Conference Materials

Keynote Videos Conference Booklet Women’s Ministry Bible Study Breakout Presenter Materials

Keynote Videos

A Time for Courage – Rev. Chuck Westra & Rev. Leon Ehlert

Conference Booklet

Keynote Presenter Materials

Women’s Ministry Bible Study Resources

Breakout Presenter Materials

01. The Art of Listening and Asking Questions: Unlocking the Heart of Ministry

Cindy Jansen

02. Artificial Intelligence and the Church: Embracing Tools, Avoiding Traps

Ryan Kirchoff

03. Beyond Cash: Smarter Ways God’s People Can Give

Kyle Bartsch

04. The Budget is the Plan: Aligning Strategy, Spending, and Stewardship

Janet J. Egan, CPA

07. Clarifying Clergy and Lay Roles: Leading Together in the Life of the Church

Rev. Mark Gabb and Sean Young

10. Counting What Counts: Goals, Metrics, and the Spirit’s Work

Rev. Carlos Leyrer

11. Developing a Path of Discipleship: Proven Process for Membership and Leadership Development

Rev. Matt Vogt

12. Digital Outreach in a Post-Christian World: Supporting Relational Evangelism Without Replacing It

Michael Babler

13. The Emotionally Intelligent Leader: Managing Yourself to Lead Others

Dr. Karen Fischer

17. Feedback and the Pulpit: Turning Polite Praise into Meaningful Insights

Rev. Michael Schultz

18. The Focus Tax: How Much Are You Paying?

Kurt Nitz

19. The Forgotten Generation: Ministry to Young Adults in Their 20s

Rev. Clark Schultz

20. Freely Given, Freely Give: Building a Culture of Gospel-Driven Generosity

Josh Birkholz

21. From 20/80 To 100 Percent: Breaking the Volunteer Bottleneck

Rev. Frank Italiano

22. From Bulletin to Broadcast: Modernizing Church Communication Without Losing Anyone

Dr. Kristi Meyer and Rev. Kyle Bitter

23. From Christian Worship to the Foundation: Planning Smarter, Leading Better

Rev. Johnold Strey

25. From Organic to Organized: How Leadership and Operations Must Evolve as Churches Grow

Rev. Dennis Klatt

27. From Talk to Traction: Making All Ministry Teams More Effective

Dr. Todd Russ

30. The Great Commission in Lutheran Schools: Nurture, Outreach, and School Growth

Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher and Landon Zacharyasz

31. Hearing is Straight from Today’s Youth: A Comprehensive Study of WELS Young People

Dr. Donald Kudek

38. A Lutheran Lens on Modern Hymnody: Evaluating the Theology, Use, and Impact of Modern Hymns

Prof. Aaron Christie

39. Ministering to Survivors of Sexual Abuse: Compassion, Care, and Christ

Rev. Steven Lange

44. Planning that Works: Strategic, Tactical, and Operational Planning

John Rathje

46. The Porn Pandemic in Our Pews: How Pornography Is Quietly Discipling Our Members and What to Do About It

Rev. Brad Snyder

48. Prepared to Give an Answer: Weaving Apologetics into Everyday Ministry

Rev. Caleb Bassett

49. Problem-Solving as Christian Leadership: Balancing Faith, Wisdom, and Action

Brent Nemmers

50. The Quiet Return: Gen Z Men’s Renewed Interest in Christianity

Rev. Joel Russow

54. Sacramental Identity for Today’s Church: Timeless Gifts for Our Time in History

Rev. John Bortulin

57. Serving the Underserved: Reaching and Discipling People with Special Needs

Rev. Joel Gaertner

58. Shadow of the Leader: Using the Culture Change Course Map

Kurt Nitz

All available materials associated with the Shadow of the Leader (SotL) program can be found at shadowoftheleader.com.

A summary of the currently available and forthcoming materials associated with the Shadow of the Leader Culture Change Course Map is provided below:

59. Small Church, Big Mission: Making a Kingdom Impact with Limited Resources

Rev. Wayne Uhlhorn

60. Staffing for Mission: When to Add Staff and How to Choose the Right Role

Nathan Paul

64. The Weight and the Wonder: Dealing with Guilt in Ministry

Rev. Don Patterson

65. Wired Differently: Understanding Personalities to Strengthen Ministry Teams

Marilyn Sievert

66. Women Teaching Women: From Learners to Leaders

Alycia Cameron