Registration is now open for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s (LCMS) 2019 Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM) Conference, to be held Nov. 14–16 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington–Minneapolis South in Minneapolis.
The theme of the 2019 conference is “Running with Endurance: Eyes Fixed on Jesus,” based on Hebrews 12:1–2.
Plenary speakers for the conference are the Rev. Todd Kollbaum, director of RSTM, and the Rev. Dr. Harold L. Senkbeil, executive director for DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel.
The Rev. Robert Zagore, executive director of the LCMS Office of National Mission, will lead daily Bible study on the conference theme.
The RSTM conference is open to anyone who has an interest in rural or small-town ministry, with topics and resources specifically suited to the rural and small-town mission field. Kollbaum says, “We hear from our attendees that the RSTM National Conference is one of the events that they consistently attend.
“For anyone serving in any capacity in a rural or small-town congregation, this conference is a must. You will be equipped and encouraged to continue serving in this most vital way.”
Attendees at the 2019 conference will be able to choose from a variety of breakout topics, including addiction, mental health, bi-vocational pastors, stewardship, community engagement, sex and marriage, education, disaster response and more.
Continuing education credits are available through Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.
The special track on youth ministry returns this year under the theme, “Speaking the Truth in Love.” The track has a limited number of seats and requires attendance at all six sessions.
Registration for the conference is $225 per person and includes all plenary and breakout sessions, materials, dinner on Thursday, and lunch and dinner on Friday. Special rates are available for children, students, couples, families, groups and those needing meals only.
Registration for the conference closes Sept. 1. Late registrations will be assessed a fee of $10 per person.
Hotel reservations must be made separately from registration for the conference. The deadline for hotel reservations is Sept. 28. Call 800-HILTONS or 952-835-7800 and specify that you are attending the LCMS 2019 National Rural & Small Town Mission Conference.
The conference’s negotiated hotel rate is $100 for a single or double, plus applicable taxes. The rate includes one breakfast buffet per day per occupant, complimentary self-parking and complimentary airport and Mall of America transportation on request.
Register- Visit lcms.org/rstm/conference for more information about the conference.
- Visit lcms.org/rstm to find out more about LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission, or contact RSTM Coordinator Amy Gerdts at 888-463-5127 or rstm@lcms.org.
Posted March 15, 2019