Pastoral Conferences
General Pastoral Conference
2027 General Pastoral Conference
2027 NID General Pastoral Conference Planning Committee
Chairman – Phillip Fischaber
Vice-Chairman – Stephen Anderson
Secretary – Eli Voigt
Treasurer – Jim Barbey
Registrar – Eli Voigt
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
2027 Conference Dates: May 10-12, 2027
Topic and Speakers:
Rev. Dr. Tom Egger, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and professor of exegetical theology, will talk about Genesis, and Rev. Dr. Mark Rockenbach, professor of practical theology at CSL, will present on pastoral counseling for 6th Commandment issues.
Regional Pastoral 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 Dates: September 22-24, 2026
(Please note: This is Tuesday – Thursday)
Location: Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, One Lodge Ln, Oglesby, IL 61348
Room rate – $190 per night. Deadline for block of rooms – August 24, 2026. Number to call for reservations: 815-667-4211 (Front Desk). Mention “Pastors’ Conference” or “Block ID# 23561”
Registration fees:
Pastors – $110.00
Emeritus/Vicar – $50.00
Pastor’s Spouse – $80.00
Emeritus/Vicar Spouse $40.00
Exhibitors $110.00
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. Dan Greg (Zion, Bensenville), Rev. Dr. Edward Naumann (St. Paul, Brookfield), Rev. Matt Zickler (Grace, Western Springs)
2026 Conference Dates: October 19-21, 2026
Location: DeKoven Center, 2000 Wisconsin Ave, Racine, WI 53403
We are going to feature the Rev.Dr. Kevin S. Golden, main speaker. Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden is associate professor of Exegetical Theology, dean of Theological Research and Publication, and director of Resident Field Education at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. His research experience includes Hosea (he is the author of “Hosea” in the Concordia Commentary Series), biblical usage of the divine name, Genesis 6-9, Jonah, the Book of the Twelve (Minor Prophets) and biblical intertextuality. As you can see, we are going to delve deep into the Old Testament.
We also have the Fireside chat Monday night (starts at 5:30 p.m. with dinner), and the Rev. Ralph Tausz will be our moderator (to get the ball going). This is a time to debate many questions, like: 01) Is ordination an indelible mark, or do we Lutherans see it in a differing light? 02) Can you preach without a regular call (and what is that)? 03) OK, you decide.
There will be ample time to hear from our President and his staff, so bring your questions. A chaplain will be on hand as well for conversation. I do believe LCEF will have some interesting plans for our Tuesday night gathering.
Costs:
Two Nights (meals and Fireside chat) – Single room is $115 / Double room is $95.
One Night Stay (meals) – Single room is $85 / Double room is $65.
Conference only, commuting only (includes meals) – $40
We are also offering scholarships for any and all that cannot afford the conference; please contact Pastor Prentice, your conference chair to inquire.
Contact at: pastor.prentice@comcast.net
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, 2026
Monday evening gathering
Tuesday all day
Wednesday until noon