Staff Ministry
Staff ministry gives men and women an opportunity to pursue full-time ministry in an area where their gifts can be best used to further God’s kingdom in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). While pastors are trained for the broadest scope of ministry and for theological leadership, and teachers are trained in Christian classroom education, staff ministers receive basic theological training and practical skills to equip them to serve in other specific areas of parish and institutional ministry.
The specific responsibilities of a staff minister are defined by their call at the local congregation, but frequently they assist with evangelism programs, youth and family ministry, member care, music ministries, congregational administration, and/or multicultural ministries. Staff ministers have also been called to work in non-parish organizations such as pregnancy counseling centers, institutional ministry, synod and school administration, and The Lutheran Home.
2025 Staff Ministry Conference – September 18-20
Theme: A Refuge of Grace: God’s Shelter in Times of Trial
Location: Open Bible Lutheran Church – Oxford, Florida
Travel details:
Airports
Orlando International (MCO) – about 1 hr. 10 min
Tampa International (TPA) – about 1 hr. 30 min
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Lady Lake/The Villages
Hampton Inn & Suites Lady Lake/The Villages
- Special rate of $125 for Thursday & Friday nights
- Book a room online.
- Use code “Staff Ministries Conference” if booking over the phone.
- Deadline to book at special rate is August 18.
Presentations and Bible studies
Pastor David Rosenau, "Encourage One Another"
Keynote presentation: “Encourage One Another”
Bio:
David Rosenau thought he was on his career path during the five years he worked as an apprentice mortician and funeral director. Then, life changed and so did his career. He started as a deputy, working in the jail at a sheriff’s department; was transferred a year later and promoted to detective, working narcotics and vice; and after seven years was promoted to detective sergeant, working homicide and violent crime in the detective bureau. All along the Lord was shaping and guiding him and his life to be the person and the pastor God is using him to be today.
God has grown the congregation Pastor Rosenau serves in Leesburg, Florida, from 60 members when he arrived in 2009 to more than 500 today. Many more watch an abbreviated service that he records specifically for YouTube each week. Congregations all over the country, both in and outside the WELS, have utilized the synod-produced Bible study based upon his keynote presentation at the 2020 Leadership Conference titled “One by One.” Salty Earth Pictures recently produced the motion picture One by One in hopes of sharing the encouragement of lives touched for eternity by each one of us, one by one. The movie has been shown by congregations all over the country and is available on DVD and streaming platforms for sharing worldwide.
Pastor Marty Mielke, "A Refuge of Grace - Finding God’s Shelter in Real-Life Trials”
Bible study: “A Refuge of Grace – Finding God’s Shelter in Real-Life Trials”
Case Studies of Job and Ruth
Ministry leaders and staff ministers are often first responders to the storms of life–natural disasters, career loss, family upheaval, and more. In this engaging Bible study, we’ll explore how Job and Ruth each navigated trauma and uncertainty and how God’s grace became their shelter, as well as their reason for hope and certainty for the future. Through teaching, small group discussion, and practical application, you’ll gain biblical tools to find refuge for yourself and to guide others to God’s shelter in every kind of trial.
Bio:
Born and raised in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains west of Loveland, Colorado, Marty Mielke developed a lifelong appreciation for God’s creation and the perspective that comes from climbing and summiting many of Colorado’s highest peaks. His early years were shaped by working as a ranch hand, serving on the volunteer fire department, and learning the value of hard work alongside his family.
After graduating from Martin Luther Preparatory School (1989), Northwestern College (1993), and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (1997), he was assigned to St. John’s in Red Wing, Minnesota, where he served for seven years. His ministry experience spans inner-city, campus, and rural parish settings, including roles as both parish pastor and circuit pastor in Red Wing. Since 2004, he has served as pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Florida.
He has been blessed to serve in various district leadership roles, as well as synodical coordination roles for worship endeavors and hurricane relief work. Finally, he has been blessed to participate in world mission work, including helping launch the SoloCristo Mission in Asuncio n, Yataity del Norte, and Nueva Alianza, Paraguay (https://www.solo-cristo.org/).
Together with his wife Denise, he is grateful for the opportunity to walk with God’s people through life’s mountains and valleys, always seeking His grace as our refuge.
Staff Minister David Kasischke, “Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak: Really Hear What Others Say”
Breakout workshop 1: ““Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak: Really Hear What Others Say”
One of the greatest gifts we can give someone is to listen to them with undivided attention. Feeling unheard is a major cause of depression and other mental health issues. In this workshop, you will learn ways to foster open communication and to avoid some pitfalls that might hinder honest dialog so you can be the welcome “safe space” for the members of your church.
Bio:
David Kasischke was born and raised in small-town Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in languages. Prior to becoming a staff minister, he served in the U.S. Department of Defense as a language analyst/intelligence analyst and was blessed to be able to visit many areas of the world before retiring. The exposure to other people and cultures made a huge impact on his worldview and his faith in Jesus.
