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.

04. THE BUDGET IS THE PLAN: Aligning Strategy, Spending, and Stewardship

04. THE BUDGET IS THE PLAN: Aligning Strategy, Spending, and Stewardship

Janet J. Egan, CPA

This session will help attendees see their budget not merely as a spreadsheet but as a strategic ...
Jim Rademan & Jamie Walta

05. BUILDING A COHESIVE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Leading Together in Lutheran Education

Jim Rademan & Jamie Walta

Participants will explore how to align around a clear mission and vision, ensuring that all leaders—both ...
09. COMMUNICATING YOUR MISSION WITH CLARITY: Branding, Messaging, and Community Connection

09. COMMUNICATING YOUR MISSION WITH CLARITY: Branding, Messaging, and Community Connection

Dr. Jeff Lemke

This session helps congregations, schools, and Christian organizations define and communicate their identity in Christ with purpose and ...
10. COUNTING WHAT COUNTS: Goals, Metrics, and the Spirit’s Work

10. COUNTING WHAT COUNTS: Goals, Metrics, and the Spirit’s Work

Rev. Carlos Leyrer

When handled with humility, goals and assessments can help ministries stay focused and purposeful—while leaving the results where ...
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 ...
15. FAITHFUL AND FUNDED: Rethinking How We Support Lutheran Schools

15. FAITHFUL AND FUNDED: Rethinking How We Support Lutheran Schools

Paul Patterson

Participants will explore how to develop a tuition structure that balances the responsibility of the family and the meaningful ...
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 ...
24. FROM ENROLLMENT TO ENGAGEMENT: Making Your School a True Evangelism Effort

24. FROM ENROLLMENT TO ENGAGEMENT: Making Your School a True Evangelism Effort

Rev. Shaun Arndt

Participants will explore essential strategies for making school ministry a meaningful outreach effort ...
27. FROM TALK TO TRACTION: Making All Ministry Teams More Effective

27. FROM TALK TO TRACTION: Making All Ministry Teams More Effective

Dr. Todd Russ

Participants will learn how to design efficient, purpose-driven meetings that end with clear, actionable outcomes ...
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 ...
34. THE LAWSUIT YOU DIDN’T SEE COMING: Building a Legally Resilient School

34. THE LAWSUIT YOU DIDN’T SEE COMING: Building a Legally Resilient School

Sam Nelson

Attendees will leave better equipped to recognize legal blind spots, implement protective structures, and support ministry with confidence and ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
60. STAFFING FOR MISSION: When to Add Staff and How to Choose the Right Role

60. STAFFING FOR MISSION: When to Add Staff and How to Choose the Right Role

Nathan Paul

This session helps church leaders move beyond assumptions to staffing decisions that are clear, strategic, and mission driven ...
65. WIRED DIFFERENTLY: Understanding Personalities to Strengthen Ministry Teams

65. WIRED DIFFERENTLY: Understanding Personalities to Strengthen Ministry Teams

Marilyn Sievert

Attendees will learn how to adapt, communicate, and collaborate more effectively across personality lines ...