DARE TO LEAD 2027
REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 1
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE MARCH 1
WHEN: Hotel check-in April 16, starting at 3:00 p.m.
Conference: APRIL 16 - APRIL 17, 2027 at the Stonewood/Country Inn & Suites, Green Bay! Rooms starting at $109 in our hotel block.
WHAT:This is a best practices conference, providing practical steps to take home to your ministry to implement today.
WHO: Ministry leaders and their entire teams (called, lay and volunteer)
EARLY BIRD CONFERENCE COST: $99 Per Person
DISCOUNTS FOR ST. MARK PARTNERS & GROUPS OF OR MORE.
GROUPS OF 4 OR MORE: $79 Per Person
ST. MARK PARTNERS - $79 Per Person
COST GOES UP $20 Per Person after March 1!
*For discount code, text (920) 371-2250 or email Daretolead@stmarkpartners.org
**You will need to know and enter each participants emergency contact information and which 4 breakout session you would like to attend and any food allergies when you register.
***All discounts must be applied at checkout. No refunds available.
Conference questions or problems ordering?
(Email Darren at Daretolead@stmarkpartners.org
DARE to Lead 2027 Keynote Speakers and Topics
Chad Bird (Scholar in Residence at 1517.org, author)
Prof. Luke Thompson (M.Div theology, M.A. philosophy)
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BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKERS
Cindy Jansen = The Art of Listening and Asking Questions
Dr. Rhoda Wolle = Raising a Christ-Centered Child in a Me-Centered World
Joe & Julie Lindloff (Anchor Lutheran MI) = Rethinking Evangelism
Michael Babler = Digital Ministry
James Hein = From Social Circle to Spiritual Growth
More speaker announcements SOON!
Meet our Keynote Speakers
CHAD BIRD
Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517, where he shares deep insights into Scripture and theology with readers, listeners, and audiences worldwide about what we as a church must do to both hear and respond.
He holds master’s degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. A prolific author, Chad has written numerous books, including Night Driving, The Christ Key, Unveiling Mercy, Hitchhiking with Prophets, and, most recently, Untamed Prayers (1517 Publishing).
He is also the co-host of the popular podcast 40 Minutes in the Old Testament. A highly sought-after speaker and teacher, Chad combines theological insight with a servant’s heart.
A Texan and avid runner, he and his wife, Stacy, enjoy traveling together and spending time with their grandchildren.
Prof. Luke Thompson (M.Div theology, M.A. philosophy)
Taught philosophy courses at Wisconsin Lutheran College and Bethany Lutheran College before becoming a pastor in WELS. He served eight years in Ottawa, ON, Canada, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran, where he ministered to government workers, South Sudanese immigrants and the university students of University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
For over twenty years, he has worked with and help start campus ministries. His most recent divine call is to Martin Luther College, where he teaches theology, history, and philosophy and leads a “film and philosophy” club and a Great Books club.
He is author of Your Life Has Meaning (a study on Ecclesiastes and philosophy) (NPH) and co-author of Quick to Listen (NPH).
2027 Breakout Sessions (Coming Soon)
SELECT 3 BREAKOUT SESSIONS PER PERSON WHEN REGISTERING.
ONE DURING EACH BREAKOUT TIME SLOT
Cindy Jansen is a leadership facilitator and coach with a firm in Brookfield, WI. Working solely with leaders at all levels, Cindy helps them build their skills and impact the lives of the people whom they serve. Prior to working solely in leadership development, she worked in the field of human resources for 18 years. Raised in the WELS, Cindy attended Lutheran schooling through 12th grade. She graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in sociology, and then continued to Cardinal Stritch University, where she received her Masters of Business Administration. As an active member of Christ Lutheran in Big Bend, Wisconsin, Cindy is involved in her church, school and Personal Member Ministry team. Cindy lives in Mukwonago with her husband, Travis and children: Colton, Evangeline and Boyd. Faith Unleashed and Cindy have partnered to deliver customized Christian leadership training. Both recognize that the shared missions and synergy can be leveraged for the benefit of God’s kingdom, and more specifically for leaders in the local church. Cindy is committed to providing in-person, online and recorded leadership training as well as individual and team leadership coaching. Cindy looks forward to partnering with you in unleashing the potential of well-equipped Christian leaders in your church.
