2026 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.

There are 69 breakout presentations presented by 80+ presenters. Download the breakout and professional development documents below for more information.

Breakout Presentations Professional Development Presentations

Breakout Presentations

Sessions

11. DEVELOPING A CLEAR PATH OF DISCIPLESHIP: A Proven Process for Congregational Membership and Leadership Development

Rev. Matt Vogt

14. FAITH FORMATION IN SCHOOLS THAT STICKS: Building a Lutheran Worldview in the Next Generation

Melanie Giddings, Elizabeth Melott, & Rev. Ben Reichel

16. THE FAMILY ALTAR: Empowering Homes as the Primary Place of Youth Discipleship

Dr. Brandon Steenbock

19. THE FORGOTTEN GENERATION: Ministry to Young Adults in Their 20s

Rev. Clark Schultz

26. FROM SOCIAL CIRCLES TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Small Groups that Make Disciples, Not Just Friends

Rev. James Hein

28. GOSPEL CONVERSATIONS IN THE LGBTQ WORLD: Meeting Impossible Standards with the Grace of Christ

Ben Dose

30. THE GREAT COMMISSION IN LUTHERAN SCHOOLS: Nurture, Outreach, and School Growth

Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher & Landon Zacharyasz

43. OUR CONFESSIONAL LUTHERAN IDENTITY: Doctrine, Practice, and a Distinct Gospel Witness

Rev. Paul Prange

46. THE PORN PANDEMIC IN OUR PEWS: How Pornography Is Quietly Discipling Our Members and What to Do About It

Rev. Brad Snyder

47. THE POWER OF DEEP CONNECTION: Engaging Women by Design

Sarah Proeber

50. THE QUIET RETURN: Gen Z Men’s Renewed Interest in Christianity

Rev. Joel Russow

51. RAISING A CHRIST-CENTERED CHILD IN A ME-CENTERED WORLD: Practical Tools for Parents and Church Leaders

Dr. Rhoda Wolle

52. RAISING THE BAR: A Culture of High Expectations for Discipleship

Rev. Donn Dobberstein

54. SACRAMENTAL IDENTITY FOR TODAY’S CHURCH: Timeless Gifts for Our Time in History

Rev. John Bortulin

55. SCREENS AND SOULS: Helping Members Understand the Spiritual Impact of Technology

Martin Spriggs

57. SERVING THE UNDERSERVED: Reaching and Discipling People with Special Needs

Rev. Joel Gaertner

66. WOMEN TEACHING WOMEN: From Learners to Leaders

Alycia Cameron

67. YOUNG WOMEN IN WELS: Understanding the Crisis and Building Connections

Dawn Schulz

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