WELS in the Inner City

Abstract

Rolfe F. Westendorf’s essay, WELS in the Inner-City (1982), chronicles the Wisconsin Synod’s evolving mission strategy amid urban demographic shifts and racial integration challenges. Initially a rural and small-town church body, WELS faced inner-city realities primarily in Milwaukee, where post–World War II migration and blockbusting transformed neighborhoods, forcing congregations to relocate or close. Early efforts to evangelize African Americans were hindered by prevailing segregation norms, resulting in separate black missions such as St. Philip’s (Milwaukee) and Zoar (Detroit). The Civil Rights Movement and subsequent legislation dismantled legal segregation, creating opportunities for integrated ministry, though cultural barriers persisted. Westendorf details significant initiatives: the Inner-City Pastors’ Council (1967), a three-year evangelism program funded by Aid Association for Lutherans, and the development of culturally relevant Vacation Bible School materials. Later, the Synod formally recognized inner-city work as a mission responsibility, establishing the Inner-City Mission Committee (ICMC) under the General Board for Home Missions. Strategies included evangelism training, lay involvement, and subsidized seminary vicars. Crucially, Christian day schools emerged as the most effective bridge to black communities, fostering membership growth and sustaining congregations. Despite successes, challenges remain—declining membership, leadership attrition, and resource constraints. Westendorf concludes that WELS inner-city congregations serve as vital “wells” of grace, uniquely proclaiming salvation by faith alone, and urges continued commitment to preserve this Gospel witness in urban America. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT‑4).