Each fall, rostered ministers gather together for the Bishop’s Theological Conference (BTC).

With time for worship, theological reflection, deep conversation, rest, golf, canoeing, and friendship, there is something for everyone. The synod’s rostered ministers make this event a priority every year and leave feeling better equipped for ministry in their contexts. The 2025 BTC Planning Team members are Bishop Nagel, Pastor Siri Strommen, Pastor Raul Garcia III, Pastor Jenny Sung, Pastor Jason Wahlstrom, and Pastor Christine Belfrey.

2025 Bishop’s Theological Conference

Thank you for joining us on September 28 – 30, 2025
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, Alexandria

“Baptism in Muddy Waters”

Read bishop Jen’s reflection on the 2025 BTC

Previous Themes

The 2024 Ministerium theme was Searching for the Sound with presenter Catherine Meeks.

The 2023 Bishop’s Theological Conference, Searching for the Sound of the Genuine as We Heal Our Divide, featured Dr. Catherine Meeks.

List of books that Catherine listed during her presentations

The 2022 Bishop’s Theological Conference, Facing the Wilderness: Embracing a Path, featured speakers Ched Myers and Elaine Enns, and workshop leader Jim Bear Jacobs.

The 2020 Bishop’s Theological Conference, Jubilee Reclaimed: The Time is Now,  was a Zoom experience featuring speakers Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda and Bishop Yeheil Curry.

Zoom Recording Part 1
Zoom Recording Part 2
Zoom Recording Part 3

The 2019 Bishop’s Theological Conference was titled, “Does Scripture Matter? Engaging the Bible in the 21st Century.” The speakers were Dr. Michael Chan, Rev. Babette Chatman, Rev. Tania Haber, and Rev. Martha Schwehn Bardwell.

Former Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson presented on “Serving the Gospel for Such a Time as This.”

Gathered under the theme, “Your Next Bold Step: Faithful Leadership for a Time Such as This,” rostered ministers enjoyed presentations by Rev. Heidi Neumark and had table discussions with colleagues.

Held September 25-27, the 2016 Conference was titled, “Real Presence: With our neighbors, in our neighborhoods.” Rostered ministers left feeling inspired and equipped with practical resources for leading people intotheir neighborhoods, work places, gyms, daycare centers, and schools. Speakers included Rev. Kris Capel, Rev. Meta Carlson, Rev. Chaplain Nancy Carlson, Rev. Kelly Chatman, and Rev. Rob Moss.

The 2015 Bishop’s Theological Conference, Faith and Public Voice, was held at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd, September 27-29. Speakers included the Rev. Barbara Lundblad, the Rev. Peter Rogness, and Ms. Judith Roberts. Rostered leaders gathered around tables to discuss the role of clergy in the public square.

The 2014 conference, held September 14-16, was titled, “A New Pentecost: Becoming a Culturally Competent Leader.” Attendees heard from Dr. Eric Barreto, Jessica Vazquez Torres, and Rev. Kelly Chatman.

Held September 22-24, the 2013 Bishop’s Theological Conference was titled, “Practice Discipleship!” and featured key speakers Terri Elton, Jeremy Myers, Rozella White, and Hans Wiersma.