Chip Woods
Rev. Brett Krause
Tuesday, Jan 24
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Curiosity and Critical Thinking in Ministry
In a world overflowing with opinions and quick fixes, the church needs leaders who think deeply, ask better questions, and remain open to learning. Yet in many congregations—especially in long-standing traditions like ours—curiosity and critical thinking have quietly faded. We rightly prize doctrinal precision and faithful practice, but we sometimes stop short of asking, “Why are we doing it this way?” Congregational life can default to maintaining the status quo and avoiding disruption. New ideas often get dismissed. Leaders grow cautious. Members potentially disengage.
This keynote invites a rediscovery of two vital leadership habits: curiosity and critical thinking. These traits matter—not just in planning or problem-solving, but in shaping a culture that values thoughtful engagement over passive traditionalism. We will explore how curiosity opens doors to meaningful innovation while critical thinking prevents shallow or reactionary decisions.
Together, they create an environment where questions aren’t threatening and ideas are explored with humility and purpose. When curiosity and critical thinking thrive, zealous mission efforts move forward.
Chip Woods has developed leadership, analytical, and relationship skills over his 30 years of experience in multiple industries, from aerospace to football. He has extensive experience working in the Human Spaceflight industry and was part of Lockheed Martin’s design team to develop the Orion spacecraft, which will take astronauts farther and deeper into space than we have ever gone before. In the last several years, Chip transitioned to operating a small business. Chip uses technology, data analysis, and his leadership skills to provide insights and predictive analysis to football teams—high school, college, and NFL.
Chip has also served in many leadership roles at the WELS corporate level and in his home congregation, Zion Lutheran Church and School in Denver, Colo. Since 2020, Chip has been the Nebraska District’s lay delegate on the Synodical Council and is currently serving as vice president of Zion.
Rev. Brett Krause is the pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Denver, Colo. In 2006, he received his bachelor’s degree from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn., and received his master of divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis., in 2010. Brett and his wife, Michelle, have three children (who all attend Zion’s school). They have lived in Denver and served at Zion for the last 12 years, and they thoroughly enjoy raising their family in such a beautiful area of the country.
