., and cause the gospel that your people proclaim there to bear fruit. We thank you for the good and faithful work that Pastor Bublitz and Heritage in Gilbert, Ariz., have done to present this new mission start for our church body to embrace and support. We ask that you not only provide the mission with a new pastor but also bless the core group of people there with an extra measure of your love and kindness that it may overflow from them to their neighbors as they proclaim the good news of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In his name we pray, Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Aaron Bublitz, Heritage Lutheran Church
[email protected]
480-855-3619

Madison, Wis.

New start: The center of Madison is expected to grow by 200,000 in future years, with many residents seeking an urban lifestyle. A core group of 14 adults, familiar with the area, has been working together since 2022—meeting regularly for Bible study and ministry planning—and has also secured a rental space for worship and community activities. Twenty prospects have expressed a strong interest in learning more about this new mission. A new mission plant in the center of urban Madison would allow WELS to reach an entirely new demographic.

Fast facts:

  • Central Madison is undergoing large-scale redevelopment, with significant growth in the city center and construction of high-density housing along major thoroughfares.
  • The core group has been actively participating in local events and holding monthly fellowship/outreach events at the Wil-Mar Center to connect with residents and share the gospel.
  • The core group has chosen a name: Living Hope Lutheran Church.
  • A recent snapshot of downtown Madison stated only about 12.5 percent of the population is attending weekly services.

Prayer:

Lord God, bless the spread of your gospel in every land, and especially in Madison, Wis. Provide opportunities to share your Word with the people of the community and make your witnesses bold in testifying to your saving grace in Christ. As you have told us to ask for laborers, we pray that you would provide a pastor soon to serve in this harvest field. Give patience and continued zeal to the core group of Living Hope as they wait on you, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. John Hartwig, Retired pastor and core group member
[email protected]
262-309-5585

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
[email protected]
512-784-5429

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:

  • 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.
[email protected]
720-833-8873

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
[email protected]
509-594-0715

Cypress/Waller, Texas – 2024

New Start: A core group of five families is looking to plant a new church somewhere between Cypress and Waller, Tex., in northwest Houston. The population in this area increased by 215% over a 13-year period, making it an ideal area to plant a new mission church.

Fast Facts:

  • Hear from District Mission Board chairman Rev. Nathan Sutton as he discusses the next steps for the core group in this Together video update from October 2024.
  • Highway 290 (The Northwest Freeway) is a direct path from the northwest part of the metropolitan area to Downtown Houston. This ease of access is a large contributor to growth in the area.
  • Many families are moving into the area shortly after college for career opportunities in the Houston area. They are projecting a 74% increase in children from ages 0-4 in the next ten years.
  • Core group members are meeting regularly for Bible studies with Pastor Caleb Schoeneck from Beautiful Savior in College Station, Tex., and participating in community events.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the opportunity to be part of the work you are accomplishing and expand the footprint of your kingdom in Cypress/Waller, Texas. Give the members of the core group and all their WELS brothers and sisters who are supporting them from afar so that together we might have just the right blend of humility in service and confidence in the gospel. When the work seems hard and the efforts fall short of our expectations and yours, pick us up by your grace and let us see that our sins are upon the cross and Christ’s righteousness is upon us. Bless this new effort with unity and peace in abundance. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Caleb Schoeneck, Beautiful Savior, College Station, Texas
[email protected]
979-574-5984

Bend, Ore. – 2024

New Start: Bend was identified in 2020 as the second-fastest growing city in the U.S. A core group of eight families has been gathering twice a month for Bible study and planning as they plant a church in an area where 62 percent of people are not involved with any religious community.

Fast Facts:

  • The core group selected Mount Hope Lutheran Church as the name for their new congregation.
  • Rev. Thad Bitter accepted the call to serve this new mission start in Bend and was installed on September 20, 2024.
  • No WELS churches are located on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountain Range in Oregon. The closest WELS church is 2.5 hours away.
  • The population in Bend is expected to grow by more than 16,000 people by 2032.
  • Work on this mission effort started in July 2021
  • In addition to regular Bible studies and planning meetings, the core group has done door-to-door canvassing and food drive canvassing with support from short-term volunteer teams and its district mission board.

