‘Making Disciples for Life’ Initial Gathering set for January

(LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

Registration is now open for the first of many gatherings to be held under the theme Making Disciples for Life (MDFL), a new Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) initiative to provide resources, training and opportunities for congregations as they witness to Christ and His eternal gifts.

The gathering, set for Jan. 9–11 at the LCMS International Center (IC) in St. Louis, is open to all LCMS laypeople, pastors and church workers. Participants will have the opportunity to listen, learn and share as they exchange ideas and encourage one another.

LCMS Office of National Mission Executive Director Rev. Robert Zagore describes the gathering as “a powerhouse event … unprecedented in terms of the number of ministry experts that will be present and the opportunities that conference participants will have to interact with them. This may be the most impressive small gathering the Synod has ever had.”

The first day of the gathering, titled “What We’ve Learned,” will feature presentations from Synod leaders on both their concerns and their joys as they reflect on the past and share their vision for the future.

Days two and three will include 12 breakout sessions on a variety of topics, along with opportunities for face-to-face conversations among parishioners, pastors, district officials and Synod leaders. Topics of breakout sessions include ministry to millennials, volunteer engagement and leading during disasters.

In addition, “tabletop” discussions will allow attendees to engage in conversations about key topics of their choosing. Participants in these conversations will include LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, Chief Mission Officer Rev. Kevin Robson, and a host of LCMS ministry directors (see list below). Worldwide KFUO will be broadcasting live interviews with many of the speakers.

The MDFL Initial Gathering begins Thursday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m. and continues through Saturday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m. Registration is $50 per person and includes lunch on Friday and Saturday. Conference attendees should arrange for their own lodging.

For more information, or to register, see lcms.org/making-disciples-gathering.

MDFL Initial Gathering Confirmed Speakers

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison

Rev. Dr. John Sias

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League President Debbie Larson

Rev. Kevin Robson

Rev. Dr. James Baneck

Rev. Daniel McMiller

Rev. Robert Zagore

Mr. Mark Hofman

Rev. Heath Curtis

Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray Jr.

Deaconess Maryann Hayter

Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson

Rev. Mark Kiessling

Rev. Todd Kollbaum

Deaconess Dorothy Krans

Rev. Michael Meyer

Deaconess Cara Patton

Rev. Dr. Steven Schave

Dr. Rebecca Schmidt

Rev. Dr. Mark Wood

Rev. Marcus Zill

Deaconess Pamela Nielsen

Dr. Kevin Armbrust

Mr. Peter Slayton

Mr. Rudy Blank

Register online
Posted Nov. 19, 2019