2026 Fall Theological Conference
Location: Little Crow Resort & Conference, Spicer MN
Dates: Sept. 27, Sunday Evening – Sept. 29, Tuesday Afternoon

Who are the People in Our Neighborhood?

How loving our neighbor and a prophetic witness both begin with knowing the people in our community. 

In this continuing season of unease, the 2026 Fall Theological Conference will help us consider how the places and people to which God calls us shape our ministry and our witness.  

• How do we come to know the unique context and the neighbors God has given us?  
• How much do place and context shape us?  
• How do we navigate a growing tension among people who seek to follow Jesus in our context? 
• How can we be faithful to God’s prophetic witness among the people entrusted to us?   

We will learn from: 

Ben Durheim, assistant professor of theology at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, Collegeville. Teaching courses in liturgical and sacramental theology, ethics, and systematics, Ben’s publishing has centered on the intersection between liturgy and ethics, ecumenism, liturgical and sacramental practice, and social ethics. His recent book, “Each in Our Own Language: Symbolization and Social Ethics in Rural America” (Fortress Press), explores the deep layers of meaning that contribute to an increasingly deep “rural-urban divide.” Through story, theological reflection, rural sociology, and his fresh teaching style, Durheim will help us consider how ministry might lean toward the social conditions where love flourishes for the sake of all.  

JUSTmove—Joe Davis and David Scherer—will bring their music, poetry, and storytelling to help us imagine how to bridge the many kinds of cultural differences we experience today and to facilitate movement and healing.  

Joe Davis is a spoken word artist and educator, facilitating intercultural and racial justice training to help people stay connected with each other.  

David Scherer, also known as AGAPE, engages people through music and teaching to bridge cultural anxiety and practice racial accompaniment. 

Together, they will team up to equip us to move from discomfort and avoidance to leadership with courageous conversation and belonging.

The 2026 Fall Theological Conference is planned especially for Pastors, Deacons, TEEM Students, Interns, Synod Authorized Lay Ministers currently serving a congregation, and paid staff youth coordinators. By action of the 1988 Synod Assembly, this conference has been designated as an “official synodical event.” This means that all pastors and deacons under call or appointment are expected to attend. If you need to be absent, please email Bishop Dee Pederson at [email protected] and CC Kristin Bakeberg, [email protected] in your email.

Registration Information

The registration fee is per person:
$150 regular registration
$100 per person reduced registration (only for grads awaiting first call, interns, on-leave-from-call, and retired pastors not serving in an interim position) The registration fee includes the conference fee, Monday lunch, snacks, and refreshments.

Full conference schedule will be posted in mid-august. 

Click here to register.
Registration Deadline: September 11th

Housing arrangements and cost are separate from the FTC registration fee.
All attendees are responsible for their own housing arrangements. The synod office has reserved a block of rooms at the Little Crow Hotel & Conference, Trademark by Wyndham where the conference will be held. The block of rooms is under the name: SWMNELCA Fall Conference (092726SWELCA). This block of rooms will be available until Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. Please call 320-347-1450 to make your room reservations.

Water’s Edge Ministries (Green Lake Bible Camp and Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp) also have housing options. Please call 320-796-2181 to check lodging availability.