"What Are Those Feeble Ones Doing?"

Abstract

Kenneth R. Arndt reflects on the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s (WELS) historic 1961 decision to suspend fellowship with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), a move that many feared would cripple the small synod. Drawing parallels to the biblical account of Israel’s post-exilic rebuilding, Arndt explores the challenges WELS faced after losing the vast resources and shared ministries of the Synodical Conference. He chronicles the bold initiatives that followed—expanding home and world missions, restructuring education, and launching major funding efforts like Missio Dei. Despite early doubts and internal disagreements, WELS grew in congregations, schools, and mission fields, while maintaining doctrinal integrity. Arndt concludes that the synod’s endurance and progress were not due to human strength but God’s grace, urging continued reliance on the Gospel and daily repentance as the foundation for future faithfulness. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)