Change Under God: James Schaefer and the WELS’ Weltanschauung

Abstract

The social and political philosopher Edmund Burke once said, “A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.” Apparently Burke had never heard of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Though not always eager for change, the Synod has stood by God’s grace for over 150 years. Yet, under God and his holy Word, there have been changes and agents of change even within the beloved fellowship of the WELS. James Schaefer was one such agent in the history of the Synod. He changed perceptions inside and outside of the WELS concerning the Synod and its identity. His work as the first public relations director for the Synod gave him the opportunity to confront and alter the perceptions of those outside the Synod. His work on the Northwestern Lutheran allowed him to change the WELS self-image from within. Without a doubt, James P. Schaefer gave the Wisconsin Synod a positive, biblical public image and broadened horizons in the Synod with his evangelical esprit.