Breakout Presentations

Sessions

Attendees are allowed to select any breakouts they believe would be interesting and beneficial. Some attendees will select breakouts that touch on a variety of topics and issues. Others may want to focus on one topic, learning as much as possible from several breakouts.

If a congregation sends multiple attendees to the WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership, consider assigning each one a topic or issue. Those attendees can report back to their congregations, perhaps using what they learned to provide recommendations for congregational ministry efforts.

Below you will find breakouts that deal directly with presentation topics and issues.

Breakout Summaries 2026There are 69 breakout presentations presented by 80+ presenters. Download the breakout and professional development documents below for more information.

01. THE ART OF LISTENING AND ASKING QUESTIONS: Unlocking the Heart of Ministry

01. THE ART OF LISTENING AND ASKING QUESTIONS: Unlocking the Heart of Ministry

Cindy Jansen

This breakout session is an energizing invitation to rediscover two core leadership skills: asking masterful questions and listening with ...
02. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE CHURCH: Embracing Tools, Avoiding Traps

02. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE CHURCH: Embracing Tools, Avoiding Traps

Ryan Kirchoff

Through discussion, reflection, and real-life examples, we’ll consider both the practical ministry opportunities and the potential pitfalls that come ...
03. BEYOND CASH: Smarter Ways God’s People Can Give

03. BEYOND CASH: Smarter Ways God’s People Can Give

Kyle Bartsch

This breakout will show how WELS members can align their giving with both faith and wisdom ...
04. THE BUDGET IS THE PLAN: Aligning Strategy, Spending, and Stewardship

04. THE BUDGET IS THE PLAN: Aligning Strategy, Spending, and Stewardship

Janet J. Egan, CPA

This session will help attendees see their budget not merely as a spreadsheet but as a strategic ...
Jim Rademan & Jamie Walta

05. BUILDING A COHESIVE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Leading Together in Lutheran Education

Jim Rademan & Jamie Walta

Participants will explore how to align around a clear mission and vision, ensuring that all leaders—both ...
06. BUILDING A CULTURE OF OUTREACH: A Game Plan for Every WELS Church

06. BUILDING A CULTURE OF OUTREACH: A Game Plan for Every WELS Church

Rev. Caleb Free

Participants will leave encouraged and equipped to help their church take meaningful steps toward a culture where outreach ...
Rev. Mark Gabb & Sean Young

07. CLARIFYING CLERGY AND LAY ROLES: Leading Together in the Life of the Church

Rev. Mark Gabb & Sean Young

Participants will learn how to develop a culture of collaboration, maintain pastoral focus on the ...
08. COME AND SEE: Planning Worship so Members Will Invite Guests

08. COME AND SEE: Planning Worship so Members Will Invite Guests

Rev. Eric Roecker

This session will explore how to design services that are accessible to the first-time worshiper while also being ...
09. COMMUNICATING YOUR MISSION WITH CLARITY: Branding, Messaging, and Community Connection

09. COMMUNICATING YOUR MISSION WITH CLARITY: Branding, Messaging, and Community Connection

Dr. Jeff Lemke

This session helps congregations, schools, and Christian organizations define and communicate their identity in Christ with purpose and ...
10. COUNTING WHAT COUNTS: Goals, Metrics, and the Spirit’s Work

10. COUNTING WHAT COUNTS: Goals, Metrics, and the Spirit’s Work

Rev. Carlos Leyrer

When handled with humility, goals and assessments can help ministries stay focused and purposeful—while leaving the results where ...
11. DEVELOPING A CLEAR PATH OF DISCIPLESHIP: A Proven Process for Congregational Membership and Leadership Development

11. DEVELOPING A CLEAR PATH OF DISCIPLESHIP: A Proven Process for Congregational Membership and Leadership Development

Rev. Matt Vogt

This breakout equips pastors and congregational leaders to design a customized “path of discipleship” for their unique ministry ...
12. DIGITAL OUTREACH IN A POST-CHRISTIAN WORLD: Supporting Relational Evangelism Without Replacing It

12. DIGITAL OUTREACH IN A POST-CHRISTIAN WORLD: Supporting Relational Evangelism Without Replacing It

Michael Babler

This session helps leaders reframe digital outreach—not as a substitute for personal witness but as a tool that supports ...
13. THE EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LEADER: Managing Yourself to Lead Others

