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.

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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...