He has served at Our Savior Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, since 2011. His call focuses mostly on member care and discipleship. He manages the church’s benevolence fund and helps wherever else he may be needed—like every staff minister! He is married with three adult children. In his spare time, he reads, dabbles in language, and keeps up with his MSU Spartans.
Staff Minister Brandon Steenbock, “Conflict, Grace, and the Work of Restoration”
Breakout workshop 2: “Conflict, Grace, and the Work of Restoration”
Learning to navigate conflict with gospel confidence — for yourself and for those you serve.
Conflict is inevitable wherever meaningful relationships exist. But unresolved conflict keeps relationships stuck — whether with coworkers, friends, spouses, or family. Healthy conflict, handled well, becomes a pathway to deeper trust, greater intimacy, and a clearer reflection of God’s unconditional love. In this session, we’ll explore both the foundational principles and the practical tools for navigating conflict in ways that strengthen relationships rather than strain them. You’ll not only build your own skills for healthier conflict but also be equipped to teach and model these strategies within your churches, schools, and ministries — helping others experience the same growth and restoration.
Bio:
Dr. Brandon Steenbock is a husband, dad, and staff minister with a heart for helping people build real, lasting relationships rooted in Christ. He serves as Family Minister at St. Mark Ministries in De Pere/Green Bay, WI, and an adjunct professor at Martin Luther College. His work includes counseling couples, creating discipleship opportunities for adults, and writing things that help people in their walk with Jesus. He loves good coffee, deep conversations, and nerdy theology memes.
Staff Minister Chad White, “Grace in the Darkness: Walking Through Tragedy with Faith and Hope”
Breakout workshop 3: “Grace in the Darkness: Walking Through Tragedy with Faith and Hope”
No one is ever prepared for the moment tragedy strikes—but when it does, it can feel like the light is gone for good. In this deeply personal and honest presentation, I’ll share my personal journey through deep loss, the darkness that followed, and the road toward healing. You’ll hear what helped me survive and I’ll offer insights on faith, emotional and physical resilience, and the power of community. Whether you’re walking through your own storm or supporting someone else in theirs, this talk offers practical tools, biblical truth, and a testimony of God’s unshakable grace.
Bio:
Chad White has served as a staff minister at Holy Word Lutheran Church in Austin, TX since 2002. He is a second career called worker, originally attending college to be an electrical engineer at UW Madison, and then working for IBM and Motorola for several years before God redirected him into life as a staff minister.
During his first ten years of ministry, Chad served full-time at Holy Word while also taking summer and online classes at MLC, receiving his staff ministry certification in 2012. He has served in many different ministries including evangelism, assimilation, as well as youth and family ministry. In recent years, he has been a leader on Holy Word’s small group ministry team, on the church’s audio/visual team, and he has been engaged reaching out to inactive members, counseling marriages and families, and conducting member visitation.
God has blessed Chad with a wonderful, very supportive wife and ministry partner of 30 years, Cindy. He has blessed their marriage with three beautiful children, Emma (26), Bryant (24) and Danni (21).
Thursday, September 18
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Registration and Check-in |
| 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Opening Worship with Communion |
| 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Fellowship Time |
Friday, September 19
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Breakfast on your own | |
| 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. | Registration and Check-In |
| 9:00 – 9:20 a.m. | Devotion 1 |
| 9:20 – 9:30 a.m. | Conference Opening |
| 9:30 – 10:40 a.m. | Keynote Address: Pastor David Rosenau, St. Mark, Leesburg, FL |
| 10:45 – 11:00 a.m. | Break |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Further Discussion on Keynote (Small groups) |
| 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:30 – 1:50 p.m. | Synod Update (Video), District President Chuck Westra |
| 1:50 – 2:00 p.m. | Staff Ministry Liaison Committee |
| 2:00 -2:40 p.m. | Staff Ministry Program Update, Dr. Lawrence Olson |
| 3:00 – 3:10 p.m. | Group Picture |
| 3:10 -3:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3:30 – 4:40 p.m. | Afternoon Breakout Sessions |
| 4:45 – 5:00 p.m. | Devotion 2 |
| 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Free Time |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner and Evening Fellowship |
Saturday, September 20
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Breakfast on your own | |
| 9:00 – 9:20 a.m. | Devotion 3 |
| 9:20 – 10:00 a.m. | Business Meeting |
| 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Staff Ministry Mentor Program |
| 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. | Bible Study: Pastor Marty Mielke, Ascension, Sarasota, FL |
| 11:45 – 11:50 a.m. | Conference Thanks and Closing |
| 11:50 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Devotion 4 |
| Lunch on your own |
Questions: Contact Emily Suedmeier
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