WELS Kingdom Workers (WKW) chapters take leadership roles in local mission outreach projects, develop events to promote chapter outreach projects and encourage financial support and involvement.

“Because we respond to lay people in different parts of the country, those groups decide what type(s) of gospel outreach they wish to be involved in.” Ron Meier, WKW Chapter Coordinator, said. “Some chapters are involved in English as a second language as an outreach tool. Others are involved in youth outreach, prison ministry, nursing home ministry and ethnic outreach of all kinds.”

In 2003, Ron Meier became the chapter coordinator, since then the chapters have grown from nine to 17 active chapters in nine WELS districts around the country, with four or five other areas that have expressed an interest in starting a chapter.

Meier reflected on some of his favorite experiences with the chapters. “On one Saturday morning, when I was visiting our Rocky Mountain Chapter in Denver, Colo., the Christ Ministry Center was beginning  its Bible studies and crafts.” He said. “I walked the neighborhood with the Center Director Eileen Zanto, literally gathering up children to come to the Center to have them participate in the day’s activities. It has been many years since I participated in children’s games, but I had a delightful time with the young children.”

“Another positive memory was going with some Greater Milwaukee Area Chapter members on a central city neighborhood canvassing opportunity to encourage interest in a central city middle school.” Meier said.

The 17 WKW Chapters include:

• Central Michigan - Project Share, Campus Ministries-Michigan State and Campus House-Central Michigan.
• Valley of the Sun in Phoenix, Arizona - Mission to the Children, St. Thomas, Cross of Glory-Peoria and Faith In Action Teams.
• Greater Milwaukee Area in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Northside Lutheran Ministries, Lutheran Southside Ministries, Hope Lutheran School, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Beacon Center, Lighthouse Youth Center, Risen Savior Lutheran Church and Camp Grace.
• Lone Star in Austin, Texas – Prison Ministry, Outreach to the Aging and Meals for Builders For Christ Projects.
• La Crosse Coulee Region - Hmong Ministry and Prison Ministry.
• Northern California in Citrus Heights, California - India.
• Living Water in Watertown, Wisconsin - Hispanic Outreach, Youth Ministry Center and Nursing Home Visits.
• Son Shine in Tampa, Florida - Nursing Home Outreach and Thailand-Chiang Mai Dorm Layworkers.
• Twin Cities in Minnesota – Urban Outreach.
• New Ministries in Manitowoc - Hmong Ministry and Faith In Action/Youth In Service Teams.
• Minnesota Valley in New Ulm, Minnesota - Hispanic Outreach.
• Rocky Mountain in Denver, Colorado - Christ Lutheran Center and Navajo/Apache Outreach.
• Mid-America in Kansas City, Montana - Hmong Ministry and Russia.
• Southern Lakes in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin - Hispanic Outreach.
• Rock in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin - Hispanic Outreach and Campus Ministry at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
• Capitol Area in Madison, Wisconsin - International Student Campus Ministry at University of Wisconsin Madison and Hospice Outreach.
• Motor City in Detroit, Michigan - Hispanic Outreach.

Meier is proud to be a part of the chapters and explained why. “It’s the enthusiasm and passion demonstrated by lay people in our chapter work.” He said. “I believe, too, that this same enthusiasm and passion was a part of the first chapters and is the common thread to current chapter development.”

If you’re interested in getting involved or for questions regarding WKW chapters, contact Ron Meier.

For more information, visit the WKW Chapters page of the WKW Web site.