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.

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 ...
Rachel Halldorson & Rev. Ben Kratz

35. LEADERSHIP AS INFLUENCE: Shaping Culture and Lives Without a Title

Rachel Halldorson & Rev. Ben Kratz

This session helps participants understand the power of influence—how their words, actions, and presence can ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...