13. THE EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LEADER: Managing Yourself to Lead Others

Dr. Karen Fischer

This session explores how leaders can grow in emotional self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation in order to lead others ...
Melanie Giddings, Elizabeth Melott, & Rev. Ben Reichel

14. FAITH FORMATION IN SCHOOLS THAT STICKS: Building a Lutheran Worldview in the Next Generation

Melanie Giddings, Elizabeth Melott, & Rev. Ben Reichel

This session explores how schools and churches can work together to instill a ...
15. FAITHFUL AND FUNDED: Rethinking How We Support Lutheran Schools

15. FAITHFUL AND FUNDED: Rethinking How We Support Lutheran Schools

Paul Patterson

Participants will explore how to develop a tuition structure that balances the responsibility of the family and the meaningful ...
16. THE FAMILY ALTAR: Empowering Homes as the Primary Place of Youth Discipleship

16. THE FAMILY ALTAR: Empowering Homes as the Primary Place of Youth Discipleship

Dr. Brandon Steenbock

Participants will leave with renewed vision and concrete ideas for shaping a congregation where faith isn’t just taught ...
17. FEEDBACK AND THE PULPIT: Turning Polite Praise into Meaningful Insights

17. FEEDBACK AND THE PULPIT: Turning Polite Praise into Meaningful Insights

Rev. Michael Schultz

This breakout will explore how pastors and congregations can move beyond surface-level comments toward honest conversations that strengthen ...
18. THE FOCUS TAX: How Much Are You Paying?

18. THE FOCUS TAX: How Much Are You Paying?

Kurt Nitz

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply want to work more intentionally, this breakout will give you practical tools to ...
19. THE FORGOTTEN GENERATION: Ministry to Young Adults in Their 20s

19. THE FORGOTTEN GENERATION: Ministry to Young Adults in Their 20s

Rev. Clark Schultz

This session explores how to bridge that gap and build a vibrant, gospel-centered ministry for young adults in ...
20. FREELY GIVEN, FREELY GIVE: Building a Culture of Gospel-Driven Generosity

20. FREELY GIVEN, FREELY GIVE: Building a Culture of Gospel-Driven Generosity

Josh Birkholz

This session will give you tools to lead with integrity and inspire giving that reflects the gospel we’ve freely ...
21. FROM 20/80 TO 100 PERCENT: Breaking the Volunteer Bottleneck

21. FROM 20/80 TO 100 PERCENT: Breaking the Volunteer Bottleneck

Rev. Frank Italiano

This breakout will inspire attendees to move beyond volunteer scarcity and toward gospel-motivated abundance in their congregation’s life and ...
Dr. Kristi Meyer & Rev. Kyle Bitter

22. FROM BULLETIN TO BROADCAST: Modernizing Church Communication Without Losing Anyone

Dr. Kristi Meyer & Rev. Kyle Bitter

This session helps church and school leaders build a modern, multi-channel communication strategy that ...
23. FROM CHRISTIAN WORSHIP TO THE FOUNDATION: Planning Smarter, Leading Better

23. FROM CHRISTIAN WORSHIP TO THE FOUNDATION: Planning Smarter, Leading Better

Rev. Johnold Strey

This session equips pastors, worship planners, and lay leaders to streamline worship planning, deepening member engagement and supporting ...
24. FROM ENROLLMENT TO ENGAGEMENT: Making Your School a True Evangelism Effort

24. FROM ENROLLMENT TO ENGAGEMENT: Making Your School a True Evangelism Effort

Rev. Shaun Arndt

Participants will explore essential strategies for making school ministry a meaningful outreach effort ...
25. FROM ORGANIC TO ORGANIZED: How Leadership and Operations Must Evolve as Churches Grow

25. FROM ORGANIC TO ORGANIZED: How Leadership and Operations Must Evolve as Churches Grow

Rev. Dennis Klatt

As congregations grow or contract in the number of souls and forms of gospel ministry, they may need ...
26. FROM SOCIAL CIRCLES TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Small Groups that Make Disciples, Not Just Friends

26. FROM SOCIAL CIRCLES TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Small Groups that Make Disciples, Not Just Friends

