Do we live in such a way that people are curious about what motivates us to live distinctively different lives? And if they did ask us, would we be prepared to give an account of the hope that is within us?
Don’t miss our Congregational Ministry Summit that will help you both be better enabled to live a life that evokes questions and be better prepared to give an account of that inner hope in Christ.
Our theme verse is 1 Peter 3:15 “… but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
As we prepare for the Michigan District-LCMS Congregational Ministry Summit and Michigan LLL’s Lutheran Hour Rally Worship Service, January 31 and February 1, 2026, respectively, with Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler (Lutheran Hour Speaker) as keynote speaker, be encouraged to engage with an excellent Bible study provided by Lutheran Hour Ministries entitled Patient Urgency. The video-based materials are great for individual study or with a small group. They are free from our ministry partners at Lutheran Hour Ministries if you create an account and log in. Here’s the link: Patient Urgency.
For more information about the Lutheran Hour Rally Worship Service on February 1, 2026 visit: www.mi-lll.org.
When & Where
Frankenmuth
January 31, 2026
St. Lorenz Worship and Event Center850 W Genesee St
Frankenmuth, MI, 48734
Presenters
Keynote Speaker
Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler
Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler began serving with Lutheran Hour Ministries as Speaker of The Lutheran Hour in October 2018. Prior to that, he served as pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church (2014-2018) and assistant pastor at Timothy Lutheran Church (2012-2014), both in St. Louis. Before becoming a pastor, he served as an aircraft maintenance officer in the Air Force.
Breakout Speaker
Rev. Dr. Todd A. Biermann
Rev. Dr. Todd A. Biermann serves as Executive Director of Concordia Center for the Family (CCF). He had previously served as a parish pastor for 33 years, and also led an international ministry, Life in God’s Way, along with his wife Heather. Rev. Dr. Biermann has a B.A. from Concordia University Nebraska, an M.Div. from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., and a D.Min. from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Breakout Speaker
Autumn Casiglia
Autumn Casiglia is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, Bible teacher, and speaker. She has a private practice specializing in mental health, marriage, and family counseling. Autumn is also the Adult Ministry Director at Faith, Troy. She received her B.A. in biblical studies and psychology from William Tyndale College, and her M.A in psychology from Wayne State University.
Breakout Speaker
Rev. David A. Davis
Rev. David A. Davis attended Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. After his ordination on January 8, 1984, he served as pastor of four different congregations, all in Michigan: St. Matthew, Spring Lake; St. Paul, Trenton; Immanuel, Grand Rapids; and St. Luke, Haslett/Lansing. Rev. Davis is the 13th president since the founding of the Michigan District, LCMS in 1881. He is currently serving his second term in office.
Breakout Speaker
Rev. Dr. Randy Duncan
Rev. Dr. Randy Duncan is the Pastor of Campus Mission at University Lutheran Chapel, Ann Arbor and the point person for the Campus Ministry Network of the Michigan District. Prior to this, Randy was the Campus Pastor and adjunct professor at Concordia University Ann Arbor. He has planted nine churches and is the co-author of Lutheranism 101 (CPH). Randy is a graduate of Concordia University Ann Arbor. He received his M.Div. from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. and his D.Ed. degree from Concordia University Wisconsin.
Breakout Speaker
Rev. Randy Johnson
Rev. Randy Johnson, ordained in 2002, served Mt. Hope, Allen Park; was a missionary at large for the New Buffalo Mission; and pastor at St. John, Cheboygan. He currently serves as the Director of District Facilitators and is responsible for working closely with congregations in the West Region while also overseeing the two other District Facilitators.
Breakout Speaker
Rev. Dan Meckes
Rev. Daniel Meckes began his ministry in 1983 as a DCE in Carmel, Ind. He was ordained in 1989 and has served Trinity, Reese; St. Matthew, Walled Lake; Faith, Bay City; Living Word, Rochester; and Journey, Oxford. In 2021, he was called part-time as a Michigan District Facilitator and later began serving full-time covering the Metro East and Metro West regions.
Breakout Speaker
Rev. Christopher Paavola
Since 2022, Chris Paavola has served as the Senior Pastor at St. Mark, Battle Creek (Cereal City USA!). Before that, he had stints as a church planter, worship director, and youth director. Chris and his wife Ashley have been married 20 years and have five kids through adoption and foster care.
Breakout Speaker
Rev. Jim Richter
Rev. Jim Richter is the pastor of The Vine Church. He received his M.Div. from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. and has served five churches, four of which are church plants. Jim also spearheads the Harvest Partnership movement in the Michigan District.
Breakout Speaker
Eric Smith
Eric Smith has served at Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw, Mich. for over 20 years. He is currently the full-time Fitness and Strength Coach and Assistant Football Coach. Eric is a member of the Michigan District State Track Committee and Advisor for the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. He brings strong leadership and a faith-driven approach to mentoring students and athletes.
Breakout Speaker
Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow
Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow is the Director of Mission Development for the Michigan District. He is a former missionary to Africa (Kenya and Morocco). He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and served as a professor of theology at Concordia University Portland and Concordia University Ann Arbor. He joined the district staff in June 2025.
Registration
Registration is now open.
Deadline to register and guarantee lunch is January 22, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Early Bird Registration Cost (includes boxed lunch):
- $35 General Registration / $40 after January 4
- $25 Students / $30 after January 4
- Livestream is free but you must register to receive the link.
Registration - In Person
$35/$25
Registration - Livestream
FREE
Compassion Ministry
In support of the Michigan District Critical Targets, specifically Great Compassion Ministry, the Congregational Ministry Summit is partnering with the Life Clinic of Saginaw.
They have a donation wish list: Amazon Wish List.
Or, if you’d like to make a donation, you can do that here: weblink.donorperfect.com/LifeClinicdonations.
Media Kit
Bulletin Insert (pdf file)
16×9 Wide Screen Promo Slide – png file
4×3 Standard Screen Promo Slide – png file
Promo Video (YouTube – 2 minutes) | Promo Video 2 (YouTube – 7 minutes)
Additional Information
Hotel Room Block Available
A room block is available. You are responsible for your lodging costs.
Comfort Inn, Birch Run
11911 Dixie Hwy, Birch Run 48415
989.624.777
$190++ | Group Code 5209240
Deadline to reserve is January 9, 2026.