The Lutherans East of the Marsh: An Historical and Ministerial Evaluation of the Wisconsin Synod Lutherans in Northeastern Dodge County, Wisconsin

Abstract

The purpose of this paper two-fold: The first purpose is to understand the historical circumstances that led to a high concentration of Lutheran congregations being established in northeastern Dodge County, Wisconsin, and to see how that collection (particularly the set currently affiliated with the Wisconsin Synod) is faring today. The second purpose is to cast a vision, set a course, and/or offer some advice concerning these Wisconsin Synod congregations about how they can move forward boldly into the future. Congregational aimlessness is not a rare occurrence in Christianity in general. Neither is it rare, for that matter, for a Christian congregation to feel small, non-influential and perhaps even insignificant in the context of a larger community. But it is uniquely difficult when one congregation of Christians that share a common Christ, creed, heritage and culture with other congregations in their shadow allow those thoughts to continue among their own people or their neighbors. This paper hopes to create an understanding of a specific multi-congregational dynamic that has been long in the works, and can be much improved, with the hope that these congregations may be blessed long into the future.