Rev. James Hein

This session helps leaders design small group ministries that do more than build friendships—they make disciples ...
27. FROM TALK TO TRACTION: Making All Ministry Teams More Effective

27. FROM TALK TO TRACTION: Making All Ministry Teams More Effective

Dr. Todd Russ

Participants will learn how to design efficient, purpose-driven meetings that end with clear, actionable outcomes ...
28. GOSPEL CONVERSATIONS IN THE LGBTQ WORLD: Meeting Impossible Standards with the Grace of Christ

28. GOSPEL CONVERSATIONS IN THE LGBTQ WORLD: Meeting Impossible Standards with the Grace of Christ

Ben Dose

This breakout will explore these “impossible standards” in light of our unique Lutheran worldview ...
29. THE GRACE TO LEAD CHANGE WELL: Navigating Transition Without Losing Mission or People

29. THE GRACE TO LEAD CHANGE WELL: Navigating Transition Without Losing Mission or People

Rev. Don Sutton

This session will explore how to overcome resistance, sustain hope, and create cultures where curiosity is encouraged—so teams ...
Rev. Dr. Ken Fischer & Landon Zacharyasz

30. THE GREAT COMMISSION IN LUTHERAN SCHOOLS: Nurture, Outreach, and School Growth

Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher & Landon Zacharyasz

We’ll discuss the importance of intentionalizing what is at the heart of Lutheran education—shaping ...
31. HEARING IT STRAIGHT FROM TODAY’S YOUTH: A Comprehensive Study of WELS Young People

31. HEARING IT STRAIGHT FROM TODAY’S YOUTH: A Comprehensive Study of WELS Young People

Dr. Donald Kudek

Attendees will learn what young people value, how they engage with the gospel, and what opportunities exist for ...
Rev. David Scharf & Rev. Jonathan Bauer

32. HOPE FOR THE CHALLENGED CHURCH: Diagnosing Decline and Charting a Path Forward

Rev. David Scharf & Rev. Jonathan Bauer

If your congregation is feeling stuck, this session will offer a clear-eyed path forward—one ...
33. HOSPITALITY BOOTCAMP: Evangelism in Action

33. HOSPITALITY BOOTCAMP: Evangelism in Action

Dr. Lori Ryan

This session will highlight strategies for practicing biblical hospitality, outline common barriers and how to overcome them, and ...
34. THE LAWSUIT YOU DIDN’T SEE COMING: Building a Legally Resilient School

34. THE LAWSUIT YOU DIDN’T SEE COMING: Building a Legally Resilient School

Sam Nelson

Attendees will leave better equipped to recognize legal blind spots, implement protective structures, and support ministry with confidence and ...
Rachel Halldorson & Rev. Ben Kratz

35. LEADERSHIP AS INFLUENCE: Shaping Culture and Lives Without a Title

Rachel Halldorson & Rev. Ben Kratz

This session helps participants understand the power of influence—how their words, actions, and presence can ...
36. LEADING WITH CONSENSUS IN YOUR CHURCH: From Votes to Voices

36. LEADING WITH CONSENSUS IN YOUR CHURCH: From Votes to Voices

Rev. Jonathan Schroeder

This session will help you understand how to lead with consensus while remaining fully grounded in biblical principles ...
Rev. Kurt Lueneburg, Rev. Daniel Wagenknecht, Patrick Ruehrdanz, & Terry Helton

37. A LEGACY OF LOVE: Inspiring Generosity that Endures Beyond This Life

Rev. Kurt Lueneburg, Rev. Daniel Wagenknecht, Patrick Ruehrdanz, & Terry Helton

This breakout session will discuss how we can inspire the ...
38. A LUTHERAN LENS ON MODERN HYMNODY: Evaluating the Theology, Use, and Impact of Modern Hymns

38. A LUTHERAN LENS ON MODERN HYMNODY: Evaluating the Theology, Use, and Impact of Modern Hymns

Prof. Aaron Christie

This session offers a thoughtful exploration of the modern hymn movement through a Lutheran lens ...
39. MINISTERING TO SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE: Compassion, Care, and Christ

39. MINISTERING TO SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE: Compassion, Care, and Christ

Rev. Steven Lange

This session will help called workers, ministry leaders, and lay members understand how they can be the safe ...
40. MINISTERING TO AN AGING CONGREGATION: A Golden Opportunity!

