2025 SESSIONS
As you read these sessions write down your first three choices and select them on the registration.
You can help us plan the sessions by knowing your first three choices when you register.
You can help us plan the sessions by knowing your first three choices when you register.
1. Forge Ahead in Faith in a Politically Charged World - Michael Berg
Christian live in two kingdoms. How should we navigate this? We will learn about how God rules in two realms, how we never want them to mix, and how we can carry out our vocations as citizens without losing our minds!
2. Forge Ahead in Faith as a Father - Ryan Halter
The world today cares very little for the input of fathers in the lives of their children or in the function of the family. A father in the 21st century is supposed to resemble a Homer Simpson or Peter Griffin: a laughable, buffoonish, incompetent, unreliable, good-time Charlie who is emotionally distant. There are many forces in the world that are doing everything they can to eject men from the family. What's scary is many men could care less to return to the responsibility God's Word promises will fulfill their lives. Ryan Halter will lead this breakout session as we look into God's Word to see what Jesus' blueprints are for building a man of exceptional character and discover just how important Fathers are for the growth of their children, their families, their communities, and ultimately the purpose filled life Christ wants us all to lead.
3. Forge Ahead in Faith as a Businessman - Dan Shinnick
It has always been a challenge to be a Christian in the work world. Today with fewer people respecting Christians and DEI initiatives it is even more challenging. We will talk about how you can let your light shine, be an example to your coworkers and have a successful career.
4. LIFT-ED (Living Integrated Faith Therapy) - Mike Helwig
This presentation blends Christian truths and faith with evidence-based therapeutic interventions, offering a holistic approach to wellness by addressing the four key areas of life: Spiritual, Mental/Emotional, Physical, and Social. The session encourages meaningful discussion, group interaction, and leaves ample room for questions. Participants will learn practical, timely strategies for maintaining daily wellness.
5. Journey from War to Peace - Justin Shrum
Loss...veterans go through a lot of that. Probably the most prolific loss is the loss of self. The loss of identity, the loss of security, the loss of stability, the loss of sanity, and even the loss of purpose. The journey home is always a road to peace. God helps us get there though. He guides us to peace, a peace that only He can give.
6. Forge Ahead in Men’s Ministry - Tony Beyer and Aaron Kristopeit
How well do the men of your congregation know each other? How deeply to they trust each other as brothers in Christ? How much quality time do they spend together outside of public worship or church meetings? Whatever your answers are, this session will suggest one way to help you forge farther ahead in men's ministry than you are now. For the last few years, the elders of St. Peter in Weyauwega have organized an offsite, two-night men's retreat for spiritual growth and Christian fellowship. By sharing examples of what we've tried so far and telling stories about the ways God has blessed our efforts, we hope to inspire you to build up the men around you and try something similar in your own setting.
7. A Post- PG-13 World - Jeremiah Wallander
If you watch films made today and compare them to the ones made thirty, twenty, and even ten years ago, you might find that the rating PG-13 meant something different then than it does now. Our young people are having a similar experience. Being a high schooler, a college student, and even a 20- or 30-year-old professional is a drastically different experience than it was just a decade past. Jeremiah Wallander, a pastor called to specifically serve young adults, will share his observations and discuss how we can keep our teenagers through our 30-year-olds reminded and rooted in God's promises.
8. Lutheran Worship: What Now? - Jonathan Bauer
Nearly everyone agrees that our world is experiencing unprecedented changes. Whether it’s advances in technology, shifts in spirituality, or instability in institutions, the dramatic ways in which our world is changing have given us a world we would not have recognized a decade ago. How do our congregations meet the unique challenges presented by our late-modern world as we gather weekly in Jesus’ name? This presentation aims to demonstrate the unique facets of Lutheran worship that offer both the people we serve and the people we are trying to reach exactly what they need.
