2025-2026 NID General Pastoral Conference Planning Committee

Chairman – Phillip Fischaber
Vice-Chairman – Eli Voigt
Secretary – vacant
Treasurer – Jim Barbey
Registrar – vacant

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 will be announced as available.

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 Dates: September 22-24, 2026 

Location:  Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, One Lodge Ln, Oglesby, IL 61348

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: The East Region 2026 Conference will again be at the Dekoven Center in Racine, Wisconsin. It is a quaint and prayerful place, with the chapel a few yards from where we stay. The food is good, the beds are not bad, and when we gather in the evening, it’s just a few steps to bed.

We are going to feature the Rev.Dr. Kevin S. Golden as the main speaker. He 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:

1. Is ordination an indelible mark, or do we Lutherans see it in a differing light?
2. Can you preach without a regular call (and what is that)?
3. 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.

Schedule, costs, and registration will be forthcoming soon.

Questions? Contact Pastor Prentice at pastor.prentice@comcast.net.

North/West Region Pastoral Conference

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.