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.

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