Cindy Jansen
Dr. Rhoda Wolle is an educational psychologist and leader in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) community, best known for her work in Christ-centered social-emotional learning (SEL) and student success.
Dr. Rhoda Wolle
He is Director of Digital Ministry at Victory of the Lamb in Franklin, Wisconsin, and presented “Digital Outreach in a Post-Christian World” at the 2026 WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership.
Michael Babler
Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517, where he shares deep insights into Scripture and theology with readers, listeners, and audiences worldwidewhat we as a church must do to both hear and respond.
Biography: is a Scholar in Residence at 1517, where he brings his deep knowledge of Scripture and theology to readers, listeners, and audiences around the world. He holds master’s degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. A prolific author, Chad has written numerous books, including Night Driving, The Christ Key, Unveiling Mercy, Hitchhiking with Prophets, and, most recently, Untamed Prayers (1517 Publishing).
He is also the co-host of the popular podcast 40 Minutes in the Old Testament. A highly sought-after speaker and teacher, Chad combines theological insight with a servant’s heart. A Texan and avid runner, he and his wife, Stacy, enjoy traveling together and spending time with their grandchildren.
James Hein serves as Lead Pastor at St. Marcus Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He began his pastoral ministry in 2008 in Rochester, Minnesota, where he spent seven years developing experience in ministry to Millennials. He later moved to Milwaukee, focusing on urban gospel ministry, cross-cultural outreach, technology in ministry, and communicating the Christian faith in an increasingly post-Christian culture. Pastor Hein has also been involved in ministry to young adults and small-group discipleship and has spoken and written extensively on connecting people with the gospel in a changing culture.
James Hein
Coming Soon
Joseph & Julie Lindloff are home missionaries at Anchor Church in Marquette, MI which started in 2023. They have four kids, love the outdoors, and are passionate about reaching one soul at a time with the love of Christ.
Rethinking Evangelism: Why Yesterday's Methods Miss Today's Hearts Have you ever found your ministry doing evangelism the way you have for years, even if it's not "working"? The truth is, many aren't seeking churches the way they once did. Similarly, traditional outreach events seem to be missing the mark and more importantly missing people's hearts. In this breakout session we will openly discuss relational ministry, community service, and how to reach more souls for the kingdom.
Joe & Julie Lindloff
2027 Event Schedule
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2027
3:00–6:00 PM Hotel Check-In & Registration Available
Country Inn & Suites Entrance
6:00–9:00 PM Meet & Greet Reception — Drinks & Snacks
Stonewood Ballroom 2 — Attached to the Hotel
SATURDAY, APRIL 17 — CONFERENCE
7:00–8:00 AM Registration & Hot Breakfast Buffet (Stonewood Ballroom 1 )
8:00–8:15 AM Opening Devotion — Pastor TBD
Ballroom 1 8:15–9:30 AM Keynote Speaker: Luke Thompson
9:45–10:45 AM Breakout Session 1 Four Breakout Rooms — Four Speaker Options
11:00 AM–Noon Breakout Session 2 Four Breakout Rooms — Four Speaker Options
Noon–12:45 PM Buffet Hot Lunch — Included with Conference Registration
(Ballroom 1) 12:45–2:00 PM Keynote Speaker: Chad Bird
2:15–3:15 PM Breakout Session 3 Four Breakout Rooms — Four Speakers
3:30–4:00 PM Create your action plan and enjoy a sweet treat!
7:00–8:00 AM Registration & Hot Breakfast Buffet (Stonewood Ballroom 1 )
8:00–8:15 AM Opening Devotion — Pastor TBD
Ballroom 1 8:15–9:30 AM Keynote Speaker: Luke Thompson
9:45–10:45 AM Breakout Session 1 Four Breakout Rooms — Four Speaker Options
11:00 AM–Noon Breakout Session 2 Four Breakout Rooms — Four Speaker Options
Noon–12:45 PM Buffet Hot Lunch — Included with Conference Registration
(Ballroom 1) 12:45–2:00 PM Keynote Speaker: Chad Bird
2:15–3:15 PM Breakout Session 3 Four Breakout Rooms — Four Speakers
3:30–4:00 PM Create your action plan and enjoy a sweet treat!
Hotel Block, Dining and Tourism Info
Discover Green Bay
Lambeau Tours & Hall of Fame
