How do we prepare our congregation/community to engage in a culture that says there is no truth, their identity is bound in their race, class, and gender, and their purpose is to fight the oppressors? Come to the conference and gain insight as to why this has occurred and how to shape the path forward.
When & Where
Grand Rapids
October 13 - October 15
Drury Inn Grand Rapids, MI5175 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI, 49152
Presenters
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Brad Alles
Dr. Brad Alles is an Associate Professor of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin, with 38 years of teaching experience. Besides speaking nationally in 26 states, Alles has two books: Life’s Big Questions, God’s Big Answers and Starting at the End. He also has a DVD called Big Questions, Biblical Answers which is also available on Vimeo. You can visit his website, which focuses on apologetics and worldviews, at bradalles.com.
Counselor
Mrs. Mandy Vergin
Mandy Vergin is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She has a B.A. in Theological Studies from Concordia University Chicago and an M.A. in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University, as well as a Level 2 Certification in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. She utilizes all of this to offer faith-based counseling to individuals and couples. Mandy owns a practice (New Mercies Counseling Services, LLC) and works in the Grand Haven, Mich. area, where her husband serves as an LCMS pastor.
Registration
Registration is now open.
This conference is for church workers (commissioned and lay) in Michigan that are in the areas of Adult Ministry (Men’s, Women’s, etc), Assimilation, Children’s Ministry, DCE, DFL, Discipleship, Family Life, Music/Worship Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Parish Assistant, Student Ministry, and Youth Ministry.
Registration cost:
Commuter: $75/person (includes programming and lunch only)
Single Occupancy:
$350/person (includes programming, 5 meals, and 2 nights lodging)
Double Occupancy:
$225/person (includes programming, 5 meals, and 2 nights lodging - shared room)
Late Fee: $50 late fee/person for registrations after September 13, 2025.
Registration
$Varies
Based on housing selection.
Additional Information
Counseling Sessions Available
A counselor, Mandy Vergin, will be available during the conference. You can sign up for a time slot here.
Sponsors
Church Extension Fund
Michigan District LCMS