Education leaders gather in Savannah

The Conference for Education Executives (CONFEDEX) met Dec. 8–10, 2024, in Savannah, Ga. CONFEDEX is a group of LCMS district education executives, placement directors at Concordia University System institutions, and leaders in youth and family ministries who meet annually to discuss matters of interest and concern regarding Lutheran education and youth ministry.

The 2024 gathering included:

A presentation on “The Anxious Generation” from Chris McKenna, founder and director of Protect Young Eyes, an organization dedicated to helping families, schools and churches create safer digital spaces for young people.

An update from William A. Schranz, director of Colloquy, Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb. Schranz reported on graduation/placement statistics for all of the Concordia universities, both individually and as a group.

Presentations from a variety of Synod offices and entities, including Set Apart to Serve (SAS), the LCMS Office of National Mission, LCMS Colloquy, LCMS Youth Ministry, LCMS School Ministry, Lutheran Church Extension Fund and Concordia Plan Services.

Glenn Rollins, manager of SAS, was one of the attendees as well as a presenter. Of particular note, Rollins said, was the Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling’s presentation focused on helping district education executives understand how they can support youth leaders in the months leading up to the 2025 Youth Gathering, taking place later this year in New Orleans.

Rollins also highlighted LCMS School Ministry Director Dr. Al Freeman’s comprehensive review of School Ministry resources, as well as a thorough update on commissioned ministry colloquy from LCMS First Vice-President Rev. Peter Lange and Concordia University Education Network (CUEnet) Executive Director Rev. Dr. Paul Philp. “I think the district education executives were impressed that this program is moving forward in so many ways,” Rollins said.

Posted Feb. 13, 2025