Events Calendar

“Faith and Trust in God in Our Lives” Click here for the event flyer with the schedule. Click here for the registration form.

For many congregations, church-as-we-know-it is struggling and may soon vanish. When LeaderWise, as church consultants, work with congregations we often hear the same FIVE THEMES; however, these FIVE THEMES hinder congregations from stepping into the future. Read a recent article by Rev. Cindy Halvorson, a staff associate with LeaderWise about the FIVE THEMES and Why They […]

For many congregations, church-as-we-know-it is struggling and may soon vanish. When LeaderWise, as church consultants, work with congregations we often hear the same FIVE THEMES; however, these FIVE THEMES hinder congregations from stepping into the future. Read a recent article by Rev. Cindy Halvorson, a staff associate with LeaderWise about the FIVE THEMES and Why They […]

There will be three Zoom Meetings prior to the actual Assembly. They will take place the week of May 22-25. All voting members are encouraged to attend all three hearings. This is an opportunity to learn and ask questions regarding the 2025 Proposed Budget and 2024 Proposed Compensation Guidelines. The Assembly Orientation will provide directions for […]

There will be three Zoom Meetings prior to the actual Assembly. They will take place the week of May 22-25. All voting members are encouraged to attend all three hearings. This is an opportunity to learn and ask questions regarding the 2025 Proposed Budget and 2024 Proposed Compensation Guidelines. The Assembly Orientation will provide directions for […]

There will be three Zoom Meetings prior to the actual Assembly. They will take place the week of May 22-25. All voting members are encouraged to attend all three hearings. This is an opportunity to learn and ask questions regarding the 2025 Proposed Budget and 2024 Proposed Compensation Guidelines. The Assembly Orientation will provide directions for […]

SAVE THE DATES. June 9-10, 2023, in person, at Gustavus Adolphus College. View all information about the event. 

Get ready for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering! Join Pr. Jon Wendt, the SW MN Synod Gathering Champion, for an informational Zoom meeting about the upcoming 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. Sunday, August 13th @ 3pm Monday, August 14th @ 7pm Both Zoom gatherings will be the same presentation and will be […]

Get ready for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering! Join Pr. Jon Wendt, the SW MN Synod Gathering Champion, for an informational Zoom meeting about the upcoming 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. Sunday, August 13th @ 3pm Monday, August 14th @ 7pm Both Zoom gatherings will be the same presentation and will be […]

A Stewardship Zoom Training for Rostered Ministers led by GSB Fundraising What if your congregation told stories of the way that the people’s lives are impacted by your ministry? What if the people who generously give of their time and resources to your congregation knew that their giving made a difference? Rev. Pete Reuss will […]

A Stewardship Zoom Training for all congregation leaders led by GSB Fundraising Most church communications focus on WHAT the congregation does. We talk about the number of people fed at a dinner, or the number of kids in Sunday School, or the number of homebound visits the congregations makes. This information is nice but doesn’t […]

Location: Holiday Inn & Suites Airport, 2040 W. Russell St., Sioux Falls, SD. The 2023 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. In the liturgy of ordination, those called to rostered ministry commit, and ask God’s help, […]

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will join congregations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota on Oct. 17 at 12 p.m. Central time for a regional conversation on God’s Love Made Real. The Rev. Craig Schweitzer, bishop of the ELCA Western North Dakota Synod, will host […]

Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 American Lutheran Church, Windom 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Click here to register! Are you looking for a safe and brave space to address racism, but you’re not sure where to start? Are you looking to get away and talk about hard things that matter to you? Are you looking to […]

Save the Date Tuesday, November 21, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. In Person at the SW MN Synod Office in Redwood Falls, MN $40 per person Click here to register! Sexual misconduct by rostered and other religious leaders is one of the most serious challenges faced by the church today. Violation of the sacred […]

