Healthy Pastor. Healthy Congregation.
2026 Pastors Conference | October 12–13
Ministry can take everything out of you. Often pastors pour out for everyone else while running on empty themselves. This October, join pastors from across the Texas District for two days built around one simple truth: a healthy congregation starts with a healthy pastor.
Our keynote speakers, Rev. Dr. Justin Hannemann and Rev. Dr. Mark Hannemann, co-founders of Grace Point Institute for Relational Health, will guide us through practical, faith-rooted tools for tending to your own well-being, spiritually, relationally, and emotionally, so you can lead with strength instead of running on fumes. You’ll also have the chance to dig deeper in breakout sessions led by Rev. Ben Gonzales, Rev. John Messmann, Rev. Jim Otte, and others.
The full agenda is still coming together, but you won’t want to wait to save your spot. Early bird pricing is available now, and it won’t last! Register today and be part of a conference designed to send you home equipped with real, healthy decisions you can put into practice right away.
Super Early Bird (by Aug 2): $50
Early Bird (by Aug 30): $60
Regular (by Oct 4): $70
Late (Oct 5–onsite): $80
Secure your place today and enjoy the lowest rate before prices go up! REGISTER NOW
Schedule:
A Prayer Gathering is being held the evening before the pastors conference on Sunday, October 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Point of Grace Lutheran Church. The evening begins with an hour in the prayer room, where worship will play in the background as you’re invited to pray using guided resources at your own pace. Then an hour of corporate prayer and worship, led by the Texas District Prayer Team, focused on praying for laborers for the harvest and offering a dedicated time of ministry and prayer over pastors and leaders. Come be refreshed and join in seeking the Lord together!
Monday
Noon – 1 pm Private Confession and Absolution, Rev. Peter Kolb, St. Mark
1 pm Opening welcome and devotion
1:15 pm Session 1: Secure Pastor, Rev. Dr. Justin Hannemann
Every pastor leads from a place of security or insecurity, and that posture shapes how we handle criticism, conflict, and the weight of ministry. In this session, Rev. Dr. Justin Hannemann will unpack the markers of a secure versus insecure pastor and offer practical ways to lead from a settled, secure heart.
2:30 pm Break
2:45 pm Session 2: Trinity of Vocation, Rev. Dr. Justin Hannemann
Every pastor stands at the intersection of three realities: role, person, self. Unresolved barriers in the self quietly shape how the person carries the role. This session explores why no pastor can fill every role expected of them, and how leading with humble security frees us to serve faithfully within our limits rather than striving against them.
4:00 pm Break
4:15 pm Sectionals
Heart Over Hustle: Prayer and Pastors Who Pray, Rev. Ben Gonzales
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily hustle of church leadership—managing calendars, planning events, and searching for the next great strategy. But lasting spiritual impact doesn’t come from better programs; it flows from an authentic connection with God.
This will be an encouraging session where we step back from the busyness of ministry to refresh our hearts. Grounded in the truth that the Holy Spirit moves through consecrated people rather than human programs, attendees will examine the essential role of personal prayer in public ministry, discuss practical ways to prioritize intercession amidst heavy leadership demands, and discover how to cultivate a ministry marked by God’s presence rather than your own energy.
Healthy Intercultural Partnerships in Mission Plants, Rev. John Messmann, D. Min.
The thrill of new Gospel ventures is often tempered by the risks of the unknown, particularly when differing cultures engage. In the Spirit of Christ, we can cultivate healthy partnerships among planters, host congregations, and the district, making space for fruitful work…and joy!
Soul Care in Transitions, Rev. Jim Otte
This session focuses on healthy soul care practices while enduring the stresses of transitions. Among the transitions are: Red Line/Blue Line; gains & losses; professional career shifts; etc. Among the soul care practices are: converting expectations into hopes; healthy ratio management; creating anti-anxiety habits; etc
When Ministry Gets Heavy: Supporting Mental Health in Ourselves and Others, Concordia Plan Services
Every pastor encounters seasons when the demands of ministry feel especially heavy. Whether supporting grieving families, navigating conflict, managing transitions, or carrying the concerns of others, pastors benefit from practical tools that strengthen emotional and spiritual resilience. This session will help participants identify common signs of mental health challenges, explore healthy responses to stress, and learn simple ways to support individuals who may be struggling. Attendees will leave with greater confidence to care for themselves, care for others, and foster a culture where seeking help is seen as an act of faithful stewardship rather than weakness.
5:15 – 6:15 pm Private Confession and Absolution, Rev. Peter Kolb, St. Mark
5:30 pm Dinner on your own
Tuesday
7:45 – 8:45 am Private Confession and Absolution, Rev. Peter Kolb, St. Mark
8:45 am Opening devotion
9:00 am Session 3: Lessons from the Broom Tree, Rev. Dr. Mark Hannemann
This session explores the current state of pastors, their challenges, the impact of stress, and the danger of burnout in light of the ministry of Elijah.
10:15 am Break
10:30 am Session 4: Emotional Intelligence in the Service of Seelsorge: Why EQ Matters in Ministry, Rev. Dr. Mark Hannemann
This session takes a fresh look at EQ and its significance in ministry, and suggests a possible EQ for Luther and for Jesus.
11:45 am Itinerarium
11:45 am – 1:45 pm Private Confession and Absolution, Rev. Peter Kolb, St. Mark
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.