There is no greater fellowship than that which is enjoyed in Christian love and truth. The Wisconsin Synod enjoys a fraternal relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. We can joyfully say that we are in full agreement on Scripture - in teaching and practice. Our members enjoy full Christian fellowship. We share altars, pastors, and prayers.
Pastor Vertein's father-in-law, William Grimm, is a pastor of the ELS in Portage and Newport, WI. |
The ELS had its origin among the early settlers of Norwegian descent who came to America during the 19th century. As they settled in the forests of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and other states they had no churches, no pastors, no schools, no spiritual leadership.
By God's grace help soon came. Pastors from their homeland arrived and helped organize congregations. Their first services were held in a barn and outside under two oak trees at a place called “Koshkonong” near Madison, Wisconsin.
Finally in 1853 the first church body among these settlers was organized. It was known as the "Norwegian Synod."
Many of the Lutheran synods of this were very lax in doctrine and practice. In the latter 1850s, however, they recognized a kindred spirit in the conservative leader of the Missouri Synod, Dr. C.F.W. Walther.
In July of 1872 they joined with the Wisconsin Synod, the Missouri Synod and other synods in forming the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference.
But with time, some of those synods caved into modern theology and practice. Now these two sister synods remain - the ELS and the WELS.
A blessing of the ELS is its smaller size. This provides for a closer-knit fellowship within itself. Each year every pastor attends their Synod Convention.
To learn more about our sister synod, check out their link! |
