ResourcesELPW began as a program under the fiscal sponsorship of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). It received its tax-exempt status in March 2013.
Between 2003 and 2010, over 140 WELS congregations and missions contacted the director for information on starting ELO. This video was produced in 2007. Though it was designed for churches that wish to start outreach programs in their changing communities, the basic principles of this model will help any volunteer-based outreach effort successfully address needs in the community. [See also ELPW’s Media Coverage for another video.] NOTE: This initiative is no longer affiliated with WELS; it is now an independent 501(c )(3) institution--English Language Partners of Wisconsin, Inc.
However, when it was a program of WELS, instruction followed an approach that could not in any way be considered as coercive or deceptive regarding religious issues. During the class time, content for lessons was not Bible-related. Devotions were held in a different room so that it was clear that attendance was voluntary. Read more at Outreach at Gethsemane. |