Proclaiming the Word: 2025 and Beyond

The Big Idea and Questions: Contemporary society hears the Word in the context of the cultural milieu. How can pastors best proclaim the unchanging truth of God’s Word in a constantly changing contemporary context? What techniques, technologies, and approaches most readily connect with hearers today?

In an age of disenchantment, where God is rarely mentioned, much less taken seriously in the public sphere, preachers are called to speak of God and for God in the specific times in which we live. This conference will explore how preaching can awaken faith in a disenchanted world, inviting participants to consider how creativity and conversation can nurture a Scriptural imagination so that God may be seen and known in the world.

Save Your Spot and Save Big! Take advantage of our tiered registration pricing and register early for the best rates:

Super Early Bird (by Aug 1): $50
Early Bird (by Sept 1): $60
Regular (Sept 2–Oct 7): $70
Late (Oct 8–onsite): $80

Secure your place today and enjoy the lowest rate before prices go up! REGISTER NOW

Schedule:

Monday

1 pm Opening welcome and devotion

1:15 pm Session 1:  Disenchantment and the Scriptural Imaginary  (Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger and Rev. Dr. David Schmitt)

In this session, we will explore what it means to live in an age of disenchantment and how developing the Scriptural imaginary of God’s people might address their lives in a disenchanted world.

2:30 pm Break

2:45 pm Session 2:  Narrative Preaching – The Art of Credal Creativity (Rev. Dr. David Schmitt)

In this session, we will explore how narrative preaching is more than a technique. It is a theological act. Through the art of credal creativity, pastors will learn how to attend to and develop the characters of Scripture for the faithful formation of God’s people.

4:00 pm Break

4:15 pm Sectionals (Speakers include Pastor Matt Popovits, Pastor Zach McIntosh, Pastor Rance Settle, and Pastor Jason Schleicher):

“Preaching Grace Under Fire: Homiletical Strategies for Hostile Hearers” by Pastor Rance Settle, Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Flower Mound

In post-Christian America, 81% of religious “nones” grew up in church—they’re not ignorant of Christianity, they’re inoculated against it. Your congregation likely includes visiting family members, livestream critics, and seekers who think they already know what you’re going to say and have rejected it. How do you preach the unchanging Gospel to people who are predisposed against hearing it? This workshop explores homiletical techniques that penetrate cultural resistance: how to turn hostile energy into Gospel curiosity, how to use “vulnerable authority” to disarm hostility, and why your most difficult hearers might become your most enthusiastic converts.

“Pastor, I felt like you were talking to me”: From Relevant to Relational Preaching by Pastor Zach McIntosh, Zion Lutheran Church, Walburg

Preaching that truly connects begins with understanding both the biblical text and the cultural context—but it doesn’t stop there. Relevance matters, but relational preaching is what makes your message personal. In this session, we’ll explore how to better understand the people in your congregation, compassionately address their objections to Scripture, and draw from God’s work in your own life to help them recognize His work in theirs.

Series Preaching: Helping our People Focus and Learn by Pastor Jason Schleicher, Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball

People in our churches hear a plethora of daily messages. They deal with information overload through endless emails and texts, news updates, and social media videos with opinionated chatter. How does the Gospel message of salvation in Jesus through our weekly messages land in the noisy minds of our hearers? Come listen and participate in a workshop about series preaching. We CAN help our people focus and learn over a stretch of three, four, or more weeks. You WILL walk out of this session with practical sermon series ideas that will elevate God’s truths in our people’s distracted minds.

5:30 pm Dinner on your own

Tuesday

8:45 am Opening devotion

9:00 am Session 3:  Dialogical Preaching – The Sermon and the Congregational Conversation (Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger)

In this session, we will consider the sermon as part of a larger congregational conversation. This ongoing interchange between preacher and hearers directly impacts the sermon’s delivery and reception. Pastors will learn how to make the most of this conversation before, during, and after the sermon.

10:15 am Break

10:30 am Session 4:  Preacher’s Workshop – Putting Theory into Practice (Rev. Dr. Nafzger and Rev. Dr. Schmitt)

In this session, we will move from theology and theory to concrete practice. Together we will explore the lectionary readings for an upcoming Sunday and consider how the ideas we’ve been discussing in previous sessions can enhance our proclamation of the Gospel in today’s disenchanted context.

11:45 am Itinerarium

Hotel Recommendations:

For your consideration, here are three hotel options located near the Texas District Mission Support Center at 1221 Satellite View, Round Rock, TX. These are provided as references only, not recommendations:

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Round Rock (near Kalahari). Approx. 3 miles drive northeast of the Mission Support Center. Offers free breakfast and an outdoor pool

Hampton Inn Austin–Round Rock. Centrally located in Round Rock, about 4 miles south of the district office. Includes complimentary breakfast and family-friendly amenities

Embassy Suites by Hilton Round Rock. Near Bass Pro Drive, roughly 4–5 miles from the Mission Support Center. Features indoor pool, made‑to‑order breakfast, and free Wi‑Fi

Refund Policy:

We understand that plans can change! If you need to cancel your registration, please do so at least 30 days before the event to receive a full refund. Cancellations made fewer than 30 days prior are not eligible for a refund, as we’ve already committed resources to making the event a success.

Thank you for your understanding and support!