At a time of economic difficulty across the country, delegates to the 2009 synod convention will have to wrestle with another important financial decision—approving the synodical budget for the next two years.

This operating budget will reflect an $8 million reduction—from $38 million to $30 million or about 25 percent—in each year of the next biennium, 2009– 2011, because of the continued downturn in the global economy. This downturn resulted in the loss of significant gifts to WELS from foundations and individual donors, as well as a decrease in commitments from congregations for 2009 Congregation Mission Offerings.

In its April meeting, the Synodical Council approved the final proposed budget that will go to the convention. This budget proposal includes cuts that will need to be made and a picture of how these cuts will affect each area of ministry (see below).

The budget offers two options—each with significant cuts to all areas of ministry. The difference is under Option A, Ministerial Education receives $1 million more than under Option B. Under Option B, World and Home Missions each receives $500,000 more than under Option A.

According to WELS President Mark Schroeder, the Synodical Council decided to give the delegates two options because it recognizes that there are clear differences of opinion on this issue among WELS members. “Finally, the convention is the decision-making body,” says Schroeder. “The Synodical Council felt that the best way to exercise leadership was to equip the delegates to make a decision by informing them what the impact of each choice was.”

Both options will have long-term effects on WELS ministry. Under Option B, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, would close in 2010, leaving only one preparatory high school, Luther Prep, Watertown, Wis., in WELS’ ministerial education system. “Historically, our two prep schools together have provided one-half to two-thirds of our pastor candidates,” says Schroeder. “If we only have one prep school, it will be absolutely vital to recover those numbers from the area Lutheran high schools.”

Under Option A, four more world missionary positions and seven more home mission positions would be eliminated than under Option B. “Hard work that has been carefully done and blessed, and careful efforts to build indigenous churches could potentially be undermined,” says Schroeder. “People who have been served with the gospel will not be as easily served or may not be served at all. Can we serve them in different ways? Can we rebuild those fields at a later date?”

He continues, “Both options have serious ramifications, and both options are filled with unknowns. This is why the decision will be a difficult one.”