40. MINISTERING TO AN AGING CONGREGATION: A Golden Opportunity!

Rev. David Rosenau

Whether your goal is to reach the next generation or to shepherd your seniors with grace and purpose, ...
41. ON THE CLOCK, STILL ON MISSION: Following Christ at Work

41. ON THE CLOCK, STILL ON MISSION: Following Christ at Work

Chris Kestner

This breakout offers practical tools for navigating workplace boundaries while remaining unapologetically Christian ...
42. ONE GOSPEL, MANY PEOPLES: Readiness for Cultural Diversity in the Church

42. ONE GOSPEL, MANY PEOPLES: Readiness for Cultural Diversity in the Church

Rev. Aaron Robinson

This session will look at practical ways to welcome and disciple people from different cultural, ethnic, and linguistic ...
43. OUR CONFESSIONAL LUTHERAN IDENTITY: Doctrine, Practice, and a Distinct Gospel Witness

43. OUR CONFESSIONAL LUTHERAN IDENTITY: Doctrine, Practice, and a Distinct Gospel Witness

Rev. Paul Prange

This session invites thoughtful, theological reflection on what it means to be Lutheran in both doctrine and practice ...
John Rathje

44. PLANNING THAT WORKS: Strategic, Tactical, and Operational Planning

John Rathje

This session will explore how to involve the right people in each type of planning, how to communicate plans ...
45. POLITICS IN THE PEWS: Living in Two Kingdoms

45. POLITICS IN THE PEWS: Living in Two Kingdoms

Rev. Dr. Michael Berg

In this session we will refresh our understanding of two-kingdom theology and discuss practical ways to speak ...
46. THE PORN PANDEMIC IN OUR PEWS: How Pornography Is Quietly Discipling Our Members and What to Do About It

46. THE PORN PANDEMIC IN OUR PEWS: How Pornography Is Quietly Discipling Our Members and What to Do About It

Rev. Brad Snyder

This session offers honest, gospel-centered guidance for pastors, teachers, and lay leaders to help those who struggle with ...
47. THE POWER OF DEEP CONNECTION: Engaging Women by Design  

47. THE POWER OF DEEP CONNECTION: Engaging Women by Design  

Sarah Proeber

Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to gauge momentum so women are known, supported, and sent for lasting kingdom ...
48. PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER: Weaving Apologetics into Everyday Ministry

48. PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER: Weaving Apologetics into Everyday Ministry

Rev. Caleb Bassett

This breakout will explore why apologetics matters now more than ever and how congregations can prepare their members ...
49. PROBLEM-SOLVING AS CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP: Balancing Faith, Wisdom, and Action

49. PROBLEM-SOLVING AS CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP: Balancing Faith, Wisdom, and Action

Brent Nemmers

Participants will learn practical ways to identify issues, weigh options, navigate difficult conversations, and build consensus for lasting solutions ...
50. THE QUIET RETURN: Gen Z Men’s Renewed Interest in Christianity

50. THE QUIET RETURN: Gen Z Men’s Renewed Interest in Christianity

Rev. Joel Russow

This breakout equips church leaders, youth workers, and mentors with practical strategies to connect with Gen Z men, ...
51. RAISING A CHRIST-CENTERED CHILD IN A ME-CENTERED WORLD: Practical Tools for Parents and Church Leaders

51. RAISING A CHRIST-CENTERED CHILD IN A ME-CENTERED WORLD: Practical Tools for Parents and Church Leaders

Dr. Rhoda Wolle

This breakout will offer biblical encouragement and practical direction for raising Christ-centered children in today’s world ...
52. RAISING THE BAR: A Culture of High Expectations for Discipleship

52. RAISING THE BAR: A Culture of High Expectations for Discipleship

Rev. Donn Dobberstein

Attendees will learn how to cast a biblical vision to move members toward spiritual maturity, build a culture ...
53. RETHINKING EVANGELISM: Why Yesterday’s Methods Miss Today’s Hearts

53. RETHINKING EVANGELISM: Why Yesterday’s Methods Miss Today’s Hearts

Rev. Joseph Lindloff and Julie Lindloff

Attendees will learn how to shift from “hoping people visit” to building bridges where people ...
54. SACRAMENTAL IDENTITY FOR TODAY'S CHURCH: Timeless Gifts for Our Time in History

