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.

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

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

Rev. Matt Vogt

This breakout equips pastors and congregational leaders to design a customized “path of discipleship” for their unique ministry ...
Melanie Giddings, Elizabeth Melott, & Rev. Ben Reichel

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

Melanie Giddings, Elizabeth Melott, & Rev. Ben Reichel

This session explores how schools and churches can work together to instill a ...
16. THE FAMILY ALTAR: Empowering Homes as the Primary Place of Youth Discipleship

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

Dr. Brandon Steenbock

Participants will leave with renewed vision and concrete ideas for shaping a congregation where faith isn’t just taught ...
19. THE FORGOTTEN GENERATION: Ministry to Young Adults in Their 20s

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

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

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

Ben Dose

This breakout will explore these “impossible standards” in light of our unique Lutheran worldview ...
Rev. Dr. Ken Fischer & Landon Zacharyasz

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

Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher & Landon Zacharyasz

We’ll discuss the importance of intentionalizing what is at the heart of Lutheran education—shaping ...
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 ...
46. THE PORN PANDEMIC IN OUR PEWS: How Pornography Is Quietly Discipling Our Members and What to Do About It

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

Rev. Brad Snyder

This session offers honest, gospel-centered guidance for pastors, teachers, and lay leaders to help those who struggle with ...
47. THE POWER OF DEEP CONNECTION: Engaging Women by Design  

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

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

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

Dr. Rhoda Wolle

This breakout will offer biblical encouragement and practical direction for raising Christ-centered children in today’s world ...
52. RAISING THE BAR: A Culture of High Expectations for Discipleship

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

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

Martin Spriggs

Attendees will learn how to address the profound spiritual impact of technology with courage and wisdom ...
Joel Gaertner

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 ...
66. WOMEN TEACHING WOMEN: From Learners to Leaders

66. WOMEN TEACHING WOMEN: From Learners to Leaders

Alycia Cameron

Participants will learn how to design Bible studies that engage both hearts and minds and lead discussions that encourage ...
67. YOUNG WOMEN IN WELS: Understanding the Crisis and Building Connections

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 ...