“Annual Meetings and Annual Budgets: A Time to Give Thanks and Look Ahead” Thursday, Nov. 30 - Zoom Gatherings: 2:00 p.m. for Rostered Ministers, 7:00 p.m. for Congregation Council Members. The agenda will include: -Word and Prayer -Brief synod news updates -Annual budgets and annual meetings do not need to be boring, dreaded, or confusing. […]

Come gather together as we enter the season of Advent with learning opportunities to equip congregations as we live the Word today!! Saturday, December 2, 2023 8:30am - 3:00pm Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar Click here to visit the Equipping Congregations Day webpage for the registration, schedule, and workshop description!! Are you registered? Please double check […]

Sunday, January 21, 2024 3:00pm at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. All are invited to attend. Individuals and congregations representing several different Christian denominations in southwest and west-central Minnesota, will gather together for an Ecumenical celebration of the Word of God. The service is held as part of the annual Week […]

This workshop can help bolster your skills in interviewing and negotiating compensation for a call in Ministry. Open to all women: Interested in adding these skills to their professional toolbox First call candidates preparing for interviews with congregations Female rostered leaders in mobility The same Zoom workshop is offered three separate times: Tuesday, January 23rd […]

Thursday, January 25th 2:00 p.m. - Session for Rostered Ministers 7:00 p.m. - Session for Lay Leaders Click here to RSVP. We've all been in situations where people have different expectations of each other; unclear and crossed-up expectations can lead to frustration. This is especially true in the church where relationships and expectations can take […]

This workshop can help bolster your skills in interviewing and negotiating compensation for a call in Ministry. Open to all women: Interested in adding these skills to their professional toolbox First call candidates preparing for interviews with congregations Female rostered leaders in mobility The same Zoom workshop is offered three separate times: Tuesday, January 23rd […]

This workshop can help bolster your skills in interviewing and negotiating compensation for a call in Ministry. Open to all women: Interested in adding these skills to their professional toolbox First call candidates preparing for interviews with congregations Female rostered leaders in mobility The same Zoom workshop is offered three separate times: Tuesday, January 23rd […]

Conference: Great River Date: Feb. 4th @ 2:30 p.m. Meeting Location: Zoom Conference Dean: Pr. John Gabrielson

Conference: Minnesota Valley Date: Feb. 4th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Peace Lutheran Church, Winthrop

Conference: Lakeland Date: Feb. 4th @ 4:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Faith Lutheran Church, Spicer

No matter where congregations are located, no matter the size, congregation leaders are aware that we need to plan for the safety and security of the people who come through our doors, staff and worshipers. Retired Kenyon Police Chief Lee Sjolander provides training to help you make plans to develop your own safety & security […]

Conference: Prairie Date: Feb. 18th @2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: First Lutheran Church, Marshall

Conference: Scenic Valley Date: Feb. 18th @2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Redwood Falls

Conference: Shetek Date: Feb. 18th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Christ Lutheran Church, Slayton

Conference: Lac Qui Parle Date: Feb. 18th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Our Savior’s Lutheran, Montevideo

Conference: Watonwan River Date: Feb. 25th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, Madelia

Conference: Crow River Date: Feb. 25th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Zion Lutheran Church, Litchfield

Conference: Glacial Ridge Date: March 3 @ 3:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, Alberta

Hospitality is part of our Christian call to discipleship. Come listen and consider what the Bible says about hospitality as well as how we live out Christian hospitality in the real-life situations we encounter in our congregations and personal lives. Thursday, March 14th 2:00 p.m. - Session for Rostered Ministers 7:00 p.m. - Session for […]

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church invites the SW MN Synod to a one hour listening session. Leaders from the commission will offer a short presentation on the Commission's charge and current work followed by a period of question and answer and then open listening. Personal information and identifying details will be redacted, but […]

