2025 Annual Gathering
We come together for great food and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ to learn about ministry opportunities, receive powerful teaching, and worship the Most Awesome God!
TICKET PRICES:
Adults – $75 | Youth – 50% off
REGISTER HERE
The Highlights:
- This Gathering is for EVERYONE! All are welcome!
- Great Food, Fellowship, Worship, Teaching… and a FREE T-Shirt!
- Friday Optional add-ons:
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- Pre-Gathering Seminar which includes lunch
- Catfish Dinner to benefit the South Africa Mission team w/ Blessman International
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- Main Gathering begins at 4:30 pm on Friday and concludes at 4:00 pm on Saturday
- Youth Gathering with overnight LOCK-IN (grades 6-12) happening simultaneously
- Keynote Presentations by Trevor Sutton, Steve Turnbull, and Christian Huntley
- 3 Breakout Sessions with 18 different breakouts to choose from
OUR THEME
Whether your church is big or small; whether you’re in an urban, suburban, small town, or rural context; whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or regular church member; whether you’re a young adult, middle-age, or have blue or no hair… we are all in the same boat!
God has given us a mission and a purpose to be and make disciples. When it comes to evangelism and sharing Christ with others, we are in the same boat as we are all sinners in need of a savior. When it comes to outreach and community impact, each congregation faces common challenges and shares similar opportunities. And God does not abandon us or forsake us; rather Jesus promises his presence and his power to each and every one of us.
Inspired by Mark 4:35-41, as we go through storms of life and ministry, it may seem that Jesus is asleep or uncaring. But as the disciples discover, we also know that Jesus is in the boat with us, too. Therefore, we do not need to be afraid. We’re All in the Same Boat!
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Trevor Sutton
Trevor Sutton is Senior Pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church, a multi-campus and multi-ethnic congregation with locations in downtown Lansing and Meridian Township, Michigan. Sutton earned an MDiv from Concordia Seminary, an MA in Digital Rhetoric and Professional Writing from Michigan State University, and a PhD from Concordia Seminary.
In addition to being a pastor, Trevor is prolific writer. He has authored (or co-authored) several books including Redeeming Technology (with Brian Smith), Clearly Christian, Authentic Christianity: How Lutheran Theology Speaks to a Postmodern World (with Gene Veith), and Being Lutheran. His fifth book is on vocation and technology and will be published later this year. Trevor has also contributed to the Washington Post, Christianity Today, Christian Century, Concordia Journal, Religion and Liberty (Acton Institute), Faith and Leadership (Duke Divinity), and Religion New Service. Trevor and his wife Elizabeth have two daughters, Grace and Hannah. The Sutton family enjoys fly-fishing, hiking, literature, and camping.
In his keynote, “Out to Sea: Evangelism in a Technological Tempest,” Trevor will explore the relationship between the church, evangelism, and technology. Despite an-ever changing world of technology, the followers of Jesus have always voyaged headlong into these technological changes with the Good News of Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we can use technology to facilitate our Gospel witness. Yet, we never go it alone. We venture out into this technological tempest with the confidence that we are in the same boat as Jesus. We cast our nets at the call of our Lord Jesus and we do it all for the increase of Christ.
Steve Turnbull
Steve is married to Amy and together they have two children. Steve holds a MDiv from Luther Seminary and a PhD from Duke University. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio and Chair of the LCMC Board of Trustees.
Steve is also Provost and the Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at The Master’s Institute Seminary. He is also a member of the St. Hildegard Fellowship of the Center for Pastor Theologians.
In his keynote address, Steve will dive into the tensions many Lutherans feel as we seek to faithfully preach, teach, and minister. To some people, Law & Gospel is the heart of a good Christian sermon. Others fear that it’s narrow and overblown, and too much of it will prevent most good sermons from ever being written. To some people, Spirit-led is how they want to live and preach. Others fear that it’s usually just code for emotionalism and sloppy theology. What if both fears are understandable and also totally unnecessary? What if the categories of Law and Gospel helped us speak and hear the living and active word of God, Spirit-breathed and powerful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, and able to make us wise for salvation? Join us for this hopeful teaching to bring our Law-Gospel-Holy Spirit strengths together to build up the Body of Christ!
