The Church in a Secular Age: Why things feel so hard and our best intentions may hurt more than help
Thursday, May 14, 2026; 8:30am-2:00pm
Location: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Cloud MN

We as a church find ourselves at a crossroads of secularization and the polarization of Christianity, with a decline in mainline congregations in the middle. The Great River Conference invites congregational leaders (both rostered leaders and lay leaders) to a presentation on “The Church in a Secular Age” with Dr. Andy Root at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud MN on Thursday, May 14. Dr. Root is a prolific author and professor at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, teaching theology of ministry, youth ministry, and culture, often focusing on the intersection of faith and the secular age. The schedule for the day is: Check-in & Refreshments 8:30-9:30, Dr. Andy Root 9:30-12:00, Lunch 12-1, Small Groups 1:00-2:00. Thanks to a grant from the SW MN Synod Lunch is included free of charge with your registration.

RSVP is required for anyone wanting Lunch (Boxed Lunches from Panera Bread), no later than May 10.