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.
There are 69 breakout presentations presented by 80+ presenters. Download the breakout and professional development documents below for more information.
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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
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
Rev. John Bortulin
This session features a conversation and re-examination of our Lutheran identity, giving participants something to take home for ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...Hosted by
WELS Congregational Services exists to encourage and equip congregations for faithful and fruitful gospel ministry.