Christian Huntley
Christian Huntley has served LCMC as Coordinator for Leadership and Pastoral Ministry since 2023. He previously had served as a pastor at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Afton, MN. An Iowa native, he received his MDiv from Bethel University. The beautiful St. Croix River Valley in Minnesota is home for Christian, his wife, Jenna, and their two daughters. When not working or building LEGOs with his girls, Christian enjoys being outside, preferably hunting, golfing, or around a bonfire. If he can be with people, he will try about anything. He loves to listen and learn!
Christian is passionate about the church being the tangible, loving expression of Jesus on earth. He felt a calling in college to help other college students connect their faith to their vocation and has found great joy fulfilling that calling as a local pastor in ways he never imagined! He also serves as a Chaplain with the local Sheriff’s office, caring for deputies and county residents alike.
In his keynote “Building Ministry for People, Not People for Ministry,” Christian will discuss how the disciples had never been in this storm, with this crew. Your church has not been in 2025 with this congregation. Even a church with the same families as decades ago is a very different church and in a very different season today. Too often churches try to fill sign-up sheets people aren’t interested in or don’t feel gifted for. With a variety of tools at our fingertips, your church can evaluate its current ministry in light of current conditions, and make adjustments based on the people Christ has called to the congregation for this season.
PREACHERS
PRE-GATHERING SEMINAR
Interested in diving deeper into topics related to our theme? Join us for the Pre-Gathering Seminar on Friday afternoon from Noon to 4:30 p.m. In this optional educational seminar, our keynote presenters will engage participants in a more thorough look into our theme as we wrestle with specific topics that will help us to more effectively lead ministry in our congregations. Lunch will be served at Noon with the seminar beginning at 1 p.m.
Where did all the good pastors go? Churches are often struggling to identify the kind of leaders that we have come to expect. As we face leadership challenges, we are ALL IN THE SAME BOAT! Christian Huntley will present a seminar entitled “Cultivating Leadership” and address the leadership crisis that the Church is facing. We will dig into what’s going on and what our churches can do to cultivate a new crop of leaders for the church now and in the future.
Social media and digital communication have transformed the way people receive and interpret information. We are ALL IN THE SAME BOAT when it comes to trying to navigate this new world of digital media. Trevor Sutton will present “Digital Undertow: Purposeful Discipleship in a Digital Age” and explore the challenge presented when social media becomes the platform upon which so many people engage in biblical or theological conversation. Does it matter what media we get our theology from? We will consider how insights from the field of digital rhetoric can help pastors and church leaders navigate the promises and perils of digitally mediated discipleship.
The Bible is God’s Word for God’s people. While it is widely available to us all and is the most printed book in human history, reading it is challenging and can be intimidating. In this regard, WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT as we seek to read the scriptures faithfully. Steve Turnbull will present “Learning to Read our Bibles” and share basic skills for understanding our Bibles and orienting our hearts to hear God’s Spirit speak through these ancient words still today. We will learn how to approach Scripture as childlike learners, how to understand the Bible “then and there”, how to apply the Bible “here and now”, and how to pray through the passages we read.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend the Pre-Gathering Seminar. Please make sure you add the “Pre-Gathering Seminar” option onto your ticket when you register. Regular cost for the Pre-Gathering is $25. SPECIAL PRICING FOR PASTORS AND MINISTRY STAFF: $10! Lunch is included!
OPTIONAL FRIDAY NIGHT
CATFISH BENEFIT DINNER
First English, Victoria will be preparing a delicious benefit dinner on Friday night. The menu includes Fried Catfish, fries, hushpuppies, green beans, coleslaw, fruit salad, and a dessert. Dinner will be served from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Advance tickets may be purchased with registration for just $15. For late registrants, dinner tickets will cost $20. Proceeds from the Benefit Dinner will go to support the South Africa Mission Team with Blessman International.
2025 PREMEIR SPONSORS
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY:
We are looking for businesses or organizations that are interested in sponsoring our Gathering! Your support helps to put on a great event at an affordable cost. There are three levels of support to choose from. We thank our sponsors by providing options for full-color advertising space in our printed programs. Premier Sponsors also receive additional recognition. You can become a sponsor by selecting the appropriate options when registering for the Gathering using our online registration form. Or, if you prefer, you can secure your sponsorship separate from registration by clicking the button below. Thank you for your support of the LCMC Texas District Gathering!
