Ways to Give - Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)

Motivation for Giving

"Christ's love compels us" says the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:14. God doesn't need our possessions. "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" (Psalm 24:1). God wants our hearts. "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deut 6:5). Everything in our lives should reflect our total dedication to God. God has shown us incredible mercy time and again, particularly in sending us Jesus as a Savior. Jesus redeems us from sin and makes us one with God again. We have eternal life through him. It is God's Holy Spirit that helps us to see and believe in Jesus our Savior and to WANT to serve God in all we do, including with our possessions.

Supporting WELS

Gospel ministry is carried out locally at each of our WELS congregations or affiliates. To carry out the Great Commission on a larger scale, our congregations join together as the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. We do together, with God's blessings, that work which we could not do alone. This includes training professionals to lead our ministry efforts, carrying out mission work in North America and in other countries, and mass producing Bible-based publications.

WELS is primarily supported by our congregations through prayers, the regular portion of offerings each church designates to WELS called "congregation mission offerings," and special offerings. WELS is also supported directly by individual members' prayers, volunteering, and donations.

Gift Matching

It is possible that your employer (or former employer, if you are retired) will match donations from you or even your spouse. Check your employer to see if they sponsor some type of matching gift program.

Online Donations

Donate online with our Wells Fargo online banking secure giving site. Fill out the form then indicate a payment method. BROWSER LIMITATIONS: Please check the approved browser versions listed on the Wells Fargo web site before you begin the process. This is important for those using the AOL Browser.

WELS.net now provides the convenience and reliability of making recurring gifts automatically. This means you don't have to visit the Web site or write a check each time you want to donate but can set up your giving once and, after that, only make adjustments when you want to. Details about managing your recurring gifts can be found under the "Track Web Gifts" tab. To change bank information for a recurring electronic funds transfer (EFT) gift call 800-827-5482 (Milwaukee area: 414-256-3211).

Mail Your Gift

To make a gift by mail, you simply need to write the gift designation in the memo line of the check and send to:

WELS
Attn: Accounting Dept.
2929 North Mayfair Road
Milwaukee, WI 53222-4398

Be sure the following information is either on your check or noted:

Name
Address, city, state, zip
Contact information: phone number, e-mail address

You will receive a receipt for your gift along with our grateful thanks!

Director of Christian Giving

Rev Dave Liggett

"Christian giving is intended to be a joyful, or as the Greek word in 2 Corinthians 9:7 suggests, a 'hilarious' activity. Giving is a life activity in which we Christians give abundant, overflowing gifts to our Lord's work. It is my privilege to encourage this type of giving on the part of our congregations and individual contributors to the WELS."

Call to Make a Gift

To make your gift by telephone, have your credit card ready and call 800-827-5482 (Milwaukee area: 414-256-3209).

Planned Gifts

WELS offers assistance with planned gifts and putting together estate plans that include WELS ministry. A planned gifts allows you to maximize your gift to ministry and/or family while minimizing taxes. Call WELS Ministry of Christian Giving at 800-827-5482 (Milwaukee area: 414-256-3209) to speak with a Christian giving counselor. There is no cost or obligation for this service.

Thank You!

Your gifts are important -- both large and small. They help us carry out the work of mission and ministry in partnership with you.