Pastors Conferences
2024 Minnesota State
Pastors’ Conference
Click on any of the links below to go directly to that portion of the page.
MN South BOD Proposed Governance Change
Over the past year and a half, the Board of Directors for the Minnesota South District have been learning about the advantages of a hybrid policy governance structure. This is the model and structure the Synod Board of Directors uses to conduct its work. Making a change to this governance model clarifies the fiduciary responsibility of the Board and the Ecclesiastical Supervision of the District President and aligns it with the Synod’s governance practices. A change would primarily impact how the Board goes about its fiduciary business, however doing so would require changes in the MNS District’s Bylaws.
View a presentation of the proposed changes.
The final opportunity to attend a forum regarding the MN South Board of Directors Proposed Governance Change will take place on September 16, 2024 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Owatonna, MN (2500 7th Ave NE, Owatonna, MN 55060).
Pastors Conference Photo Gallery
Step 1: Conference Registration
Conference REGISTRATION indicates your attendance at the conference. All those attending must complete the Conference Registration.
Active pastors: if you are unable to attend, please complete the Absentee Form in addition to the Conference Registration. The registration fee is payable even if you are unable to attend. Please submit your reason for absence to Keith Grimm, MN South Secretary.
The REGISTRATION FEE for the conference is $75. Beginning May 1st, the registration fee increases to $100. The registration fee is payable even if you are unable to attend. Online payment is accepted through PayPal. Those who are unable to use this platform should choose the pay by check option and bring a check to the conference or send it to:
MN North District
Attn: Diana Ruopp
PO Box 604
Brainerd, MN 56401
Emeritus pastors, chaplains, vicars, and candidates are not required to attend the conference. However, for those wishing to attend, the registration fee is complimentary, but you MUST complete the registration form. You are responsible for lodging and meals at your own cost. If you choose to stay at Maddens, the meals are included in the reservation package. If you are staying off-site but would like to receive meals through Maddens (including the banquet on Tuesday night), please indicate this on the registration form and make your payment.
Click on “REGISTER NOW” on the image above or click here to REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE. Please note that you should only purchase individual meals if you will NOT be staying at Madden's. Individual meals must be purchased by April 30th.
Register early! The registration fee will go up on May 1st to $100.
Step 2:
Lodging at Maddens
Conference LODGING RESERVATIONS at MADDENS are for those attending who would like to stay at Maddens on Gull Lake. The package includes two nights lodging at Maddens, six meals (including the banquet on Tuesday night), various amenities at Maddens, service charge and tax. You may add an early arrival on Sunday at a reduced rate if you wish.
Do NOT order meals on the Conference Registration (Step 1) if you will be staying at Maddens as they are included in the package. If you will NOT be staying at Madden's, you may purchase individual meals with your registration.
LODGING RESERVATIONS for Maddens on Gull Lake occurs directly through the resort. Please click on “MAKE A RESERVATION” on the image above or click here for detailed information on cost, payment options, and reservation contacts. Online reservation is now closed. Please call Maddens directly at 800-642-5363 to check availability and make your reservation.
OFF-SITE LODGING: Other local hotels include, but are not limited to
Arrowwood Lodge | 218-822-5634
Baymont by Wyndham | 218-822-1133
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | 218-297-4816
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites | 218-824-3232
You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations.
Rev. Dr. David R. Maxwell
FEATURING KEYNOTE Speakers:
Rev. Dr. David R. Maxwell delivered the keynote presentations on Monday, May 13. View his presentation here.
He provided this description of his address:
The widespread attention given to ChatGPT last year has brought the advances in the field of artificial intelligence into the public consciousness. While no one knows exactly how the field will progress, it seems likely that more astonishing advances are on the horizon—advances that will doubtless raise theological questions about what it means to be human. This presentation offers some suggestions about how we might start thinking about those theological questions now.
Dr. David R. Maxwell is the Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis since 2004. He received his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. (2003); a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) from Concordia Seminary (1995, 1997); a Master of Arts (M.A.) from Washington University in St. Louis (1995); and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Texas in Austin (1991). He was ordained at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elkhart, Ind. (2003).
At the Seminary, he teaches courses in systematic theology, patristics, history of exegesis and Latin. His primary research interest is the early church, particularly the Christological controversies of the fourth through sixth centuries. He also works in the field of patristic exegesis.
Dr. Angus Menuge
Dr. Angus Menuge delivered the keynote presentations on Wednesday, May 15. View “We Are Not Just Computers” and “AI, Transhumanism, and Dignity.”
