Y3 – It’s OK to Feel: Big Emotions. Better Conversations. Healthier Minds.

by

Greg Lyon

youth presentation

Feelings are real, and talking about them matters. But do you ever feel like emotions create drama—whether in your mind or in your relationships—and your mental health takes a hit because of it? God gave us emotions, not so that they can control us, define us, or tear us apart. But healthy emotional expression and good listening can draw us closer to each other and to the God who created us. In this workshop, we will learn practical ways to express emotions honestly and listen well, so conversations build understanding, trust, and hope. When we communicate in healthy ways, we reflect Jesus’ love and find strength in His truth.

bio info

Greg Lyon has served as campus pastor at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wis., since 2015, walking alongside students in their spiritual and personal growth. In June 2024, he began serving as a licensed mental health counselor with Christian Family Solutions, primarily supporting college students through counseling that integrates faith and emotional wellness. Greg also chairs the WELS Committee on Identity, Gender, and Sexuality, guiding biblical, compassionate conversations on complex cultural issues. He speaks regularly on topics related to mental health and LGBTQ concerns. His passion is working with people through complex challenges with a relational approach rooted in biblical truth.

L2 – Wonderfully Made, Fully Known: Where LGBTQ Matters Meet Jesus

by

Ben Dose

leader workshop

The national debate continues to rage around LGBTQ+ issues, and the discourse commonly treats the individuals in question as exactly that: issues to be solved. But these are real people being discussed, with real stories and real pain resulting from real conflicts with their communities and families. Jesus really cares about these folks, and he speaks to them with profound relief and hope. Join in to hear a same-sex attracted Christian reflect on what the gospel means to the LGBTQ+ community, and how the church can better approach these conversations with Christlike love and integrity.

bio info

Ben Dose is the director of Reclamation, a gospel-centered community discussion and support group for WELS and ELS folks working through the impact of LGBTQ+ experience in their own lives or in the lives of their loved ones. Ben also sits on the WELS Committee on Identity, Gender, and Sexuality, where he utilizes years of insights from walking alongside fellow believers at Reclamation, and even more years of personal experience from growing up in WELS while coming to grips with his own same-sex attraction. His work with the committee has focused on building its new website project, www.madeknown.net. Ben lives in Seattle, Wash., where he builds all sorts of other digital and physical things in between hikes.

L1 – Why Youth Leaders Matter More Than Ever

by

Donn Dobberstein

leader workshop

The rally ends. The buses go home. Now what?

If you serve youth in any capacity—pastor, teacher, volunteer, or chaperone—this workshop is for you. Join Donn Dobberstein, director of WELS Discipleship, for a practical and encouraging session focused on equipping you to keep momentum alive long after the rally. Discover online tools, events, and resources designed to support your ministry. Share the challenges you are seeing. Ask your questions. Help shape how WELS can better serve you. The future engagement of our teens does not happen by accident. Christ works through leaders like you. Let’s talk about how.

bio info

Donn Dobberstein has spent three decades serving in mission settings, from Kansas to Florida, and now serves as director of WELS Discipleship. What fuels his ministry is a deep desire to help churches navigate both cultural and congregational challenges, so their members become active, engaged disciples. His work spans the full spectrum of discipleship—from youth ministry (youth rally, teen resources) and adult spiritual growth (congregational resources) to marriage enrichment, women’s ministry, and family faith formation. He and his wife, Beth, are blessed with four adult children and their growing families.

L3 – Passing the Baton: We run this relay race together!

by

Daniel M Lindner

leader workshop

Any track coach will tell you that a clean exchange of the baton in relay races is vitally important. As youth leaders, you are helping and serving the young adults during the teenage leg of their spiritual race towards heaven. You also are preparing them for the next leg of that race. There will be an exchange from life as a high schooler to that of a college-aged young adult. You play an important role in that transition. The “Christ through us” focus in this workshop emphasizes how you can serve and prepare the teenagers under your care as they get ready for what comes after high school.

In this workshop we will discuss strategies to prepare, equip, and empower these young men and women to stay faithful to their Savior during their college years. The discussion will include information about how you have fellow teammates running with you as partners in the gospel.

bio info

Daniel M Lindner serves as our WELS Campus Ministry mission counselor under the WELS Campus Ministry Committee and Board for Home Missions. He is currently working with over 50 locations (both established and mission congregations) that serve the college campus demographic.

L4 – Illustrations that Impact 

by

Jon Enter

leader workshop

Are your teen bible studies basically the same? Do your teens lack engagement and involvement? In this session, you will learn an intentional shift in preparing your studies that connects with teens. The presentation will be packed with practical, visual illustrations that challenge the mind of the listener and highlight key portions of Scripture. Give God something new to bless your youth ministry!

bio info

Jon Enter grew up in rural Minnesota wanting to be a doctor, until the Lord, during a youth rally in Colorado, turned his path toward using God’s grace to heal people. After he became a pastor in 2004, Jon focused on youth ministries to grow his mission church in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he served for 14 years. Fueled by his passion for encouraging youth to actively serve in church, Jon wrote “Transformed,” a seminar to equip youth leaders. In 2018, youth ministry became his full-time focus in his current role as a campus pastor at St. Croix Lutheran Academy, West St. Paul, Minn. He teaches senior religion, coaches football, counsels teens, and runs the mission trips program. Jon and his wife, Debbi, actively enjoy life with their four daughters: Violet, Lydia, Eden, and Maggie.

