Finding Holy Focus In Rudderless Times: Insights, Groundings, And Strategies For Christian Leaders In The Midst Of Polarization And Decline
Spring Theological Conference
April 2, 2024 – April 4, 2024
Brookings, SD
We have all had the experiences recently of working through social, political, and religious situations where nothing we do as Christian leaders seems to move the mission before us forward and where we are criticized on all sides for any decisions we make. But even as the challenges around us ramp up, and the anxiety of the culture around us boils, there is a center and posture for our leadership that moves us from hopelessness to hopefulness. Come be inspired and empowered for the holy kingdom work that is before us all!
About Rev. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold
Our facilitator this year is Nathan Swenson-Reinhold. An ELCA pastor with 18 years of ordained ministry experience, he and his family reside in North Dallas, Texas, where his spouse serves at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church as the Pastor for Group Life. As for Nathan, his call is through the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod Council to Congregation Development and Support. He lives into this call now as a full time coach and consultant with an emphasis on empowering church leaders and teams who power ministries towards greater hopefulness, resourcefulness, generosity, and strategic effectiveness.
Nathan is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, and holds a doctorate in leadership and cultural architecture from Portland Seminary at George Fox University in Portland, Oregon. A coach trainer and facilitator of the ELCA, he holds a Professional Coaching Certification through the International Coaching Federation. The vehicles for his work are Summit Coaching and Behavioral Consulting, his personal shingle, and as a partner with GSB Fundraising. At this point in his journey of serving the church, he has worked with over 227 congregations and church leaders.
Speaker:
Nathan Swenson-Reinhold
ELCA Pastor, Coach, and Consultant
Summit Coaching and Behavioral Consulting
GSB Fundraising
Lodging
Lodging is available at two hotels in Brookings. First, a block is available at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites (3020 Lefevre Drive in Brookings) under the group name “South Dakota Synod.” You can reserve a room online here or call (605) 692-9060 to make reservations. Or, you can reserve a room at the Hampton Inn and Suites (3017 Lefevre Drive in Brookings) under the group name “South Dakota Synod.” You can reserve a room online here or call (605) 697-5232 to make reservations.
About the Conference
The 2024 Spring Theological Conference will be hosted by the Medary Conference and held in person at multiple locations in Brookings:
April 2nd: University Lutheran Center – 1404 8th St
April 3rd: Ascension Lutheran – 2030 3rd St (Morning) and Kool Beans Coffee/Mosaic Wine Bar – 225 Main Ave (Wednesday Banquet)
April 4th: First Lutheran – 337 8th St
Schedule
Tuesday, April 2nd
4:00 – 6:30 PM Hotel Check-in
5:00 – 6:30 PM Dinner (on your own)
5:00 – 6:30 PM Event Registration at the University Lutheran Center (ULC)
6:30 – 7:30 PM Opening Worship (ULC)
7:30 – 7:50 PM Speaker Introduction (ULC)
7:50 – 8:30 PM Bishop’s Time (ULC)
8:30 PM Social Time at the Lutheran Planned Generosity Suite (Hampton Inn)
Wednesday, April 3rd (at Ascension Lutheran):
9:00 – 10:15 AM Session I: Rev. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold
10:15 – 10:45 AM Coffee Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM Session II: Rev. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold
12:00 – 1:30 PM Lunch (Reserved Locations with Meal Hosts)
Wednesday, April 3rd (continued):
1:30 – 5:30 PM Free Time (On your own)
Evening Events at Kool Beans Coffee/Mosaic Wine Bar
5:30 – 6:00 PM Social Time
6:00 – 7:30 PM Banquet Dinner
7:30 PM Social Time
Thursday, April 4th (at First Lutheran):
9:00 – 10:00 AM Session III: Rev. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold
10:00 – 10:30 AM Coffee Break
10:30 – 11:30 AM Closing Worship
10:45 AM Closing Worship
Online Registration
Cost: $110
Registration closes Monday, March 18th.
