STRENGTHENING PARISHES, PASTORS, CHURCH WORKERS AND PARISHIONERS

You’re invited to participate in the presentations and conversations that will examine a shared vision for cultivating a culture of care for congregational well-being and health.

What is the program about?

Pastors, church workers, lay leaders and all parishioners will consider together: What does it mean for a parish to flourish? What might it mean for the congregation’s workers to flourish in the work they have been given to do? Congregations exist primarily to distribute our Lord’s Word and Sacraments, and they do this work through their Called pastors and servants.

This ENCOURAGED & EQUIPPED event is directly connected to this holy work by focusing lay leaders and church workers on our Lord’s design for congregations as distributors of the means of grace. When a congregation is renewed in her focus, unity, clarity of purpose, and gratitude for blessings of parishes, pastors, workers and laity serving others, it invigorates the saints in the mission to nurture souls both in and beyond our congregations.

Who is invited?

• Pastors and their wives
• Commissioned Ministers and spouses
• Elected church officers, boards, committee members
• Every lay person who loves his Lord and His Church

Cost

There is no cost to attend this program. It is sponsored by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Office of National Mission.

What kind of topics will be discussed?

This renewal will

• Create a shared understanding of the church as God’s work
• Build constructive pathways during congregational conflict and challenges with help and healing
• Create an awareness of the threats of church worker isolation burnout and churchly pre-emption strategies
• Engender thinking together about shared expectations and problem-solving in the parish
• Fostering a shared understanding of the Church as God’s work and how He makes His Church grow.
• Discussing what may be helpful as your parish and people may continue to enjoy Jesus’ promise “That my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)
• Developing concrete take aways for you and your parish

Those attending will enjoy:

• Spiritual refreshment and renewal
• Increased awareness/sensitivity to the complexities of the church and her mission
• Understanding wellness challenges church workers face
• Determining how to be advocates for church workers and parish
• Discussing helpful goals – as participants shape an ACTION PLAN for their congregation.

Upcoming Encouraged & Equipped Events

November 21, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Toledo, Ohio. Registration Opening Soon

December 5, 2026 at Memorial Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas. Registration Opening Soon