Benny Thompson
Software Engineer
Growing up in a Christian household during the 90s, Benny developed two aspects of his life: faith in God and a deep connection with computers. A software engineer for over two decades, Benny has seen the evolution of information technology impact lives firsthand from the perspective of designer and user, sinner and redeemed child of God. He lives in Edina with his wife and children.
Dr. Brandon Steenbock
Staff Minister, St. Mark Ministries, Green Bay, WI
Dr. Brandon Steenbock serves as a staff minister at St. Mark Ministries in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he focuses on discipleship, teaching, and family ministry. Brandon has written and taught extensively on the need for family discipleship as the heartbeat if congregational life.
Mike Westendorf
Founder and Director, Awake and Alive
Mike Westendorf has served in a variety of roles throughout WELS Campus Ministry, from grade school chapel band and confirmation to young adult ministry. Most recently, he has worked closely with college students in meteorology at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and founded Awake and Alive, a ministry team with a vision of supporting young adults as they navigate the “adulting” stage of life and faith. Mike currently serves as Staff Minister at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Muskego, Wisconsin, where he is Director of Worship Operations and regularly leads worship. He and his wife, Melissa, were married in 1997 and have three grown children.
Rev. Brad Snyder
Campus Pastor, St. Croix Lutheran Academy
Pastor Brad Snyder graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2013. He was a minister for six years in Green Bay and six years in Boise, Idaho. Currently, he serves at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. Brad is married and has four children.
Rev. Dr. Michael Berg
Associate Professor of Theology, Wisconsin Lutheran College
Associate professor of theology at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Author of multiple books on vocation and baptismal life; co-host of "Let the Bird Fly" podcast. Married with three daughters.
Rev. Earle Treptow
President, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
President Earle Treptow has served WELS congregations from British Columbia to Colorado and led the Nebraska District before being called to head Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2019. A systematic theology and Old Testament professor, he brings decades of pastoral experience and a gospel-centered perspective on what it means to stand with courage when the heat is on.
Rev. Michael Helwig
Founder, Camp Courage, LLC
For 20 years Mike served as a parish minister. For 4 years he taught young adults in a Lutheran High School. In 2023 he achieved a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bethany Lutheran College. Mike has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor in a variety of practices. He is also the founder of Camp Courage LLC, a retreat program designed to help people in helping agencies to build personal wellness plans. Currently Mike is back in pastoral ministry serving as assistant pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Sussex WI. Mike's wife, Rachel, is an educator by trade. They have five adult children and six grandchildren.
Rev. Nathan Klusemeyer
Pastor, Water of Life Lutheran Church, Racine and Caledonia, WI
Pastor Nathan Klusemeyer is a 2023 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and currently serves as pastor at Water of Life Lutheran Church in Racine and Caledonia, Wisconsin. He is married to Ahnsharee and they have three children.