EF 3363 Christ Evangelical Lutheran Ministries: The Birth of a Confessional Lutheran Church Body in India

Abstract

Thomas J. Barthel’s paper traces the development of WELS mission work in India, culminating in the formation of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Ministries (CELM). Beginning with early contacts in the 1960s, WELS supported several independent Lutheran pastors and congregations across India. Challenges included doctrinal inconsistency, lack of centralized training, and ecumenical pressures. In the 1990s, WELS established the Committee for India Missions and began sending Friendly Counselors to coordinate training and unify the mission fields. The Guntur Seminary became the central training institution, producing national pastors and leaders. In 2003, CELM was formed to unite WELS-affiliated churches under one confessional Lutheran body. Despite cultural, logistical, and financial challenges, CELM has grown significantly in membership, pastoral training, and outreach. Barthel highlights the spiritual maturity, dedication, and gospel-centered focus of CELM, drawing parallels to the early Christian church in Acts. — Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)