Mission Work in Mexico: An Overview

Just south of the United States border lies a land full of beaches, vibrant flowers, and ancient pyramids. Mexico is more than just a tourist destination: Lutherans are hard at work here, striving to reach more souls with the Gospel. Here’s a short overview of the mission work here:

The Lutheran church body in Mexico is officially known as the “Iglesia Evangélica Confesional Luterana” (Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church). It consists of approximately 650 baptized members. This synod body is in fellowship with the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod (WELS).

WELS missionaries work in Mexico to help this Lutheran church grow and mature. The goal is to develop a synod that can stand on its own two spiritual feet. To make that happen, missionaries train men who want to become pastors in the Mexican Lutheran Church. They also work on evangelism to reach more souls and help the church grow.

As shown in the map above, work is currently being carried out in seven areas of Mexico. In these areas, there are a total of 10 congregations and 20 missions and preaching stations. Seven Mexican pastors oversee the majority of this work. You can learn more about work in these areas by clicking on the links located to the right.

The Mexican Lutheran Seminary is located in Torreón, Mexico. (As of 2010, seminary training is being split between the cities of Torreón and León). There are currently five students enrolled in pastoral training programs. In addition to classroom training, these students help with the mission work in the area.

In March 2010, missionaries in Mexico moved to the city of León with the goal of starting two new congregations in the city. By God’s grace, in a few years Mexican pastors will come to León to take over the church work here.

The biggest obstacle that the church faces in Mexico is Catholicism. Almost 90% of Mexicans are nominally Catholic. As a religious figure, Jesus falls to lesser importance. More emphasis is often placed on the Pope, Mary, and even other saints like Judas Thaddeus, than on Jesus. While Mary appears in the front of cathedrals, Jesus is tucked away in the back, still dead on the cross or in a coffin. Easter is almost a forgotten holiday.

Despite the false teachings that abound, the Lord has carried out his plan in Mexico. It is our prayer that he continue to bless the ongoing mission efforts. Through his grace, more souls will hear the message of salvation throughout 2010 and the following years.