WITH
Rev. Jonathan Hein and Dawn Schulz
DESCRIPTION
In the heart of every woman beats the desire to do what God created her to do. She knows God has given her talents, ideas, skills, experiences, and creativity for use in his kingdom. In joy and confidence and according to God’s design, she desires to use them for his glory.
Unfortunately, this longing is often unmet. While many Christians are leaving the church at alarming rates, exit surveys from women leaving WELS congregations show they left because they were not allowed to participate in congregational ministry in a way they perceived as meaningful. In other words, they wanted to stay but were not certain what their role was.
Without straying from God‘s Word and his design, how can we best steward the gifts God has given us through the women he’s blessed us with? In this presentation, we’ll have a candid conversation with Rev. Jonathan Hein, coordinator for WELS Congregational Services, about how to better identify and utilize the ideas and gifts of women in ways that abide by Scripture principles for men and women.
BIOS
Rev. Jonathan Hein
Jonathan is a 1997 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Upon graduation, he was assigned to a home mission in the Charleston, S.C. area. In his twenty years there, he helped start two congregations. He has served as chairman of the South Atlantic District Mission Board as well as a member of the Executive Committee of WELS Board for Home Missions. In 2014 he was called to be the director of WELS Commission on Congregational Counseling. In that capacity, he works with congregations and schools to assess and plan gospel ministry efforts. In 2017, his duties expanded to include serving as coordinator of the six commissions that make up WELS Congregational Services: Congregational Counseling, Discipleship, Evangelism, Lutheran Schools, Special Ministries, and Worship. Jonathan is married to Rebecca, who teaches in their home congregation in Waukesha, Wis. They have two sons, Caleb, who works in finance, and Joshua, who serves in our nation’s Air Force.
Dawn Schulz
Dawn Schulz would much rather sit down with you for a long talk than write this description. She also has a keen understanding that God places her where HE wants her to be and she tries to make the most of every opportunity for God’s kingdom. Because of this, Dawn has many varied ministry experiences. Over the last 20 years, Dawn has taught women’s bible studies, hosted retreats, counseled women through crisis situations, mentored young Christian women, and shared the love of Jesus at Christmas with the 100+ women who attend Advent by Candlelight each year. Now she serves as Chairwoman of WELS WM. Seeing God work through his Word to heal broken marriages, save wayward children, bring hope to those left by a spouse, and defeat the imprisoning effects of depression is truly one of the greatest joys in her life.
Another great joy is her family. She and her husband, Pastor Joel Schulz, live in Delray Beach, Florida. She is able to work alongside him in her position as Campus Coordinator for the 5 campuses of Divine Savior Church. They have 4 beautiful children (1 got married!) who are all at various stages of emerging adulthood. They travel, play games, laugh, and have deep discussions whenever they can.
Dr. Kristi Meyer has served as a mathematics professor at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, since August 2006. Since July 2019, Kristi has also served as the part-time Communications Coordinator at St. John’s, Wauwatosa, Wis. She earned her Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree from Martin Luther College in May 2022, writing her thesis on headship and the roles of men and women. Kristi is a member of the WELS Women’s Ministry Executive Committee and an adjunct instructor for Martin Luther College. In her spare time, she enjoys running, camping, and directing the St. John’s handbell choir.
Rev. Eric Schroeder has served at St. John’s, Wauwatosa, Wis., since August 2013. Until last summer, he primarily oversaw discipleship and Christian education, especially working with Sunday school, catechism class, and adult Bible studies. In July 2023, Eric transitioned into the role of lead pastor, taking on responsibilities in the areas of administration and leadership development. He is also a trained facilitator in the Prepare/Enrich premarital and marriage counseling program. In his spare time, Eric enjoys spending time with family and getting outdoors into nature by hunting and fishing.
Amy is a homeschooling mom of four children and married to Derek. Together, they founded Faithful Parent, a ministry that helps parents develop a Christian parenting plan to keep their families focused on Jesus for this generation and future generations. She’s a Christian mom on a journey to be more intentional with the children God has blessed her with, especially in spiritual matters, and to help other parents do the same.
Tania Kopplin has been married to Kevin for 28 years. They are currently living in Dallas, Texas. They have 3 children Jacob, 25 married to Carissa. Katie, 23, soon to be married to Zach, and Laura, 20, who is currently a sophomore at MLC in the Early Childhood program. Tania has been in ministry over 30 years, 15 years as an elementary school teacher, and many years volunteering and serving in a variety of roles at several churches in 3 different states. Currently she serves at Divine Peace, Rockwall, TX as the Children and Family Ministry Coordinator and the Personal Member Ministry Coordinator. In May, 2023, she graduated from Bethel Seminary, St. Paul’s MN, with a Master’s Degree in Children and Family Ministry. Tania’s passion is to teach children about Jesus, and to walk alongside parents in discipling their children.
Rachel is wife to Wayne (her favorite pastor) and mom to two amazing kids, William and Hosanna. She lives in East Texas where she serves as church secretary and works at the local public school. She also serves on the WELS Women’s Ministry Executive Board as the Congregational Ministries team leader (aka the CONGO team). This team connects women of our synod to resources, offers ministry encouragement to groups and individuals, and provides a platform for women to hear biblical conversation on relevant topics. They do this primarily through Connection Calls and women’s ministry webinars. Meeting fellow sisters in Christ and connecting them with each other by sharing their ideas and gifts is one of Rachel’s favorite things to do!
