Throughout the year, events are held throughout the LCMC community to help connect congregations, train and care for church leaders, and support youth in the local church. From our Annual Gathering & Convention, to in-person retreats and gatherings, to zoom meetings, there are many opportunities for church leaders coming up in 2026. If you haven’t checked it out lately, please visit the Calendar Page on our website. Every day ... [...]
The Annual Gathering can be unforgettable for those who attend, but what if the impact reached all the way back home? Here’s how you can bring the experience with you. [...]
If you are planning on attending our upcoming Annual Gathering & Convention, this is your reminder to register and book your hotel accommodations. The discounted "early bird" registration rate for the event ends July 31, so if you haven't already done so, there is still time to register online and beat the price increase. As you are making your travel plans, don't forget to book your hotel ... [...]
Fifty-four days ago (but who is counting?) I began my new role as service coordinator of LCMC. It is an honor to be selected for this position by the Board of Trustees and I look forward to the work we will do together in the future. But before we look ahead, we thought we’d take a quick look back on 2025 so far. In January, the Board of Trustees opened up the application process for a new service coordinator. Mike Bradley ... [...]
Registration is officially open for our 25th Annual Gathering & Convention, and this year, we have so much to celebrate! In light of our twenty-fifth anniversary, we will be gathering together under the theme "Our Help and Hope". Taking inspiration from 1 Corinthians 3:10-13 and Psalm 127, we will discuss the theological and historical foundations on which LCMC was built, explore how and why some of our leaders are part of ... [...]
I would like to invite our over 1,000 congregations in 16 countries around the globe to join us for LCMC’s annual Three Days of Prayer on January 7-9, 2025. As we gather together as one association on those days let us pray for our families, our churches, our leaders and members, and for those who do not yet know Jesus. No matter how you structure this time of prayer, let’s come together as an ass [...]
There are a lot of exciting developments in the realm of districts and fellowships in LCMC. One new district has been created. Several more are in the works. The possibilities for fellowships are limited only by the imaginations of our members. The regional and interest-based networking that happens through districts and fellowships is vital to the future of LCMC. During the Annual Gathering there will be a few opportunities to learn more ... [...]
This year’s Annual Gathering will once again feature a number of “meet and greets.” These meetings on Tuesday afternoon of the gathering will provide an opportunity to meet other LCMC members who share the same areas of interest and involvement in their congregations. Participants will be able to learn from, encourage, and pray for one another. This year’s “meet and greets” will ... [...]
Going to the LCMC Annual Gathering this fall? If so, stop over and see us at our booth. There will be a prize wheel and treats. We will have answers to all of your questions regarding retirement, saving and investments, housing allowance distributions during retirement, and how to enroll in the plan. Also, be sure to check out and sign up for the "Saving Through the LCMC Retirement Plan" breakout ... [...]
One of the joys for me as LCMC Service Coordinator is to see all of you coming together at our Annual Gathering each year. It blesses my heart to see you connecting and enjoying one another’s company, and to hear you encouraging and praying for one another. With that said, I do want to mention that space will be limited this year to fit our facility, so the earlier you get your registrations in, t [...]
Registration is now open for our 24th Annual Gathering & Convention! The event, themed “Engaging Your Cultural Moment”, takes place September 29 - October 2 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church* in Marion IA. Together, we will explore how the cultural moments happening all around us can be seen not as something negative, but as potential opportunities for carrying out the Great Commission. [...]
If you're planning on joining us for our upcoming summer youth event, next Monday, April 1 is the last day to sign up! The LCMC Youth Gathering is designed to be a leadership development experience for both students and student leaders. Everything at this youth event is designed to empower youth ministry in the local church and to encourage students to consider the vocation of ministry in the future. The event takes place July ... [...]
With a new budget year and the turning of the calendar often comes planning for new goals and new learning. LCMC is fortunate to have great educational partners, district and association resources that support pastors and lay leaders. How are you going to grow in ministry this year? How are you supporting your staff, ministry volunteers, and councils grow? [...]
Attending this year's Annual Gathering & Convention? Be sure to register by August 15 to get the discounted rate! This year’s theme is All Hands on Deck, and make no mistake, we need you all there. Please consider joining us October 1-4 in St. Charles, MO. [...]
From the very beginning, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ has boldly declared a clear focus on “mission.” Our mission for Christ and His kingdom includes sharing the gospel to all the world. Our mission is always a global mission. With this compelling focus in mind, immediately preceding the upcoming LCMC Annual Gathering & Convention near St. Louis, all delegates, pastors, and visitors planning to attend the ... [...]
We’re about to set forth on a new adventure and we would love for you to come along! It’s no secret that we’ve grown quite a bit since we held our first Annual Gathering & Convention in 2001, but with that growth comes many new challenges, questions, and opportunities. Consequently, it is time for us to join together and intentionally take a look at who we are and where we need to go from here. Our nickname for ... [...]
One of the greatest gifts God has given me in all my years of ministry in the Church has been to be on mission with those I love. I have been so blessed by multiple relationships with men and women who I can truly call safe-place people in my life. And having those relationships has given me a place to share the issues of life and ministry I’m facing and receive help to navigate those issues in healthier and more effective ways rather ... [...]
When a new pastor comes to a congregation, there is a honeymoon period that can last as long as two years, or as little as two weeks! Those first months of a new call are critical to both the pastor and congregation to form healthy habits and dialog to arrive safely at a longer-term ministry. LCMC is offering a New Call Orientation workshop this fall to help pastors and congregations to get off on the right foot. There will ... [...]
This fall there will be two online Zoom trainings for developing tools for conflict resolution: Conflict Coaches Training is to train up coaches who can assist congregations and pastors in conflict resolution in their respective areas of the country. Congregational Conflict Team Training is for congregations to develop their very own conflict teams to help their congregation develop good processes for conflict ... [...]
I love slowing down and resting in God’s presence, at times alone and at other times in the presence of others. One of the ways I experience this is in moments of worship and prayer with the community of sisters and brothers in Christ. Therefore, I am excited to announce that we will have an opportunity to do just that at our upcoming Annual Gathering & Convention. On Tuesday, October 4, we will gather at 7:00 P.M. at Hosanna ... [...]
Seminary students are invited to join us October 1-2, 2022 at Hosanna Church in Lakeville, MN for our next Seminarian Retreat. The retreat is an opportunity for LCMC seminarians to come together to experience fellowship, learn about issues related to vocational ministry in LCMC, become more aware of our association’s DNA, and ask questions. Registration for the retreat is being handled separately from Annual Gathering ... [...]
Registration is now open online and by mail for our 22nd Annual Gathering & Convention. The event includes speakers, fellowship meet-ups, breakout sessions, worship, and more! For the discounted rate, sign up by August 15. [...]
Hosanna! Lutheran Church will be hosting a new retreat for retired pastors and spouses from August 29-31 at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp in Milford, IA. This event will give you an opportunity to connect with other retired pastors, be inspired, and hear helpful financial information…all at a cost you can’t refuse, even if you no longer have a church paying your way! [...]
From January 4-6, every congregation is invited to join together in prayer in celebration of the association's 10th Annual Three Days of Prayer. We realize that every congregation in LCMC is different. Consequently, we invite you to structure this intentional time of prayer in any way that makes sense for your congregation. In past years, some congregations have organized special events such as prayer vigils, services, ... [...]
Registration is officially open for our next national youth event, a leadership development experience for students and youth leaders designed to help empower the ministry of the local church. Our youth event offers a chance for students and youth leaders to connect with one another, explore God's call on their lives by participating in keynote presentations, breakout sessions, worship, and small groups, and take part in a service ... [...]