Prayer:

Lord God, as in everything, the task begins with you. As the core group in Bend, Oregon, looks forward to the arrival of their new missionary, be with them, Lord. As they continue to reach out to and into their community, be with them, Lord. As they seek to build a church for your name, be with them, Lord. As they go about their work, be with them, Lord. Help them always to see you and allow the city of Bend to see you through all that they do. Be with them, Lord, strengthen them, and teach them that as they remain in you, they will bear much fruit!

Contact:

Rev. Thad Bitter, Home Missionary
[email protected]
503-290-6316

Cedar Lake, Ind. – 2024

New Start: Members from Trinity and Zion in Crete, Ill., have formed a core group to plant a new mission in nearby Cedar Lake. This area of northwest Indiana is growing rapidly as Chicago commuters look for cheaper alternatives to living in Illinois.

Fast Facts:

  • The population of Cedar Lake saw a 58.3 percent increase since 2000.
  • A new train line is expected to be up and running in nearby Dyer, Ind., by 2025, which will make the commute to Chicago even more accessible and the area more desirable to live in.
  • Nine individuals currently make up the core group; an additional 17 families have expressed interest in learning about and being a part of a new mission start.
  • The core group has partnered with local non-profits to deliver holiday meals to those in need in the community.

Prayer:

Lord of the Church, we thank you for the efforts of the core group in Cedar Lake, Ind. We also thank you for the blessing of granting a new start mission in this growing town in western Indiana. Though there is no church building or worship services yet, bless the core group of members in their study of your Word and in the work of their hands with this brand-new mission. We ask you to bless them with a pastor to serve them with the Means of Grace and serve the community with the knowledge of your Son as their Savior. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Kendall Cook, Trinity Lutheran Church
[email protected]
979-220-4699

Conway, Ark. – 2024

New Start: Conway is a growing college town in the northwest of Little Rock with no WELS presence. A group of 19 WELS members has been gathering at a local hotel on Sundays for worship and Bible study with a part-time retired pastor and getting involved in the community as it prepares to launch a brand-new church.

Fast Facts:

  • Rev. Clayton Fury was assigned from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary to serve this new mission start in May 2024. He was installed on September 15, 2024.
  • The Conway population is projected to grow by 24.9 percent (19,827 individuals) in the next 10 years.
  • Conway is called “The City of Colleges” because it is home to three colleges: the University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College, and Central Baptist College.
  • Conway’s population of younger families and college students, many of whom stay in the area following graduation, provides the opportunity for longevity and growth as families move to the area and grow the community.

Contact:

Rev. Clayton Fury, Home Missionary
[email protected]
832-352-9502

Easley, S.C. – 2024

New Start: Since 2016 Abiding Peace in Simpsonville, S.C., has been exploring the option of starting a second site in the greater Greenville area that includes Easley and Powdersville. Abiding Peace is currently offering worship and Bible study and getting involved in community events from a leased “homebase” in Easley as it evaluates where a future, permanent site might be established with a new missionary at the helm.

Fast Facts:

  • Rev. Michael Quandt accepted the call to serve this new mission start in July 2024. He was installed on October 27, 2024.
  • The population of Greenville and the smaller communities that surround it total more than 500,000 people and continue to grow thanks to large international companies such as BMW, GE, Michelin, Lockheed Martin, Prisma Health, and Tesla having a presence in the area.
  • After leasing the storefront in Easley in June 2023, volunteers renovated the building in preparation for periodic worship to begin in September 2023. Easter 2024 marked the start of weekly worship at this location.
  • The core group of 42 Abiding Peace members have participated in community holiday events such as Treats in the Street and the local Parade of Lights and have hosted Advent devotionals/socials from their new site.
  • A potential campus ministry program at nearby Clemson and Furman Universities is also being explored as part of ministry at this new site.

Prayer:

Lord of the Church, you call us to see the darkness of the world around us as an opportunity to shine the light of your gospel to those in need. We are grateful for this opportunity, especially to have a new base from which to do so in the city of Easley, South Carolina. We ask your blessings for the beginning of this new mission, for the ongoing efforts of the core group, for the calling process and for the planned ministry. Use it, gracious Lord, to reach the people of Easley and the surrounding communities that souls might be reached, lives might be transformed, and eternities might be changed. We are bold to ask this for Jesus’s sake, Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Michael Quandt, Abiding Peace Lutheran Church – Easley
[email protected]
801-703-6717