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 2024 BTC Planning Team members are Bishop Nagel, VP Felecia Boone, Pr. Jen Collins, Pr. Ryan Fletcher, Pr. David Larson Martínez, and Pr. Siri Strommen.

2024 Bishop’s Theological Conference

September 29 – October 1, 2024
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, Alexandria

“Living and leading faithfully in tense times”

Moving into the fall 2024 election cycle, tensions are high. Whatever your context, these are challenging times to be a leader, to be a human. Join the rostered leaders of Minneapolis Area Synod for this year’s Bishop’s Theological Conference at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center near Alexandria. Together we will explore what it means to live and lead faithfully in tense and often anxious times. We will ground ourselves in worship, be fed around the table, share in community, and savor ample free time and some renewal.

Rev. DeWayne Davis and Rev. Aaron Fuller will lead plenary sessions as we reflect together on ways our theology and tradition root us in this moment and equip us for pastoral care, preaching, and engagement. Rev. Beth Horsch, Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe, and Rev. DeWayne Davis will be part of a lively two-part panel discussion focused on preaching.

Check out the agenda

Exciting Details!

Thanks to a sponsorship from Mission Investment Fund, we will be offering free headshots with a professional photographer for all attendees who would like to get one! The times for when these will be offered will be announced soon, but plan to bring what you might need for that photo.

We will be using Peace of the Prairie: a liturgy for here and now during worship. This worship was created by Rev. Meta Herrick Carlson and Carol Meier. You will be among the first to enjoy this beautiful new liturgy!

Thanks for joining us at the 2023 Bishop’s Theological Conference:
Searching for the Sound of the Genuine as We Heal Our Divide

September 24 – 26, 2023
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, Alexandria

Previous Themes

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.