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2025-2026 NID General Pastoral Conference Planning Committee
Chairman – Phillip Fischaber
Vice-Chairman – Eli Voigt
Secretary – Benjamin Hayter
Treasurer – Kevin Koester
Registrar – Jim Barbey
Program
North – Jonathan Petzold
East – Michael Duffy
South – Julian LaMie
West – Jesus Morales
Nominations
North – Zac Patterson
East – Phil Robarge
South – Cory Estby
West – Phil Allman
2026 Conference Dates: May 4-6, 2026
Topic and Speakers:
Rev. Dr. Ken Schurb and Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer
In addition to expanding to two main speakers, we will add two new features to the conference, “Rejoice with Me Brothers” and “Bear One Another’s Burdens” (Romans 12:15 and Galatians 6:2). Seven pastors will be selected beforehand to share the joys of their ministry with the group, so that we may celebrate together God’s gracious work among us. There will also be an opportunity to discuss challenges in small groups and so bear one another’s burdens and lift one another up.
Location: Post Hall Ballroom, 100 W 2nd St, Dixon, IL 61021
Accommodations: The hotel for the conference is the Fairfield by Marriott Dixon, 1755 Fulfs Ln, Dixon, IL 61021. It is just off of I-88 and minutes away from the conference venue. They offer double queen, king, and king suite rooms. All rooms are available at our special group rate for &169.00 per night regardless of room type. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at 779-251-2222 or emailing janell.loos@marriott.com. You must mention the group name NID LCMS Pastoral Conference to receive the group rate. Deadline for group rate is April 5, 2026.
Registration:
Registration deadline is April 13, 2026
Fee for pastors and NID staff: $100.00
Fee for vicars, emeriti, spouses: $75.00
Fee for exhibitor tables: $100
All meals will be included. Register here
Regional Pastor Conferences
South Region Pastoral Conference
Chairman: Rev. Christopher Antonetti (St. Paul’s, Lockport)
Vice-Chairman: Rev. Benjamin Hayter (Zion, Chebanse)
Secretary: Rev. Cory Estby (Zion, Grant Park)
Registrar/Treasurer: Rev. Brian Mayo (Salem, Homewood)
Program Committee: Rev. Larry Ruger, (St. Paul, Matteson), Rev. Matt Carlson (Our Savior, Joliet), Rev. Roger Drinnon (St. Paul’s, Bourbonnais), Rev. Jackson Scofield (River of Life, Channahon)
2026 Conference Information will be shared when available
East Region Pastoral Conference
Chairman: Rev. David Prentice (Faith, Westchester)
Vice chairman: Rev. Leonard Peyton (St. John, Forest Park)
Treasurer: Rev. Carlos Ortiz-Lugo (Holy Cross, Chicago)
Secretary: Rev. Steve Warren (St. Paul, Chicago)
Registrar: Rev. Michael Duffy (St. Paul, Melrose Park)
Program Committee Members: Rev. Jacob Erhard (St. John, Chicago), Rev. Dr. Edward Naumann (St. Paul, Brookfield), Rev. Matt Zickler (Grace, Western Springs)
2026 Conference Information will be shared when available
North/West Region Pastoral Conference
Chairman: Rev. Jamie Holt (St. Mark’s, St. Charles)
Vice chairman: Rev. Matt Hoffman (St. Andrews, Park Ridge)
Treasurer: Rev. Micah Greiner (St. Peter, Arlington Heights)
Registrar: Rev. Matt Conrad (Cross, Yorkville)
Secretary: Rev. Jamie Holt (St. Mark’s, St. Charles)
Program Committee: Rev. Erik Gauss (Cross, Yorkville), Rev. Jorge Mazariegos (Vida y Fe, West Dundee), Rev. Jonathan Petzold (Beautiful Savior, Antioch)
Nominations Committee: Rev. Braun Campbell (Immanuel, Belvidere), Rev, Peter Imlah (St. John’s, Lombard), Rev. Jeremy Latzke (St. John’s, Algonquin)
2026 Conference Dates: October 12-14, 26
Monday evening gathering
Tuesday all day
Wednesday until noon
Conference locations
DeKoven Center in Racine, Wisconsin, is the site where East Region pastors meet.
South Region pastors set their conference in the scenic Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois.
Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan, Wisconsin, is host location for the North and West Region combined conference.