CLR Convention Theme: “For Such a Time as This”

Rev. Robert Fleischmann, National Director of Christian Life Resources

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Rev. Robert Fleischmann has been the National Director of Christian Life Resources since 1988. He is adjunct to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary where he teaches a pastoral approach to bioethical issues. He teaches an online Master’s certificate course at Concordia University on Bioethics and Biotechnology. He speaks throughout North America on the Biblical approach to various life and family issues and counsels people with God’s Word in correct decision-making. ​

The Moral Climate and the Need for the Gospel

Pastor Jonathan Hein, Coordinator of WELS Congregational Services and Director of WELS Commission on Congregational Counseling

The term “moral climate” is used in reference to the implicit and explicit values of a group that determines if that group categorizes various behaviors as good or bad. In the past generation, the moral climate in America has vastly shifted. Instead of looking at this as the tragic collapse of American culture, Christians will see this as the greatest opportunity for gospel proclamation in a century.

Jonathan began his ministry in the Charleston, South Carolina, area. In his twenty years there, he started two congregations, oversaw the work of thirty-two missions, and participated in eleven new mission starts. He also served on the Executive Committee for WELS Board for Home Missions, which oversaw all new mission congregations in North America. In 2015, he was called to serve as Director of WELS Commission on Congregational Counseling. In that capacity, he has personally worked with more than 125 churches to assess and plan ministry efforts.  In 2017, his responsibilities were expanded to include functioning as the Coordinator of WELS Congregational Services. Jonathan also teaches two classes for Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary: strategic planning and congregational management. Jonathan and his wife Rebecca, a teacher at a Lutheran school, reside in Waukesha, Wisconsin. They have two sons: Caleb, who works in finance, and Joshua, who serves in the US Air Force.

Pro-Life in a “Post-Roe” America – Celebrating Victory and Preparing for New Battles

Gracie Skogman, Legislative and PAC Director of Wisconsin Right to Life

In a “post-Roe” America, thousands of lives have been saved and the pro-life movement has celebrated many victories. Now more than ever before, the pro-life movement must demonstrate our commitment to women and their preborn children, in the face of a culture that is increasingly anti-life.

Gracie Skogman is the Legislative and PAC Director for Wisconsin Right to Life. Gracie graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 2018, with a Bachelor of Arts in both Political Science and History. While in undergrad, Gracie founded the Political Science Student Association to promote bi-partisan dialogue and community service. She also interned for First Lady Melania Trump. After graduating, Gracie served as Office Manager for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and a Legislative Assistant in the Wisconsin State Assembly. From September 2019 until January 2021, Gracie was the Deputy Associate Director and Logistics Coordinator for the Office of Public Liaison at the White House. Gracie has appeared on Fox News, BBC, and MSNBC and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, The New York Times, Politico, NPR, and other outlets.

“Put on Then, as God’s Chosen Ones, Holy and Beloved, Heartfelt Compassion” (Col. 3:12): Embracing Authentic Compassion and Rejecting the Misguided “Compassion” of Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide

Dr. Caitlyn Trader, Director of Bioethics at Wisconsin Right to Life

Euthanasia is on the rise the world-over, and physician assisted suicide (PAS) is on the rise in the United States. This presentation will provide the current landscape of euthanasia and PAS and address reasons why people often choose these deadly acts. We will then explore rebuttals to these reasons, ultimately concluding that euthanasia and PAS are false expressions of “compassion;” genuinely compassionate options to those who suffer will be offered.

Dr. Caitlyn Trader is the Director of Bioethics at Wisconsin Right to Life (WRTL), where she leads the organization in various educational initiatives and conducts research on bioethical issues. She holds a Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL, as well as a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) from the same university. Additionally, she holds a Master of Science in Bioethics from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. In addition to her work at WRTL, Dr. Trader is an adjunct professor in theology at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. She is also a peer reviewer for two academic journals and is a member of the Catholic Medical Association. She has a passion for teaching and for ensuring that the dignity of life is embraced for those of all ages.

For Those Who Cannot Speak: Modern Day Slavery & Sex Trafficking

Tracy Scheffler, Founder of 5-Stones Dodge County

Let’s talk about the social & criminal injustice of sexual exploitation and oppression in our culture, what feeds it, and how we can respond. We can use our voices for those who have been silenced and, more importantly, to prevent it from progressing; the power of ONE.

Tracy Scheffler, Founder of 5-Stones Dodge County, is part of a team that has been studying, researching, and learning about human trafficking for a decade in Dodge County and the surrounding areas. She is a member of the Madison Anti-Trafficking Consortium, has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, works in the local school system, and raised four now-adult children. 5-Stones Dodge County works tirelessly to educate youth and adults regarding trafficking; presenting in schools, youth groups, churches, medical facilities, community organizations, and social service groups. Her motivation is moral outrage at the perpetuation of the crime of trafficking against our youth and young adults.

Rev. Em. Jim Behringer, Chairman of the National Board for Christian Life Resources

Pastor Em. Jim Behringer is chairman of the National Board for CLR. He has served on the National Board, been a convention presenter, and served on the boards of two CLR pregnancy centers over the years. He and his wife Vicki have three sons and daughters-in-law, and ten grandchildren. They have recently moved to the Fort Worth, TX area in retirement.