Keynote Videos
A Time for Courage – Rev. Chuck Westra & Rev. Leon Ehlert
Conference Booklet
Keynote Presenter Materials
Women’s Ministry Bible Study Resources
Breakout Presenter Materials
01. The Art of Listening and Asking Questions: Unlocking the Heart of Ministry
Cindy Jansen
02. Artificial Intelligence and the Church: Embracing Tools, Avoiding Traps
Ryan Kirchoff
03. Beyond Cash: Smarter Ways God’s People Can Give
Kyle Bartsch
04. The Budget is the Plan: Aligning Strategy, Spending, and Stewardship
Janet J. Egan, CPA
07. Clarifying Clergy and Lay Roles: Leading Together in the Life of the Church
Rev. Mark Gabb and Sean Young
10. Counting What Counts: Goals, Metrics, and the Spirit’s Work
Rev. Carlos Leyrer
11. Developing a Path of Discipleship: Proven Process for Membership and Leadership Development
Rev. Matt Vogt
12. Digital Outreach in a Post-Christian World: Supporting Relational Evangelism Without Replacing It
Michael Babler
13. The Emotionally Intelligent Leader: Managing Yourself to Lead Others
Dr. Karen Fischer
17. Feedback and the Pulpit: Turning Polite Praise into Meaningful Insights
Rev. Michael Schultz
18. The Focus Tax: How Much Are You Paying?
Kurt Nitz
19. The Forgotten Generation: Ministry to Young Adults in Their 20s
Rev. Clark Schultz
20. Freely Given, Freely Give: Building a Culture of Gospel-Driven Generosity
Josh Birkholz
21. From 20/80 To 100 Percent: Breaking the Volunteer Bottleneck
Rev. Frank Italiano
22. From Bulletin to Broadcast: Modernizing Church Communication Without Losing Anyone
Dr. Kristi Meyer and Rev. Kyle Bitter
- 2024 Communications Survey Questions
- Communications Calendar
- Communications Coordinator Position Description December 2025
- Master Communications Plan original
- Master Communications Plan updated 12-2025
- News & Notes-3-2-1 good things format
- News & Notes standard format
- St. John’s Electronic Resources
23. From Christian Worship to the Foundation: Planning Smarter, Leading Better
Rev. Johnold Strey
25. From Organic to Organized: How Leadership and Operations Must Evolve as Churches Grow
Rev. Dennis Klatt
27. From Talk to Traction: Making All Ministry Teams More Effective
Dr. Todd Russ
30. The Great Commission in Lutheran Schools: Nurture, Outreach, and School Growth
Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher and Landon Zacharyasz
31. Hearing is Straight from Today’s Youth: A Comprehensive Study of WELS Young People
Dr. Donald Kudek
38. A Lutheran Lens on Modern Hymnody: Evaluating the Theology, Use, and Impact of Modern Hymns
Prof. Aaron Christie
39. Ministering to Survivors of Sexual Abuse: Compassion, Care, and Christ
Rev. Steven Lange
44. Planning that Works: Strategic, Tactical, and Operational Planning
John Rathje
46. The Porn Pandemic in Our Pews: How Pornography Is Quietly Discipling Our Members and What to Do About It
Rev. Brad Snyder
48. Prepared to Give an Answer: Weaving Apologetics into Everyday Ministry
Rev. Caleb Bassett
49. Problem-Solving as Christian Leadership: Balancing Faith, Wisdom, and Action
Brent Nemmers
50. The Quiet Return: Gen Z Men’s Renewed Interest in Christianity
Rev. Joel Russow
54. Sacramental Identity for Today’s Church: Timeless Gifts for Our Time in History
Rev. John Bortulin
57. Serving the Underserved: Reaching and Discipling People with Special Needs
Rev. Joel Gaertner
58. Shadow of the Leader: Using the Culture Change Course Map
Kurt Nitz
All available materials associated with the Shadow of the Leader (SotL) program can be found at shadowoftheleader.com.
A summary of the currently available and forthcoming materials associated with the Shadow of the Leader Culture Change Course Map is provided below:
59. Small Church, Big Mission: Making a Kingdom Impact with Limited Resources
Rev. Wayne Uhlhorn
60. Staffing for Mission: When to Add Staff and How to Choose the Right Role
Nathan Paul
64. The Weight and the Wonder: Dealing with Guilt in Ministry
Rev. Don Patterson
65. Wired Differently: Understanding Personalities to Strengthen Ministry Teams
Marilyn Sievert
66. Women Teaching Women: From Learners to Leaders
Alycia Cameron
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WELS Congregational Services exists to encourage and equip congregations for faithful and fruitful gospel ministry.