54. SACRAMENTAL IDENTITY FOR TODAY’S CHURCH: Timeless Gifts for Our Time in History

Rev. John Bortulin

This session features a conversation and re-examination of our Lutheran identity, giving participants something to take home for ...
55. SCREENS AND SOULS: Helping Members Understand the Spiritual Impact of Technology

55. SCREENS AND SOULS: Helping Members Understand the Spiritual Impact of Technology

Martin Spriggs

Attendees will learn how to address the profound spiritual impact of technology with courage and wisdom ...
56. SERVANT LEADERS: Young Adults Modeling Christ’s Way

56. SERVANT LEADERS: Young Adults Modeling Christ’s Way

Jeremy Bock

This session features a panel of young adults who will share personal experiences of what it means to live ...
Joel Gaertner

57. SERVING THE UNDERSERVED: Reaching and Discipling People with Special Needs

Rev. Joel Gaertner

This breakout helps congregations become places where all people—regardless of ability—can experience belonging, hear the gospel clearly, and ...
58. SHADOW OF THE LEADER: Using the Culture Change Course Map

58. SHADOW OF THE LEADER: Using the Culture Change Course Map

Kurt Nitz

This breakout will go through those Post Workshop Resources, including a detailed walkthrough of the Culture Change Course Map, ...
59. SMALL CHURCH, BIG MISSION: Making a Kingdom Impact with Limited Resources

59. SMALL CHURCH, BIG MISSION: Making a Kingdom Impact with Limited Resources

Rev. Wayne Uhlhorn

This session equips leaders of small churches—whether rural, suburban, or urban—to maximize their mission potential without overextending their ...
60. STAFFING FOR MISSION: When to Add Staff and How to Choose the Right Role

60. STAFFING FOR MISSION: When to Add Staff and How to Choose the Right Role

Nathan Paul

This session helps church leaders move beyond assumptions to staffing decisions that are clear, strategic, and mission driven ...
61. UNSTUCK: Breaking Growth Barriers with Courage, Clarity, and Calling

61. UNSTUCK: Breaking Growth Barriers with Courage, Clarity, and Calling

Rev. John Parlow

This breakout is for leaders ready to break through the invisible ceiling and build something more ...
62. USING COMMUNITY SERVICE TO MAXIMIZE THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL

62. USING COMMUNITY SERVICE TO MAXIMIZE THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL

Rev. Lucas Bitter and Meredith Bitter

This session will examine the community service-minded culture of post-Christian America and then bring in ...
64. THE WEIGHT AND THE WONDER: Dealing with Guilt in Ministry

64. THE WEIGHT AND THE WONDER: Dealing with Guilt in Ministry

Rev. Don Patterson

This session will explore the biblical foundation for resilience in ministry, especially as it relates to the church ...
65. WIRED DIFFERENTLY: Understanding Personalities to Strengthen Ministry Teams

65. WIRED DIFFERENTLY: Understanding Personalities to Strengthen Ministry Teams

Marilyn Sievert

Attendees will learn how to adapt, communicate, and collaborate more effectively across personality lines ...
66. WOMEN TEACHING WOMEN: From Learners to Leaders

66. WOMEN TEACHING WOMEN: From Learners to Leaders

Alycia Cameron

Participants will learn how to design Bible studies that engage both hearts and minds and lead discussions that encourage ...
67. YOUNG WOMEN IN WELS: Understanding the Crisis and Building Connections

67. YOUNG WOMEN IN WELS: Understanding the Crisis and Building Connections

Dawn Schulz

Participants will learn how to build trust across generations, offer mentorship without overstepping, and provide safe spaces for young ...
68. YOUR CHURCH'S STORY: Preserving History with Purpose

68. YOUR CHURCH’S STORY: Preserving History with Purpose

Susan Willems

Participants will learn how to collect and preserve their church’s history—from photos and records to personal stories—while focusing on ...
69. THE FUTURE OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH–MISSOURI SYNOD: One LCMS District President’s Perspective

69. THE FUTURE OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH–MISSOURI SYNOD: One LCMS District President’s Perspective

Rev. Dr. Allan Buss

WELS leaders will gain a clearer picture of how the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod’s challenges and opportunities intersect ...