“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4–5 ESV).
Abide. It seems simple: not working, not doing, not planning, not preparing, not teaching, not preaching, not organizing, not leading … just abiding. Simple, yet hard. When was the last time you had the opportunity or took the time to abide with Jesus—to be nourished, encouraged, forgiven, strengthened, and filled … by Him? During our PCWC 23, we will abide … as we worship together, receive together, and laugh together. We will celebrate and challenge one another—not only in the sharing of new ideas for ministry, but sharing a way of being and doing life and ministry together in Jesus! It’s time to abide.
Breakout Listing (updated 10/16/23) – Here is a listing of the breakouts. Please be sure to sign up for your preferred breakouts on the Conference app by October 27, 2023. Information about how to access the conference app or conference app website version will be available upon registration. Selection of breakouts will help determine room assignments.
When & Where
Grand Rapids
November 19 - November 21
DeVos Place Convention Center303 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Presenters
Keynote Speaker
Ann Voskamp
Ann Voskamp is a 4-time New York Times best-selling author of 10 books, including her most recent WayMaker, Finding the Way to the Life You Always Dreamed. Ann has an M.A. in evangelism and leadership from Wheaton College, Ill., and is pursuing her D.Min. also from Wheaton. You can find her at www.annvoskamp.com or instagram/annvoskamp.
Keynote Speaker
Micah Parker
Dr. Parker is the Vice President for Athletics at California Baptist University, founder of Trust Guy Ministries, and a published author on peer motivation and leadership in athletics. His unique blend of humor and biblical truth has made him a sought-after speaker. He has a B.A. from Concordia University Nebraska, Seward; and an M.A. in Education Sport Pedagogy and a Ph.D. in Education Administration and Leadership from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Entertainer
Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson retired in 2012 from the Detroit Lions after 21 seasons as one of NFL’s most productive kickers. He ranks first in almost every statistical category for a place kicker in Lions’ history and is the 4th all-time highest scorer in NFL history. He holds the NFL record for most games played with one team (327). When Jason retired, he held the NFL record for most 40-yard field goals and most 50-yard field goals. After a standout collegiate career at Washington State University, he was named to the Pac-12 Football All Century Team as the kicker. He was later inducted into the College Academic All-America® Hall of Fame, and in 2020 he was only the second kicker in history to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Jason is an active speaker in the Christian community and helped establish Providence Youth Outreach, which helped at-risk youth in Pontiac, Michigan. He is married to Kathleen, and they have three children.
Registration
Event registration is open!
Registration Costs: $200/person (includes Monday lunch and banquet meal)
Late Registration:$300/person for all attendees after October 15.
Additional costs: Hotel reservations are to be made on your own. Information is available below (in the Additional Information Section).
Multi-Person Registration Available If you would like to register your entire staff together on one registration, please contact Hannah MacAfee via email or phone at 734.665.3791 ext 235 to request your congregations PCW Bulk Submission Excel File. Instructions for how to complete this registration can be found here. Before registering members of your staff on your bulk registration form, check with them to ensure they didn't register as an individual.
Have Questions? - Read the PCW 23 - FAQ Document
Exhibitors - Exhibitor registration is now CLOSED!
Standard Booth: $500
Premium Booth: $600
Non-profit Tables: $300
Exhibitor Prospectus (updated 9/21/23) - Please read this document carefully for complete information about exhibitor / sponsorship opportunities.
Exhibitor fee includes 1 complimentary representative. Additional representatives are $200 each/$300 each after October 1).
Booth/Table assignments as well as sponsorship opportunities will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Individual (& spouse) Registration
$300 Late Registration
Includes programming and 2 meals
Multi Staff Registration
$300 Late Registration
Includes programming and 2 meals
Online registration for multi-staff is now closed. If you still need to register your multi-staff please contact Hannah MacAfee at the District Office.
Compassion Ministry
In support of the Michigan District Critical Targets, specifically Great Compassion Ministry, the Professional Church Workers Conference has partnered with Alpha Grand Rapids and Guiding Light. Supporting these Christian ministries that offer healing, help, and hope for the future will be a great witness to the greater Grand Rapids area.
You can donate individually at each of their websites:
Alpha Grand Rapids or Guiding Light
The worship offering that will be taken at the conference will also be split between these two organizations.
Additional Information
Hotel
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton – STILL AVAILABLE – KING ROOMS ONLY
187 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Rate $ 139 + 9 % occupancy tax, plus sales tax if applicable
Parking – $15 Self Parking / $20 Valet
Call 800.253.3590 for reservations and mention Michigan District, LCMS/Professional Church Worker Conference or reserve online at Amway Grand Plaza.
Courtyard by Marriot Grand Rapids Downtown – AVAILABLE – DOUBLE QUEEN & KING ROOMS
(Also connected to DeVos Place)
11 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Rate $ 134 + 9 % occupancy tax, plus sales tax if applicable
Parking – $15 Self Parking
Call 877.901.6632 for reservations and mention Michigan District, LCMS/Professional Church Worker Conference or reserve online at Courtyard by Marriott.
Deadline is November 2, 2023.
SCECH Hours
SCECH hours will be available for the PCW conference. A total of 5.5 for each attendee are available. The Keynote and Breakouts that are eligible are noted in the Breakout Listing and on the Conference App.
Sponsors
Church Extension Fund
Concordia Plans
Wellspring Lutheran Services
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Michigan District, LCMS