BECOME A GATHERING SPONSOR
Premier Sponsor ($500)
• Full-page color ad in printed program (5 x 7.75 inches)
• Linked logo on our Gathering webpage, in our online digital program and in advance publicity
• Circulating digital ad on presentation displays during the Gathering
• Sponsor Spotlight during a Main Session at the Gathering (up to 90 second promo video or 2-minute interview with emcees)
• Designated sponsor of a specific part of the Gathering
• Linked logo on our Gathering webpage, in our online digital program and in advance publicity
• Circulating digital ad on presentation displays during the Gathering
• Sponsor Spotlight during a Main Session at the Gathering (up to 90 second promo video or 2-minute interview with emcees)
• Designated sponsor of a specific part of the Gathering
Full-Page Sponsor ($120)
• Full-page color ad in printed program (5 x 7.75 inches)
Half-Page Sponsor ($60)
• Half-page color ad in printed program (5 x 3.75 inches)
Questions? email info@lcmctexas.org or call 512-942-7776.
ATTENTION MINISTRY PARTNERS:
Ministries, Missions, Businesses, or any other organization who partners with churches are encouraged to attend and be represented with a display at the Annual Gathering. Exhibitors can register for a display table at no additional cost through our online registration form. Questions? email info@lcmctexas.org or call 512-942-7776.
- 62 LCMC congregations in Texas
- 300+ Gathering attendees the past two years
- Exhibitor Table is FREE with registration
- Sponsorships available for additional exposure
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
18 breakouts to choose from…
Each offered during 2 sessions…
Choose any 3 to attend!
1
Adrift in a Sea of Artificial Intelligence: Making Sense of AI for Ministry
Trevor Sutton
Lansing, MI
Do you feel lost at sea when it comes to conversations about AI and emerging technology? When lost, it’s helpful to have a map! As we navigate the complicated realities of AI, we need to employ maps—mental models and visual frameworks—that can help us. Join Trevor Sutton as he shares AI maps to help make sense of the impact that AI has on the church, the world, and our own lives.
Offered Sessions 1 & 2.
2
What the Bible Says about Women Pastors
Steve Turnbull
Columbus, Ohio
If you love the Bible, you might have questions. “I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man.” “Let the women keep silent in the churches.” That seems pretty clear. What does that mean for us today? What about the faithful, Spirit-led, Jesus-preaching women serving congregations in LCMC? This breakout will offer an overview of Bible passages relevant to the topic and explain the strong Biblical foundation for women and men serving equally in pastoral ministry.
Offered Sessions 1 & 2.
3
How to Find Peace in the Storm of Unforgiveness
David Peterson
Chesapeake, VA
Traumatic experiences can produce storms of unforgiveness. Waves of bitterness, resentment and anger threaten our physical, emotional and spiritual peace. Whether it’s forgiving ourselves or forgiving others, often we are told that we need to forgive. The real question is, “How can we forgive?” In this breakout session, we identify and validate traumatic experiences but also explore practical techniques that help us on our journey of forgiveness and genuine peace.
Offered Sessions 1 & 2.
4
The Power of Spiritual Space
Nate Guelzow
Hendersonville, TN
Every Consider this: Most non-Christians want spiritual, not religious space. In other words, what if your non-Christian family and friends won’t go to your church but would gladly engage you in a spiritual conversation? Would you be prepared? In this breakout, Nate Guelzow will share 5 Principles of Creating Spiritual Space that you can leverage into spiritual conversation anywhere, anytime.
Offered Sessions 1 & 2.
5
Telling Your Story – Naturally
Brian Hughes
Florence, SC
Christians routinely have opportunities to share why they follow Jesus, but often aren’t sure how to go about it and end up saying nothing. Since the 1970s, our culture has been taught to hear story through a lens pioneered by Joseph Campbell and expanded by George Lucas. What if Christians could articulate our faith story with the same flow? Join Brian Hughes to discover a proven, effective model that will empower you with a renewed boldness for sharing Christ!
Offered Sessions 1 & 2.
6
Reaching the Unchurched and Dechurched
Blake Anderson
Giddings, TX
Many churches are struggling with how they can reach the unchurched and the dechurched. The strategy for each group is different. Join Blake Anderson as he shares the successes and failures that he has discovered in reaching both groups with the Gospel.
Offered Sessions 1 & 2.