9. Forge Ahead in the Face of Loss - Dan Krause
When we think of grieving, we initially consider the losses experienced because of death. There are many other losses that cause grief in our lives and God intends all to be for the good of his people. Consider how God is forging you through the fires of this life to refine you as his instrument of service.
10. Dad, Husband, Volunteer, Employee: Being a Man of His Word No Matter the Title - Nate Paul
As dads, husbands, employees, and men of the church, we wear many hats and have many titles. They all are good. They are even godly callings. But, they often feel out of balance. How do I point my kids to Jesus when the pressure at work seems to always be mounting? How do I love my wife well when I have kid's activities seemingly every night? How do I serve in my church while balancing these roles? If you've wrestled with any of these questions (or similar ones), this session will be an open and honest look at what God has to say about our many roles as Men of His Word.
11. Forge a Stronger Marriage - Randy Hunter
Participants will explore actions by which each might bring glory to God and joy to his wife.
12. Acknowledge and Embrace Diversity as We Forge Ahead in Faith - Brady Coleman
There used to be a time when we had to leave the shores of America to find people of different backgrounds and nationalities....no longer. Today, on one block in America, you may find a Chinese person, American, Black American, Hispanic, and or Iranian. The people we once saw only on our televisions now live within walking distance. How are we to relate to people so different? What do we have in common? How do we break down barriers that keep us apart? These questions and more will be explored in Pastor Coleman's session entitled: "Acknowledge and Embrace Diversity as We Forge Ahead in Faith" Join us!
13. More than a Movement: A Biblical/Relational Approach to LGBTQ Discussions - Greg Lyon
The LGBTQ movement causes fears for many churches and schools. But while we work to address the movement and safeguard our churches and schools, sometimes we fail to see the souls right in front of us. With Christlike love and truth, we will consider not just the LGBTQ movement but the struggling individuals we walk with every day.
14. Certified non-toxic masculinity - Tyler Shinnick
It seems that many people are eager to point out the ways that masculinity can turn toxic. Certainly, there are myriad examples of when masculinity has turned toxic. As a group of men who are dedicated to our families, churches and communities, let's consider how we can bring out the best of masculinity, while avoiding any toxic pitfalls that may tempt us along the way.
Christian live in two kingdoms. How should we navigate this? We will learn about how God rules in two realms, how we never want them to mix, and how we can carry out our vocations as citizens without losing our minds!
2. Forge Ahead in Faith as a Father - Ryan Halter
The world today cares very little for the input of fathers in the lives of their children or in the function of the family. A father in the 21st century is supposed to resemble a Homer Simpson or Peter Griffin: a laughable, buffoonish, incompetent, unreliable, good-time Charlie who is emotionally distant. There are many forces in the world that are doing everything they can to eject men from the family. What's scary is many men could care less to return to the responsibility God's Word promises will fulfill their lives. Ryan Halter will lead this breakout session as we look into God's Word to see what Jesus' blueprints are for building a man of exceptional character and discover just how important Fathers are for the growth of their children, their families, their communities, and ultimately the purpose filled life Christ wants us all to lead.
3. Forge Ahead in Faith as a Businessman - Dan Shinnick
It has always been a challenge to be a Christian in the work world. Today with fewer people respecting Christians and DEI initiatives it is even more challenging. We will talk about how you can let your light shine, be an example to your coworkers and have a successful career.
4. LIFT-ED (Living Integrated Faith Therapy) - Mike Helwig
This presentation blends Christian truths and faith with evidence-based therapeutic interventions, offering a holistic approach to wellness by addressing the four key areas of life: Spiritual, Mental/Emotional, Physical, and Social. The session encourages meaningful discussion, group interaction, and leaves ample room for questions. Participants will learn practical, timely strategies for maintaining daily wellness.
5. Journey from War to Peace - Justin Shrum
Loss...veterans go through a lot of that. Probably the most prolific loss is the loss of self. The loss of identity, the loss of security, the loss of stability, the loss of sanity, and even the loss of purpose. The journey home is always a road to peace. God helps us get there though. He guides us to peace, a peace that only He can give.
