Rachel Halldorson
Rev. Ben Kratz
Tuesday, Jan 24
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Shaping Culture and Lives Without a Title
Leadership isn’t always about holding a title. Nor is leadership only (or best) exercised by an appeal to authority. Ultimately, leadership is about making an impact through your influence. In churches, schools, and everyday life, some of the most influential leaders are those who don’t have any title or formal position and who hold no authority over others. Yet, they are instrumental in shaping the organizational culture through character, counsel, and example.
This session helps participants understand the power of influence—how their words, actions, and presence can guide others without a formal position. The reality is that even if you are not in a formal leadership role, you can still have a tremendous impact on your congregation. Whether you are a volunteer, a mother, or a team member, you will learn how to lead in a way that honors Christ, builds others up, and transforms lives, all without having a formal title.
Rachel Halldorson currently lives in the Lone Star State, where she serves alongside her pastor husband in their local congregation. Rachel is a lifelong learner who has homeschooled their two children for 15 years and currently teaches computers at a local elementary school. She is also a member of the WELS Women’s Ministry Executive Committee as the Congregational Ministries team leader. This team connects women of our synod to resources, offers ministry encouragement to groups and individuals, and provides a platform for women to hear biblical conversation on relevant topics. Meeting fellow sisters in Christ and connecting them with each other by sharing their ideas and gifts is one of Rachel’s favorite things to do!
Rev. Ben Kratz has served as pastor at Our Savior, Birmingham, Ala., since 2003 and holds roles as worship coordinator for the South Atlantic District, chairman of the district’s called worker conferences, a member of the WELS Commission on Worship, and pastoral advisor for WELS Women’s Ministry. He is joyfully married to his bride, Emily, and together they have seven children, two sons-in-law, and a grandson!