The general abstract for his sessions is as follows:
There is no doubt that AI is a useful tool that can automate many tasks and accelerate human productivity. But we must not forget biblical anthropology. It is human beings (not machines) that are made in the image of God, and for whom Christ died. Our distinctive nature is witnessed by important differences between human beings and computers. We are gifted with conscious awareness and understanding of our world, and we are made for relationship with God and neighbor. We are not trapped inside code, but can become aware of our true condition as sinners who need Christ, by a recognition of God’s transcendent standard. We have a deeper understanding of language, because we are logos beings created by God’s Word. While in a sense, AI is creative, we have a higher level of creativity than machines. Machines are limited to the rules programmed into them and to their training history, but human beings can access universals, visualize new designs, and discover new ideas and inventions. In this context, the church must continue to serve as society’s conscience, opposing the materialism that reduces human beings to technology, and the utilitarian view that people are to be valued only for what they can do, not for what they are, precious children of God whom God created for eternal fellowship with Him.
Angus J. L. Menuge is Chair of the Philosophy Department and Co-Chair of the Classical Education Program at Concordia University Wisconsin. He was raised in England and became an American citizen in 2005. He holds a BA (Honors, First Class) in philosophy from Warwick University, the MA and PhD in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the DCA (Diploma in Christian Apologetics) from the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism, and Human Rights. Angus has written many peer-reviewed and popular articles on the philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, philosophy of law, apologetics, C. S. Lewis, and the foundation of ethics. Angus is past president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society (2012-2018).
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing
Bible Study Leader
The Tuesday morning Bible study will be led by Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Professor of Theology and Ministry at Concordia University and Director of the Center for Biblical Studies, and the Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies.
Making the Case for Lamentations
Lamentations is one of the most neglected books in the Bible. It appears to be a hodgepodge of strident protests, endless weeping, and unending sorrow. A closer look, though, reveals that the book teaches much about emotions and pastoral care. It also opens up insights into Isaiah 40–55 as well the New Testament’s use of laments. Based upon his forthcoming CPH commentary on Lamentations (May, 2025), this presentation will argue that Lamentations is a book whose time has come.
Rev. Dr. Lessing is the author of five commentaries in the Concordia Commentary Series —Isaiah 40–55, Isaiah 56–66, Amos, Jonah, and Zechariah—a sixth, on Lamentations, is in progress. He has written two additional books on the Old Testament, sermon series, Bible Studies, and devotional booklets for Concordia Publishing House, Concordia Seminary, and Creative Communications for the Parish.
Rev. Dr. Lessing will also lead an exegetical study as an optional workshop on Tuesday afternoon.
Conference Agenda
The conference agenda (draft - updated 05.01.24) includes time for devotion, worship, learning, business, socialization, and recreation! Click on the button for the agenda draft.
Tuesday Afternoon Workshops
For those who prefer gathering information on Tuesday afternoon, take in one of the following workshops.
Preschool - Grade 8
Best Practices
Sean Martens
MNN & MNS Education Executive
Public Policy
Rev. Fred Hinz
MNN & MNS Public Policy Advocate
AI Integration in Ministry
Dr. Laurie Friedrich
Concordia University St. Paul
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Professor of Theology and Ministry at Concordia University and Director of the Center for Biblical Studies, The Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies
Exegetical Study
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing
Professor of Theology and Ministry at Concordia University and Director of the Center for Biblical Studies, and the Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies.
New Morning Mercies: A Study on Lamentations 3:22–33
Based upon his forthcoming CPH commentary on the book of Lamentations (May, 2025), this study will provide preaching insights into Lamentations 3:22–33—the Old Testament lesson for June 30th in the Three-Year Lectionary Series.
Tuesday Afternoon Recreation
Upon arriving at Maddens, remember to sign up for FUN at the registration table!
Here are a few of the choices for Tuesday afternoon.
Golf (discounted fees)
Pickleball
Axe Throwing
Shuffleboard
For the Ladies!
Ladies Tea
Monday @ 3 pm
Featuring Dr. Stacy Lung, Lutheran Island Camp Executive Director
Ladies Bible Study
Tuesday @ 11 am
Led by Dr. Stacy Lung, Lutheran Island Camp Executive Director
Ladies Fellowship
Wednesday @ 9:30 am
Adventure Cove Playground
Exhibition Hall
While at Maddens, be sure to take a walk through the Exhibition Hall, located on the lower level.
The Exhibition Hall hours will be:
Monday, May 13 from 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Tuesday, May 14 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
EXHIBITOR registration
Exhibitors are welcome to set up in the lower level exhibitor hall beginning at 10:00 am on Monday. The exhibit hall will be open on Monday, May 13th from 1:00 - 5:00 pm and on Tuesday, May 14th from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Please view the conference agenda and plan accordingly. Please note that group meals are included in the lodging package at Madden's. If you will NOT be staying at Madden's, you may participate in the group meals by purchasing tickets here. Additional restaurant options are available onsite and in the area.