6. Forge Ahead in Men’s Ministry - Tony Beyer and Aaron Kristopeit
How well do the men of your congregation know each other? How deeply to they trust each other as brothers in Christ? How much quality time do they spend together outside of public worship or church meetings? Whatever your answers are, this session will suggest one way to help you forge farther ahead in men's ministry than you are now. For the last few years, the elders of St. Peter in Weyauwega have organized an offsite, two-night men's retreat for spiritual growth and Christian fellowship. By sharing examples of what we've tried so far and telling stories about the ways God has blessed our efforts, we hope to inspire you to build up the men around you and try something similar in your own setting.
7. A Post- PG-13 World - Jeremiah Wallander
If you watch films made today and compare them to the ones made thirty, twenty, and even ten years ago, you might find that the rating PG-13 meant something different then than it does now. Our young people are having a similar experience. Being a high schooler, a college student, and even a 20- or 30-year-old professional is a drastically different experience than it was just a decade past. Jeremiah Wallander, a pastor called to specifically serve young adults, will share his observations and discuss how we can keep our teenagers through our 30-year-olds reminded and rooted in God's promises.
8. Lutheran Worship: What Now? - Jonathan Bauer
Nearly everyone agrees that our world is experiencing unprecedented changes. Whether it’s advances in technology, shifts in spirituality, or instability in institutions, the dramatic ways in which our world is changing have given us a world we would not have recognized a decade ago. How do our congregations meet the unique challenges presented by our late-modern world as we gather weekly in Jesus’ name? This presentation aims to demonstrate the unique facets of Lutheran worship that offer both the people we serve and the people we are trying to reach exactly what they need.
9. Forge Ahead in the Face of Loss - Dan Krause
When we think of grieving, we initially consider the losses experienced because of death. There are many other losses that cause grief in our lives and God intends all to be for the good of his people. Consider how God is forging you through the fires of this life to refine you as his instrument of service.
10. Dad, Husband, Volunteer, Employee: Being a Man of His Word No Matter the Title - Nate Paul
As dads, husbands, employees, and men of the church, we wear many hats and have many titles. They all are good. They are even godly callings. But, they often feel out of balance. How do I point my kids to Jesus when the pressure at work seems to always be mounting? How do I love my wife well when I have kid's activities seemingly every night? How do I serve in my church while balancing these roles? If you've wrestled with any of these questions (or similar ones), this session will be an open and honest look at what God has to say about our many roles as Men of His Word.
11. Forge a Stronger Marriage - Randy Hunter
Participants will explore actions by which each might bring glory to God and joy to his wife.
12. Acknowledge and Embrace Diversity as We Forge Ahead in Faith - Brady Coleman
There used to be a time when we had to leave the shores of America to find people of different backgrounds and nationalities....no longer. Today, on one block in America, you may find a Chinese person, American, Black American, Hispanic, and or Iranian. The people we once saw only on our televisions now live within walking distance. How are we to relate to people so different? What do we have in common? How do we break down barriers that keep us apart? These questions and more will be explored in Pastor Coleman's session entitled: "Acknowledge and Embrace Diversity as We Forge Ahead in Faith" Join us!
13. More than a Movement: A Biblical/Relational Approach to LGBTQ Discussions - Greg Lyon
The LGBTQ movement causes fears for many churches and schools. But while we work to address the movement and safeguard our churches and schools, sometimes we fail to see the souls right in front of us. With Christlike love and truth, we will consider not just the LGBTQ movement but the struggling individuals we walk with every day.
14. Certified non-toxic masculinity - Tyler Shinnick
It seems that many people are eager to point out the ways that masculinity can turn toxic. Certainly, there are myriad examples of when masculinity has turned toxic. As a group of men who are dedicated to our families, churches and communities, let's consider how we can bring out the best of masculinity, while avoiding any toxic pitfalls that may tempt us along the way.