Trends in WELS Church Names Over the Past 50 Years

Abstract

Bart Brauer’s 1999 essay explores naming trends among Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) churches over the past 50 years. Drawing from correspondence, statistics, and case studies, Brauer identifies a shift from traditional saint-based names to more contemporary, purpose-driven titles. He categorizes names into seven types, noting a decline in saint and biblical place names and a rise in names emphasizing Christian concepts and the Savior. The essay highlights how modern church names aim to resonate with unchurched individuals, often serving as evangelistic tools that reflect local context and theological focus. Examples like Tree of Life, Water of Life, and Resurrection illustrate this trend. Brauer attributes the shift to cultural changes, marketing influences, and a desire to clearly proclaim Christ’s saving work. Ultimately, he emphasizes that while names evolve, the enduring priority remains the faithful proclamation of the gospel. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)