Membership at Chapel

Membership matters at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel and is based on Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Therefore, membership means being involved in serving and being served through worship, Bible study and various opportunities to minister to God’s people and those who do not know God.

Frequently Asked Questions About Membership

  1. If I’m a student do I have to join the Chapel?

    You’re not required to join the Chapel to be involved with or to be served by this ministry. Some students prefer to transfer their home church membership to our Chapel since they will be staying in Madison for a number of years and are more involved here than in their original home congregation.

  2. How do I become a member of the Chapel?

    Through transfer of membership from another WELS/ELS church; by profession of faith for confessional Lutherans not in our fellowship or WELS Lutherans returning to the faith (a few meetings with the pastor); or by a Bible information class (“Set Free”) for those who are not familiar with our faith and practice. Youth confirmation is also available for middle school children who attend and wish to become communicant members.

  3. How do I transfer my current WELS/ELS church membership to the Chapel?

    Contact Pastor Trapp and he will help you process the transfer of membership.

  4. Do you accept Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) members?

    Most LCMS members find themselves in agreement with us after a few meetings with our campus pastor. LCMS members are encouraged to read "This We Believe—A Statement of Belief of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod", which summarizes the main teachings of the WELS.

  5. What’s the Bible information class “Set Free” about?

    Set Free is for those who:

    • Are looking for God
    • Are curious about what WELS Lutherans believe
    • Desire Chapel membership but aren’t members of the WELS
    • See life differently from the days of their youth confirmation and want a refresher course on their Lutheran faith

    Offered free of charge each semester, this 12-session class takes you through the basics of Christianity, including:

    • How to find peace with God
    • What the Bible’s about?
    • Who God is
    • How God wants us to live
    • The power of forgiveness and prayer
    • Why are there so many different churches?
    • What happens when we die, and at the end of the world?

    Set Free has a Lutheran emphasis on grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone and Christ alone. Comparative theology is welcomed.

    Contact Pastor Trapp if you're interested or have questions.