7
How God Changes Lutherans (and Everybody Else)
Luke Allison
Bulverde, TX
What is sanctification? Luther called it “the work by which God the Holy Spirit makes us holy, that is, brings us to Christ our Lord and enables us to live a godly life.” Yet many walk away from the faith because they find living a godly life to be impossible. So how do we do it? Luke Allison will walk through the basic biblical concepts on transformation, how we experience it, and how to help other people experience new life in Christ, too.
Offered Sessions 1 & 3.
8
Media and the Message
Robert Castro
Trinity Church
Pell Lake, WI
We live in a culture where young people commonly learn about God through media, if they are learning about God at all. Today’s media is full of spiritual messages that are confusing if not deceptive. Come and discover the various spiritualities that are presented to youth through media that are counterfeit alternatives to Christianity. How can we address this through apologetics and ensure our youth are not led astray by the messages found in popular culture?
Offered Sessions 1 & 3.
9
The Multicultural Church: A Vision for Today
Chris Holder
Austin, TX
While our communities, schools, and workplaces become more culturally diverse, many of our churches remain anything but. Yet as all nations are coming to us, we no longer have to look or go very far to become diverse in our disciple making. The multi or intercultural church does not have to be just a glimpse into eternity or a vision for the future, it can be something we experience here and now!
Offered Sessions 1 & 3.
10
The A, B, C’s of Genesis 1, 2, 3
Beverly Kelling
Hondo, TX
In today’s culture, sometimes our boat springs leaks because we are not sure how to answer life’s biggest questions (e.g. What is our purpose? Why does evil exist? How can we have hope?). We can find answers to these questions from the first three chapters of Genesis. When we understand the ABC’s of Genesis 1, 2, 3, we have a Biblical foundation to not only stay afloat but even ‘get out of the boat’ and walk against the cultural current.
Offered Sessions 1 & 3.
11
Back to Basics
Julie Smith
St. Peter, MN
The core values of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ did not arise out of thin air, nor are they interpreted in a vacuum. Join Julie Smith for an exploration of how our core values are informed by Luther’s Catechism and how reading them together can help us imagine how to more fully engage our core values in our work as congregations, as a district, and as an association.
Offered Sessions 1 & 3.
12
Passion with Purpose – Applying the Great Commission to the Global Mission
Brett Hendrickson
Urbandale, IA
Join Brett Hendrickson as he shares the amazing story of a medical doctor from Iowa who was called to mission work in South Africa. For 23 years, Dr. Jim Blessman has poured out his life to bring the gospel message and love of Jesus to the children of this country of great contrast. Through Doc’s journey, you will discover the value and power of partnership and how it can be leveraged to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission.
Offered Sessions 1 & 3.
13
Staying Flexible in Ministry
Christian Huntley
Bayport, MN
Having trouble filling the sign-up sheet again? Over time our ministry can drift out of alignment with the needs of our community or the gifts and needs of our congregation. Christian Huntley will explore how congregations can stay faithful and flexible by regularly evaluating their ministry and leaders. Evaluation can help congregations get unstuck and align people’s gifts congregational mission.
Offered Sessions 2 & 3.
14
Brimming with Children
Cindy Bailey
Inez, TX
Children are not just junior church members, but disciples who carry forward the Gospel today and for future generations. Want to see your congregation come alive with children who are active and involved? Join Cindy Bailey as she shares from her experience of a children’s ministry that is a blend of serious commitment and joyful play. You will learn methods that have been effective and explore how your congregation can tailor these ideas to fit your unique context.
Offered Sessions 2 & 3.
15
Sharing Christ with others through Digital Communications
Diana Pimentel – Moreno
Victoria, TX
Whether your church is large or small, has a big budget or none at all, Digital Communications is a great tool to help us share Christ with others. Effectively utilizing email, your website, and social media platforms will help you better connect with your members as well as reach a wider audience in your community and beyond. Join Diana Pimentel-Moreno for ideas on how you can share the message about your church and its mission through Digital Communications.
Offered Sessions 2 & 3.
16
Transforming Church Spaces for Mission: Creative Ways to Engage Your Community
Tracee Swank
Corunna, IN
Many church buildings sit empty several days a week, yet these spaces hold incredible potential. Join Tracee Swank for an exploration of innovative ways churches can leverage their facilities for community engagement, discipleship, and outreach. Through partnerships, entrepreneurial initiatives, or innovative ministries, you can develop creative, sustainable strategies for transforming underutilized spaces into places of Great Commission impact. Come ready to reimagine your church building as more than a Sunday space!
