WELS Outreach to the Poor

Abstract

Rolfe Westendorf’s essay, The WELS Outreach to Poor: A New Frontier (1985), calls attention to the Wisconsin Synod’s limited success in evangelizing among economically disadvantaged populations and proposes strategies for Gospel ministry to the poor. Westendorf identifies systemic barriers: expectations of financial contribution, geographic separation, and stigmas surrounding poverty. He critiques conventional evangelism methods—canvassing, instruction classes, and assimilation into congregational life—as largely ineffective for transient, marginalized communities. The essay categorizes causes of poverty into four “factors”: Red (economic misfortune), Blue (physical or mental disability), Yellow (emotional and social dysfunction), and Gray (complex intermingling of causes), emphasizing that poverty often stems from circumstances beyond personal control. Westendorf argues that ministry must prioritize spiritual needs while acknowledging physical realities, advocating for attitude shifts and innovative approaches. Suggested methods include personal witnessing without membership pressure, informal worship opportunities in rented neighborhood spaces, and outreach to children through Sunday schools. He warns against measuring success by conventional metrics or cost-effectiveness, urging reliance on the Spirit’s power rather than institutional expectations. The essay frames outreach to the poor as a Gospel imperative and a challenge requiring flexibility, humility, and sacrificial love. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT‑4).