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!
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!
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
JULY 25-26, 2025
FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH
VICTORIA, TX
INFORMATION FOR EXHIBITORS, SPEAKERS, & SPONSORS
- 62 LCMC congregations in Texas
- 300+ attendees the past two years
- Exhibitor Table is FREE with registration
- 15+ breakouts are selected for presenting
- Sponsorships available for additional exposure
Join our email list to stay informed!
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
This year, we are thrilled to welcome:
Trevor Sutton, pastor of St. Luke in Haslett, MI and author of Redeeming Technology: A Christian Approach to Healthy Digital Habits and Clearly Christian: Following Jesus in this Age of Confusion
Steve Turnbull, pastor of Upper Arlington in Columbus, OH and Chair of the LCMC Board of Trustees
Christian Huntley, LCMC Coordinator for Leadership & Pastoral Development
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
St. Luke
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
Steve Turnbull
Upper Arlington
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 www.davidpetersonbooks.com 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.
2024 Gathering Highlights & Impact:
Questions?
Contact Bryce Formwalt at 512.942.7776.
Youth Gathering & Lock-in
Calling all youth in grades 6th – 12th!
Come and spend time worshipping, fellowshipping, playing, and enjoying time together this July in Victoria, Texas!
Join us as we learn and grow together!
More details and registration coming soon!
Questions?
Contact Chip Reynolds at chip_rey1@yahoo.com
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:
Sunday through Tuesday, February 2-4 or
Wednesday through Friday, February 5-7
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:
$120 – Includes lodging and meals.
*Early bird pricing ends on January 11, 2025
How:
Christian Huntley
Coordinator for Leadership and Pastoral Development
LCMC
Christian, his wife, Jenna, and their two children live in St. Croix River valley in Minnesota. When he is not working or building LEGOs with his girls, he enjoys being outside, preferably hunting, golfing, or around a bonfire. If he can be with people, he will try about anything. Christian 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 serve as a Chaplain with the local Sheriff’s office, caring for deputies and county residents alike.
Barbara Hoover
Texas District Council Member
Barbara is an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Dime Box, Texas where she teaches Sunday School and participates in local church outreach at Jehovah Jireh Tutoring Center. She also serves with the Lions Club, Via de Cristo, and youth prison ministry at Giddings State School. Barbara is passionate about connecting with others to support individuals and churches in mission for Christ.
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.
