iLead 2026
iLead (Inspiring Leaders through Engagement and Development) is a collaborative initiative of several local congregations working together to develop leaders in the Church. There are three presentations on the iLead 2026 theme “Discipleship Is Leadership Development.” All are welcome to attend any or all of these Speaker Events from 8:30 - 10:00 am.
January 10, 2026 – St. Michael Lutheran Church-2131 Getz Rd. 46804
Speaker: Dr. Ben Haupt
Topic: Stop Leading at Church; Start Looking for the Kingdom
Overview: Jesus rarely said the word “church” in the Gospels. He neve spoke about church leadership. In this session, learn about Jesus’vision for the kind of people He wanted to raise up and what He wanted them to do.
January 24, 2026 – Holy Cross Lutheran Church - 3425 Crescent Ave. 46805
Speaker: Dr. Henry Graf
Topic: Words Create Worlds
Overview: We are told to make disciples and that God will build the church. Often we try to build the Church and wonder why we aren’t getting disciples. One of the reasons is we don’t have a language for discipleship. In this session Dr. Graf will explore some lightweight and low maintenance best practices for incorporating discipleship language into your culture.
February 7, 2026 – Emmanuel Lutheran Church – 917 W. Jefferson Blvd 46802
Speaker: Panel Discussion
Topic: Discipleship and Leadership Development
Overview: Pastor Thomas Eggold will moderate a discussion on the essential roles that discipleship and mentoring play in developing leaders. Panelists include Tony Opliger from Northeast Church, Josh Wymore from Wymore Consulting and Lead Like Jesus, Geoff King from Love Fort Wayne, and Angie Moellering from Lutheran Social Services.