Offered Sessions 2 & 3.
17
Always Swab the Poop Deck: Maintaining Excellence in the Church Environment
Colton Johnson
Sherwood, AR
Our physical church environments tell a story. Did you know that 93% of communication is nonverbal and comes from our body language and tone, while only 7% arises out of our words? The same is true for our physical ministry space. Does your space clearly communicate a message that is consistent with your vision and values? Join Colton Johnson and Lightwell and explore how to create a ministry environment that sends the right message to members and guests alike.
Offered Sessions 2 & 3.
18
Sharing Christ with The Love Paradox
Jim Mariott
Austin, TX
The Love Paradox by Karl Galik explores the relationship of loving God and your neighbor as yourself. As church workers, we often strive to love God and others but struggle to love ourselves as God loves us, leading to fear, frustration, and even burnout. The Love Paradox equips us to more effectively love ourselves and better manage anxiety, rest, restoration, and rejuvenation. Whether you are running on empty or looking to sustain your current pace, this is the breakout for you!
Offered Sessions 2 & 3.
LODGING INFO:
There are no blocks of rooms reserved at local hotels this year. Victoria is home to a wide variety of hotels offering attendees many options to fit any budget and taste. Third party websites such as Priceline.com, Hotels.com, Expedia.com, and Hotwire.com may help you find lodging at a discounted price. Groups may wish to consider booking a home together through Airbnb.com or VRBO.com.
2024 Gathering Highlights & Impact:
Questions?
Contact Bryce Formwalt at 512.942.7776.
Youth Gathering & Lock-in
The 2025 YOUTH GATHERING and LOCK-IN is for ALL STUDENTS in grades 6-12! This year, attendees can look forward to even more fun and fellowship than before as they grow in their faith through games, presentations, fellowship, and service projects. Register early to SAVE! Bring a friend, a church group, or come as you are and make a few new friends while you’re there. There’s no doubt students will have a ton of fun, eat some great food, and be encouraged to live their faith.
Coinciding with the Annual Gathering, the YOUTH GATHERING and LOCK-IN has its own schedule and activities. Cost is just $37.50 if registering by June 30 and includes snacks, dinner on Friday, overnight LOCK-IN, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and a t-shirt. Transportation will be the responsibility of each church and/or family. Please spread the word about this awesome opportunity for your students! Questions? Call 512-942-7776 or email info@lcmctexas.org.
Questions?
Contact info@lcmctexas.org
Join us in Concan, Texas for another LCMC LeaderCare retreat on the topic of Relational Formation. This year participants can choose from two teaching tracks: LEADERSHIP and DEVOTIONAL
Who:
This retreat is for pastors, seminarians, ministry staff, congregational leaders, and spouses all across LCMC. Our hope is that participants will be equipped, refreshed, and recharged for all that God has in store.
What:
Choose from 2 tracks:
1) Leadership track with Chrisian Huntley
Faith is Not a Solo Sport
God calls us to be in relationship with himself and one another. In our lives we have been shaped and formed, by personality and experience, to relate to the world. How can we relate to others in ways that are whole, healthy, and God-honoring?
2) Devotional track with Barbara Hoover
Mission Accountability Groups
A tool for fulfilling the Great Commission
We have a purpose = Matthew 28:19-20. Why is this important and how can we use Mission Accountability Groups to fulfil this purpose and intentionally create Christian community?
When:
Stay tuned for 2026 dates!
Where:
Our Winter Retreat is held in Concan, Texas, a beautiful resort community located along the Frio River. The Dream Catcher, Barefoot and Rain Dancer cabins serve as our retreat home. Each is designed to host large family gatherings in various sleeping accommodations. We do our best to accommodate married couples in private rooms with queen bedrooms, but we may not be able to do so depending on the total number of registrants.
Cost:
Traditionally, cost is around $120 per person.
How:
Stay tuned for 2026 registration!
Questions?
Contact Bryce Formwalt at 512.942.7776.
LeaderCare is a new initiative designed to assist LCMC congregations in their call to carry out the mission of the gospel by developing healthy leaders.
Local Clergy Conferences
Texas is big.
We live in the internet-age, where distance is no longer an obstacle to communication. Even so, our pastors frequently get together the old fashioned way: in person. With a Bible in one hand and a mug of coffee in the other, they engage in deep theology and casual chit-chat, and everyone goes home better for the exchange.
