The History of the Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministry

Abstract

Stephen Casai’s essay chronicles the development of the Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministry (WLIM) from its origins in 1901 to its expansion through 1979. Beginning with Pastor William Rader’s outreach to Milwaukee County institutions, the ministry grew under the tireless efforts of Pastor Enno Duemling and later Pastor Arnold Schroeder. WLIM evolved from a joint Synodical Conference initiative into an independent Wisconsin Synod ministry in 1968, serving prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes. The essay details annual milestones, statistics, and financial challenges, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to “the least of these” through Word and Sacrament. Lay involvement, especially through volunteers and Lutheran Collegians, played a vital role in expanding outreach. Casai emphasizes WLIM’s spiritual focus, resisting the “social gospel” in favor of proclaiming salvation through Christ. The ministry’s success is attributed to God’s grace, faithful pastors, and congregational support. —Abstract by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)