Lay Leadership Training Workshops
Saturday, February 7th, 2026
Trinity Lutheran Church
201 S. Pleasant Ave. Centralia, IL 62801
We are encouraging all District congregations to send their lay leaders to gain skills and expertise through a variety of workshops. These workshops will cover areas that assist youth leaders, school boards, Sunday school teachers/superintendents, trustees, treasurers, evangelism committee members, and congregational presidents in carrying out their assigned duties.
See below for additional information on the Breakout Sessions, Schedule, and Registration.
Registration
Cost is $20 per person and includes lunch. Please select which breakout you wish to attend during registration. (The same sessions are being offered during both the morning and afternoon session.)
Registration fees can be paid online during registration. Or participants can bring in a check on the day of the event.
Make check out to “Southern Illinois District”
Memo: “Lay Leadership Event”
Checks can be sent to:
Southern Illinois District 2408 Lebanon Ave. Belleville, IL 62221
Schedule
8:30-9:00 Registration
9:00-9:45 Matins
10:00-10:50 Keynote: The Whole Body of Christ: Laity & Clergy Working Together- President Heath Curtis
Keynote Description: St. Paul’s favorite image for the Church is as the Body of Christ: one Body, but many members each with its own gift to contribute to the whole. Throughout Church history the role of lay leadership has been vital for the Church’s mission. Beginning with the Biblical doctrine of vocation, President Curtis will take us on a tour of vital lay leadership in Church history and talk about the importance of your vocation for the Church today.
11:00-12:00 Breakout Session 1
12:00 Lunch (Included in registration funds)
12:45-1:45 Breakout Session 2
1:45 Closing Devotion/Prayer
Breakout Sessions
Here is a list of our sessions. Note, the scheduled morning and afternoon sessions use the same program, so please plan to attend two different sessions. Also, while sessions are designed with certain volunteers in mind, the information is good for everyone. So youth leaders are welcome in a session for treasurers, a mission board chairman welcome in children’s ministry, etc.
Using Meetings to Wisely Navigate Disagreement
For: Congregational Presidents/Board Chairs
Speaker: Rev. Heath Curtis
The major role of a congregational president is to lead meetings of the congregation and guide them toward wise decisions. Disagreements about what course to follow are unavoidable – but acrimony and escalating conflict can be minimized by wise planning. President Curtis will give guidance on best practices for constructing agendas, building consensus, and navigating disagreement in a way that leads to resolution and fruitful work in the Body of Christ.
Rev. Heath Curtis served for 19 years as a pastor at Zion, Carpenter and Trinity, Worden before being elected to President of the Southern Illinois District in February 2025.
Models for Gospel-centered Sunday School, VBS, and other Children’s Ministries
For: Sunday School Teachers and Parish Educators
Speaker: Michaela Seeliger
Through her experiences serving as a DCE in two very different congregations, Michaela Seeliger will give insights into education ministry within the congregational setting. Come learn about different models for Gospel-centered Sunday School, VBS, and other children’s ministries.
Michaela Seeliger serves as a DCE at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO.
The Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry
For: Volunteers working with Youth
Speaker: Julianna Shults
Wondering how to care for the youth in your congregation? Experiencing dwindling attendance or enthusiasm? Not sure how to measure the efficacy of your ministry? LCMS Youth Ministry staff member, DCE Julianna Shults, is here to help, offering seven markers of healthy youth ministry. With these research-based, practical insights, you’ll be empowered to take on the essential task of caring for teens in Jesus’ name.
DCE Shults serve at the LCMS youth ministry office.
Insurance and Assets Control
For: Trustees
Speaker: David Cisler and Doug Hopper
An excellent session for trustees, topics covered will include insurance requirements, maintenance planning, what to do with underutilized church property and buildings, passing down institutional knowledge, and organizing volunteer days. David Cisler brings 35 years of experience in real estate and property management while Doug Hopper has served over 12 years on the board of property at Metro East Lutheran High School.
Treasurer’s “Must Do” List: Maximizing Worker Benefits and Compliance
Designed for: Treasurers and Finance Boards and Stewardship Boards
Speaker: Jim Pitrak and Julie Johnson
Treasurers, come and learn the essentials for ensuring compliance and maximizing those worker benefits as lead by those who have first hand experience. Jim Pitrak is an account manager with Concordia Plans and has served ministries in the Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois Districts. Julie Johnson also brings a wealth of knowledge, having served as an LCEF board member, the treasurer for Southern Illinois District, and her own congregation’s treasurer.
Serving Faithfully: Understanding Your Role and Responsibilities as a School Board
Designed for: School Boards
Speaker: Jeffrey Fick
Lutheran school Boards play a vital role in shaping the mission, culture, and future of our schools. Serving Faithfully is an engaging and practical training workshop designed to equip Board members to serve with wisdom, clarity, and a Christ-centered heart.
Participants will explore the Biblical foundation of servant leadership, learn the difference between governance and management, and gain tools for effective communication, policy development, legal awareness, and strategic planning. The session will highlight how strong, faithful boards cultivate thriving ministries and flourishing students—all to God’s glory.
Jeffrey Fick serves as the Schools and General Executive of the Southern Illinois District.
The Mercy of Biblical Hospitality: Evangelism and True Justice in Action
Designed for: Outreach and Evangelism Boards
Speaker: Rev. Andrew Packer
Hospitality should be at the heart of both the church and the Christian life. True biblical hospitality embodies Christ’s love and mercy for our neighbor, fostering both evangelism and a genuine pursuit of social justice. Rev. Andrew Packer serves as the senior pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville. In addition to his pastoral ministry, he is a frequent guest on various podcasts and regularly contributes to Pastor Wolfmueller’s YouTube page.