Ministry of Christian Giving
The Ministry of Christian Giving encourages members to excel in the grace of giving and assists them in making planned gifts to support the gospel ministry of their congregations, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), and WELS agencies.
We carry out this mission through two broad but distinct efforts. First, we assist with the gathering of Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO). We also work to encourage direct gifts to WELS, or individual mission offerings, above and beyond congregational offerings. We do this through mailed appeals, coordination of special offerings, and by assigning Christian giving counselors to local churches to assist members with their charitable goals.
The South Atlantic District Christian giving counselors listed below can assist you in achieving your charitable goals (no cost or obligation). These specially trained men can help guide you on how to be a steward of your gifts. There is no fee for the services of a counselor. Deferred giving counselors specialize in gifts that help fund synod ministry in the future. Current giving counselors specialize in gifts that fund ministry now.
Mr. Mark Arnold - Deferred gifts counselor / Phone: 920-450-9587
I was called as a Christian giving counselor for the South Atlantic District in 2017 after working nearly 30 years in the finance and insurance industry. I received my bachelor of science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1985 with an emphasis in finance, and recently served as the executive director of WELS Investments Funds. As a giving counselor, I specialize in deferred gifts—gifts that will help fund the future work of our synod.
My wife Kathy and I live in Leesburg, Fla., and attend St. Mark Lutheran Church.
Rev. Daniel Wagenknecht - Current gifts counselor / Phone: 714-624-9001
I have roots in the South Atlantic and South Central Districts where I am once again privileged to serve: born in Alabama, raised in Texas, had my vicar year in Florida and married a Floridian. After graduating from the seminary in 1994, I was called to congregations in California and was chairman of the Arizona-California District Mission Board, chairman of the district’s Ministry of Christian Giving, circuit pastor, and Bible Camp director. In March, 2019, I began serving as a giving counselor specializing in current gifts, which immediately fund WELS ministry.
My wife DeLyn and I live in Lake Wales, Fla., and attend King of Kings Lutheran Church in Maitland.