Love Your Neighbor, Even When We Disagree  For All Men SW MN Synod Spring Gathering Flyer Saturday, April 13, 2024 Gloria Dei Church in Redwood Falls Schedule: 8:00 a.m. Registration / Rolls, Coffee, and Juice 9:00 Welcome and Bible Study Business Meeting -Fill vacancies on board: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Conference Reps. -Scholarship […]

In person at First Lutheran Church, 1114 Traverse Road, St. Peter, MN. Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 - 9:00am-3:00pm Presenter: Rev. Emily Carson Registration Deadline: April 16th $40 per person. Sexual misconduct by rostered and other religious leaders is one of the most serious challenges faced by the church today. Violation of the sacred trust between […]

When: June 7-8, 2024. Time: 6:00 pm. Friday to 5:00 pm. Saturday. Where: Gustavus Adolphus College, St Peter & Zoom Webinar. Click here to visit the Synod Assembly webpage for more information. 

When: June 7-8, 2024. Time: 6:00 pm. Friday to 5:00 pm. Saturday. Where: Gustavus Adolphus College, St Peter & Zoom Webinar. Click here to visit the Synod Assembly webpage for more information. 

Friday, July 19, 2024 at the Redwood Falls Golf Club, Redwood Falls, MN Registration: 2:30 pm Shotgun Start: 3:00 pm Price: $75.00 per golfer Includes GOLF CART, green fees, meal, prizes and a donation to LMM Help Grow Leaders in Rural Ministry! Fund for Leaders Endowment: The SW MN Synod Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) […]

Empower. Empowered. Empowering. August 6-8, 2024 Hilton Garden Inn, Sioux Falls, SD Click here to register! Women have been ordained for over 50 years, yet still experience challenges as we seek to live out our calls in this church. The ELCA is committed to improving the quality of calls for women in ministry. Seven synods […]

Thursday, October 3rd @ 7:00 pm This Zoom gathering is especially for Congregation Councils, Personnel Committees, and Rostered Ministers. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom Link in your email. Come hear an overview of the 2025 Synod Compensation Guidelines and how Portico Benefits figure into the definition of compensation for Rostered Ministers. Presenters: Pr. Janel […]

Location: Little Crow Resort & Conference Center: 15980 Hwy 23 NE, Spicer MN, 56288 Sunday Evening, October 6th - Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 Keynote Speaker: Professor Emeritus Timothy J. Wengert The 2024 Fall Theological Conference is planned especially for Pastors, Deacons, TEEM Students, Interns, Synod Authorized Lay Ministers currently serving a congregation, and paid staff […]

"Care for Creation and Ourselves" Friday, October 25 - Sunday, 27, 2024. Luther Crest Bible Camp, Alexandria, MN Join us for some time together learning about caring for our Earth’s resources, but also caring for ourselves and each other in a caring environment. Our speaker will be Pastor Krehl Stringer from Fergus Falls, who serves […]

Your voice can help set the direction of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. It all started with the survey. Remember that survey? Yeah, the synod survey launched at Synod Assembly! It’s been about 3 years since we’ve undertaken an effort like this, so it’s high time we created this opportunity to listen to you. Why? Because […]

Your voice can help set the direction of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. It all started with the survey. Remember that survey? Yeah, the synod survey launched at Synod Assembly! It’s been about 3 years since we’ve undertaken an effort like this, so it’s high time we created this opportunity to listen to you. Why? Because […]

Saturday, Nov. 2nd Location: Peace Lutheran Church 100 4th Ave SW, New London, MN 56273 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Schedule and workshop descriptions coming soon. Keynote Speaker: Angie Larson Executive Pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church, Alexandria MN. Lunch catered by Azteca Mexican Restaurant! "How can we get more people back in worship again?" Most of us […]

Location: SW MN Synod office, Redwood Falls

As the people of our nation vote for leaders at the national, state, and local levels, join online from across this synod for a brief, 20-minute time of prayer – Tuesday, Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m. The zoom link is below. Readings and prayers will be led by the Synod Staff and Conference Deans, from the […]