A "Lay Seminary" Develops, Grows, and Endures: A Century of WELS Campus Ministry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Abstract

September 26, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of WELS campus ministry in the United States. Over this century, WELS campus ministry has developed into a substantial ministry that serves collegiates at numerous public universities all across America. The synod’s oldest, largest, and most prominent campus ministry during this span of time has been the campus ministry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. When WELS campus ministry began 100 years ago, it began in Madison. This history tells the story of both the humble beginnings of WELS campus ministry and the work which has been carried out at this particular institution to ten decades worth of Badgers. Throughout the history of Calvary Lutheran Chapel and Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, the students, the ones who were meant to be served, embraced a spirit of leadership and service and took ownership of this ministry. The model example set by these students underscores the ongoing vital importance of the campus ministry work that our synod does. Campus ministries not only serve the student during spiritually tumultuous years, but also these ministries equip the students to be confident witnesses and passionate church leaders—both before and after the diploma.