Wisconsin Youth Director Zack Payne baptizes a camper at Camp Wakonda.
Debbie Michel
January 30, 2025As the smallest conference within the Lake Union territory and the 12th smallest among the 59 conferences in the North American Division, this achievement marks a significant moment for the state-wide church.
“This is more than just a number—it’s a testament to God’s power working through our churches,” said Titus Naftanaila, president of the Wisconsin Conference. “We have seen lives transformed, communities impacted and the Holy Spirit moving in ways we never imagined.”
Reaching this membership milestone required dedicated discipleship, prayer, and evangelistic efforts across Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Conference consists of 64 churches, 12 companies, and 11 mission groups, all of which have contributed to this significant growth. Naftanaila emphasized that while reaching 8,000 members is a major accomplishment, the focus must remain on deepening spiritual commitment.
“The real question is not just how many members we have, but how strong our relationship with Christ is,” he said. “God calls us not simply to fill pews but to experience genuine revival and transformation.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Naftanaila urged the conference to shift its focus beyond numerical targets and instead embrace “transformative and courageous initiatives.” He pointed to 2 Chronicles 7:14 as a guiding principle, calling for humility, repentance and a renewed commitment to faith: If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
The Wisconsin Conference’s success mirrors biblical narratives of God accomplishing great things through small groups, as seen in the stories of Joseph, Gideon, David and the 12 disciples. Naftanaila believes the key to future growth lies in fostering an environment where faith thrives, lives are changed and spiritual renewal takes root.
“We are preparing the soil, planting seeds and trusting God to bring the harvest,” he said. “As we move into 2025, our goal is not just to grow in numbers but to grow in faith and impact.”
Debbie Michel is Lake Union Communication director and Lake Union Herald editor.
