Sometimes it is about Elijah’s mountain (1 Kings 19:11–12). Sometimes it is about a valley. But always it is about a “low whisper” that overcomes the pandemonium and noise of the world. Throughout humanity’s broken history, there have been those called to live in a relationship with their Creator. Patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and pastors give voice to the eternal promise first made in Genesis 3. The Lord is not in the thunderous storm or in the violence of an earthquake or the destructive heat of a fire. Rather, He speaks through His servants in the “low whisper” of the Gospel. You are not alone! Join us as we encourage one another.
When & Where
Traverse City
May 6 - May 7
Great Wolf Lodge3575 N US Highway 31 S
Traverse City, MI, 49684
Presenters
Speaker
Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Gard
Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Gard holds a B.A. in History (Carthage College), a M.Div. (Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne), a M.A. in Hebrew Bible (University of Notre Dame), and a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible/Judaica, with minors in New Testament and Liturgics (University of Notre Dame). He was ordained in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 1984.
Gard served as a parish pastor from 1984 to 1988, when he was commissioned as a Lieutenant-Junior Grade in the Navy Reserve. During his years of military service, Gard also served from 1989-2014 at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW) as a professor of Exegetical Theology, Dean of the Graduate School, and Dean of Military Chaplaincy Programs. From 2014-2019, he served as President of Concordia University Chicago (CUC). Following his retirement from CUC, he has returned to CTSFW a guest professor.
The Lord has permitted him to serve the Gospel by ministering to civilian and military personnel, leading a growing University with international outreach, teaching Hebrew to future LCMS pastors, serving as an author and speaker across the country, comforting grieving families on 9/11, providing spiritual guidance to countless parishioners, military personnel and families, and students.
He and his wife Annette have three children and one grandchild.
Registration
Registration is now open.
Deadline to register is April 7, 2025.
Registration Costs:
Pastors, Vicars, Deacons & Wives: Early Bird $125/person | Late Registration $200/person
Emeriti & Wives: Early Bird $0/person | Late Registration $200/person
Exhibitors: Early Bird $150 + meals/electricity/extra tables | Late Registration $300
Additional Exhibitor Representatives $50/person
Deadline to register is April 7, 2025, after which prices go up to $200/person for ALL attendees / $300 for exhibitor booth.
Please Note:
- Hotel Registration is separate. See below for details.
- District makes Emeriti lodging reservations through April 7, 2025.
General Attendee Registration
$125
Early Bird Rate
Exhibitor Registration
$150
Early Bird Rate
Booth only – Additional cost for electricity, additional table, and meals.
Compassion Ministry
In support of the Michigan District Critical Targets, specifically Great Compassion Ministry, the West Pastors Conference 2025 has partnered with Love Thy Neighbor. For information about their ministry, you can visit their website: lovethyneighborgt.org/.
A wish list will be available in January.
Additional Information
Hotel Information:
Great Wolf Lodge
3575 US-31
Traverse City, MI 49684
866.478.9653 or online at www.greatwolf.com/traverse-city/plan – use block code: 2505WEST
$119 rate is subject to applicable taxes (you must provide sales tax paperwork to claim exemption) + $9.99 Daily Resort Fee
Deadline to book your room is April 7, 2025.
CEUs are available.
Complete this form, print, sign, and return to CSL.
Conference Sponsors
- Church Extension Fund
- Wellspring Lutheran Services
- Michigan District, LCMS