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.
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
39. MINISTERING TO SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE: Compassion, Care, and Christ
Rev. Steven Lange
This session will help called workers, ministry leaders, and lay members understand how they can be the safe ...
41. ON THE CLOCK, STILL ON MISSION: Following Christ at Work
Chris Kestner
This breakout offers practical tools for navigating workplace boundaries while remaining unapologetically Christian ...
45. POLITICS IN THE PEWS: Living in Two Kingdoms
Rev. Dr. Michael Berg
In this session we will refresh our understanding of two-kingdom theology and discuss practical ways to speak ...
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 ...
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
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
Rev. Donn Dobberstein
Attendees will learn how to cast a biblical vision to move members toward spiritual maturity, build a culture ...
64. THE WEIGHT AND THE WONDER: Dealing with Guilt in Ministry
Rev. Don Patterson
This session will explore the biblical foundation for resilience in ministry, especially as it relates to the church ...Hosted by
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