In order to reach an audience of lay-people and those not familiar with WELS as well as to extend the reach of local WELS congregations, the WELS Web site, www.wels.net, has new features and a new look.

"We want to tell the world what we're about in positive terms," says Joel Hochmuth, director of communications.

One way the new Web site is reaching out to the average layperson is by offering spiritual helps for different life issues, including divorce, addictions, guilt, and loneliness. "What this section shows is that we all struggle with the same things," says Hochmuth. "It's just that [Christians] have help in this struggle from Christ. That's what makes us different."

Another new section called "In Our Own Words" shows videos of WELS laypeople talking about their faith and their struggles as well as what Christ means to them. "Our best spokespeople are our own people," says Hochmuth.

The new site still has some of the most popular features from the previous site including daily devotions; prayers; mission blogs; and a Q&A section, with answers provided by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary professors. The site provides synodical news, information on coming events, and gifting opportunities.

The site also features the WELS Locator, which provides locations and directions to WELS churches and schools. According to Hochmuth, this feature helps the site fulfill its goal of driving interested individuals to local congregations, a goal that fits in with the overall synodical mission. Hochmuth says that not only does the site encourage people to visit local churches but also gives congregations a place to send their prospects who want to know more about WELS at large.

To help the new site appeal to average laypeople and those unfamiliar with WELS, specific congregational resources have been moved to Connect, WELS' Intranet for called workers and congregational leaders, which can be accessed with a user name and password.

New information and features are still being added to the site. Plans for the future include adding a community aspect as well as stories on how WELS congregations are reaching out in their neighborhoods. "That gets back to our whole theme, 'Christ's Love, Our Calling,' " says Hochmuth. "We want to highlight that news not to say, 'This is how great we are,' but to demonstrate on a practical basis our love and concern for others around us."

Check out the WELS Web site at www.wels.net.