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.

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 ...
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 ...
31. HEARING IT STRAIGHT FROM TODAY’S YOUTH: A Comprehensive Study of WELS Young People

31. HEARING IT STRAIGHT FROM TODAY’S YOUTH: A Comprehensive Study of WELS Young People

Dr. Donald Kudek

Attendees will learn what young people value, how they engage with the gospel, and what opportunities exist for ...
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 ...
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, ...
56. SERVANT LEADERS: Young Adults Modeling Christ’s Way

56. SERVANT LEADERS: Young Adults Modeling Christ’s Way

Jeremy Bock

This session features a panel of young adults who will share personal experiences of what it means to live ...
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 ...