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.

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