Christians in general, and Christian families in particular, are under spiritual and cultural attack. The result has been more families being broken and more individuals, especially the young, leaving their faith and inevitably our churches.
The typical fight-or-flight psychological reactions can readily be seen. Some churches and individuals who sense that their values and beliefs are under attack have embraced the flight response by isolating themselves from the community. Other churches and individuals have chosen the fight response using Scripture and reason to point a loud, glaring finger at the failings and fallacies of culture and loved ones.
The goal of this conference—recognizing and rejoicing in the love of God for the world and the inspired truths of His Word—is to propose and examine a third response reflecting the Apostle Paul’s method of engaging the culture (and our relatives) by “speaking the truth in love.” This also reflects Jesus’ approach to sinners.
Our prayer—and the goal of this conference—is that we all develop the capacity to engage the culture as we also seek to retain our young people (children and grandchildren) through healthy interactions under the blessing of our Lord.
Conference Documents
Theological Conference 2020 Booklet
Theological Conference – Master Presentation File
Rev. Dr. Robert D. Newton – Eternal Word, Changing Worlds – Full Outline
When & Where
Lansing
February 1, 2020 @ 8:30 am - 3:15 pm
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lansing7910 E. St. Joe Hwy
Lansing, MI, 48917
Presenters
Keynote Speaker
Rev. Dr. Robert D. Newton
A former missionary to the Philippines, Rev. Dr. Newton served over the years as professor of world missions, pastor, and district president. He retired in 2018.
Keynote Speaker
Rev. Dr. Dean W. Nadasdy
Rev. Dr. Dean Nadasdy is President Emeritus of the Minnesota South District of the LCMS. He also served as Vice President of the LCMS for 6 years. His parish experience includes pastorates in Minnesota and Oregon.
Keynote Speaker
Mrs. Heather L. Ruesch
Heather Ruesch is a well-respected life issues educator and author of Sexuality Mentality, Creating a Culture of Biblical Integrity (CPH).
Keynote Speaker
Rev. R. Gabe Kasper
Rev. Gabe Kasper is the Pastor at University Lutheran Chapel at the University of Michigan.
Facilitator
Rev. Randy S. Duncan
Rev. Randy Duncan is the Campus Pastor at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA). He also served as a church planter and was the founding missionary of People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO).
Moderator
Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier
President Maier attended Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. After his Ordination on August 15, 1982, he served as Mission Pastor of Our Savior in Marlette, Mich. as well as Youth Pastor and interim Head Pastor at St. Peter in Arlington Heights, Ill. In 1989, he was called to Our Savior, Lansing as Administrative/Senior Pastor where he served until he was elected President of the Michigan District, LCMS in June of 2009. In addition to serving as Michigan District President, he also serves as Chairman of the LCMS Council of Presidents.
Registration
Registration is closed.
Registration Costs:
General: $20/person (includes lunch)
Student: $15/person (includes lunch)
Livestream: This event will be available to livestream; however, you must register in advance to receive the link which will be emailed to you the week before the event. Also please note that, due to copyrights, slides will not be shown in the live feed.
Compassion Ministry
In support of Michigan District “Great Compassion Ministry,” the conference will partner with Our Savior Food Bank and Youth Haven Ranch.
The Our Savior Food Bank is one of the largest in Ingham County, serving 10,000 people a year (almost a hundred people a day each day it is open, 3 days a week.) In addition to the food they get through the Greater Lansing Food Bank, they also provide clothing, school supplies, toiletries, and hygiene products.
Please consider bringing one or more of the items below to support the ministry:
FOODS
Soups (especially Noodle, Vegetable, and Tomato) | Canned Vegetables
Instant Potatoes | Ketchup | Pasta | Pasta Sauce
Juice | Cereal | Baking Mixes (Jiffy/Bisquick)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Bibles – especially for children | Coats, Gloves, Mittens, – all sizes and both male and female
Diapers (all / any) size and Wipes | Dish Soap, Hand Soap, Paper Towels, Kleenex
Shampoo/Conditioner | Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Youth Haven Ranch is committed to meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of disadvantaged children. This includes boys and girls living in foster care, single-parent families, or low-income homes, as well as children who have experienced abuse, neglect, gang violence, or even a parent in prison.
Their free weekend and summer camps, Kids’ Club after school programs, and follow-up programs give troubled kids a chance to get away from their difficult circumstances and have fun with other kids their age. They learn they are loved, valued, and have the potential to do something great with their lives. Most importantly, they discover God loves them, created them for a purpose, and will never leave them, no matter what they might be going through.
Please consider bringing one or more of the items below to support the ministry:
New and Gently Used Clothes & Toys for children ages 7-13.
Media Kit
Bulletin Insert – 1/2 Sheet Color
Bulletin Insert – 1/2 Sheet Black/White
Wide Screen JPG (for presentations)
Standard Screen JPG (for presentations)
Quarter Page Ad JPG (for use in newsletters etc.)