L5 – Encouraging the Encouragers

by

Mary Heckendorf

leader workshop

Who has encouraged you in your faith? For many, a parent, teacher, or mentor played a key role in recognizing gifts and pointing them toward opportunities to serve. This session will explore how you can be that encourager for the next generation, supporting young people as they consider ways God may use their gifts in ministry and service.

bio info

Mary Heckendorf grew up in Arizona and attended Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wis., and Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn. Encouraged by her parents from a young age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher. She spent 25 years serving this way before accepting a call as a ministry recruitment counselor. She is passionate about encouraging others to consider lives of service and sharing the hope of the gospel.

Mary and her husband, Joel, have been married for 27 years and are blessed with three children who are studying for or serving in public ministry. This gives her a special perspective as she connects with young people and families. She lives in Reno, Nev., and enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, playing games, and reading. A passage that continues to encourage her is, “Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

L6 – The Backstage Pass: Gear, Grooves, and the Power of Music

by

Koiné

leader workshop

Step onto the arena stage for an all-access look at the mechanics and ministry of Koiné. This session bridges the gap between technical execution and spiritual purpose, offering a rare “backstage” perspective on life as a touring band. What we will explore:

  • The Gear: An up-close look at our stage setup, the equipment we use, and the “why” behind our sound.
  • The Craft: A breakdown of Koiné’s songwriting process and how we approach modern hymn arrangements.
  • The Mission: A candid discussion on the profound power of music as a vital tool for worship and its role in the daily life of a Christian.
  • Whether you are a musician looking for technical insights or a fan curious about the creative process, join us on stage to see how the music comes together.

bio info

Koiné: Common Language, Common People, Extraordinary Message

Koiné strives to find a unique balance between the familiarity of classic hymn melodies and the raw instrumentation of new arrangements.

Interesting Koiné Facts:

  • Established in 2003, Koiné began as a worship band for one church in downtown Milwaukee, Wis.
  • Koiné has released 10 full-length albums, selling over 100,000 hard copies, and surpassing 5 million digital streams of their songs.
  • Koiné’s mission has evolved into creating quality digital worship resources that may be used all over the world. Resources include sheet music, guitar charts, worship backgrounds, accompaniment tracks, lyric videos, videos with musical notation built in, and more! Check out koineworshipmedia.com for details.

To find out more or to join their support team, visit koinemusic.com.

Y5 – Who are you when nobody’s watching?

by

Julius Buelow

youth presentation

It is one thing to act like a Christian when people are watching and when it will make you look good; it is a whole different challenge to live as a Christian when no one sees. This creative look at the book of Ruth will help us examine the challenge of the secret life of the Christian. We will see how God shapes who we are when nobody’s watching, and how that will affect the people around us when everyone’s watching.

bio info

Julius Buelow, born in Port Huron, Mich., was also reborn through baptism as an infant on August 26, 1990. He and his wife, Nicole, have four kids. Julius has learned to love churches big and small throughout his life and ministry. Whether at a 2000+ member church in Wisconsin or a 10-member church in Sweden, God is always there with his powerful word.

Julius likes reading, writing, music (especially saxophone), board games, food (especially mac and cheese), exercising (so he can eat more food), traveling, laughing, spending time with friends, playing (as frequently demanded by his kids), and all sorts of blessings God has given him. Most of all, Julius loves learning more about God and sharing what he’s learned. Julius looks forward to sharing God’s Word with you!

Y13 – The Backstage Pass: Gear, Grooves, and the Power of Music 

by

Koiné

youth presentation

Step onto the arena stage for an all-access look at the mechanics and ministry of Koiné. This session bridges the gap between technical execution and spiritual purpose, offering a rare “backstage” perspective on life as a touring band. What we will explore:

  • The Gear: An up-close look at our stage setup, the equipment we use, and the “why” behind our sound.
  • The Craft: A breakdown of Koiné’s songwriting process and how we approach modern hymn arrangements.
  • The Mission: A candid discussion on the profound power of music as a vital tool for worship and its role in the daily life of a Christian.
  • Whether you are a musician looking for technical insights or a fan curious about the creative process, join us on stage to see how the music comes together.

bio info

Koiné: Common Language, Common People, Extraordinary Message

Koiné strives to find a unique balance between the familiarity of classic hymn melodies and the raw instrumentation of new arrangements.

Interesting Koiné Facts:

  • Established in 2003, Koiné began as a worship band for one church in downtown Milwaukee, Wis.
  • Koiné has released 10 full-length albums, selling over 100,000 hard copies, and surpassing 5 million digital streams of their songs.
  • Koiné’s mission has evolved into creating quality digital worship resources that may be used all over the world. Resources include sheet music, guitar charts, worship backgrounds, accompaniment tracks, lyric videos, videos with musical notation built in, and more! Check out koineworshipmedia.com for details.

To find out more or to join their support team, visit koinemusic.com.