Being a Rostered Minister in a Changed and Changing World
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes
Location: First Lutheran Church, 1525 Three Cross Road, Milford, IA
Cost: $160
Deadline: Register by Oct. 11
The theme for Fall Theological stems from our 2026 Assembly Theme “We Are Here.”
We see the purpose of the reminder for ourselves and for our communities that the church of Western Iowa is still here. We are still present. We are still trying to serve our communities and proclaim the gospel.
Likewise, we also need to be realistic about the state that we find ourselves in. We need to be honest about the challenges that we are facing. Being honest about this can help us to know our launching point as we move forward (Here We Go, Assembly 2027) from a place of realism. Not from where we wish we were, not from where we remember from 50 years ago…but from “here.”
Invitation
This event will be limited to Rostered Leaders. Bishop Scott offers the following invitation:
“In March, the Conference of Bishops engaged in theological discussion and discernment about the present state of theological education within a church that is exploring alternate forms of congregational ministry. I would like to carry this same sensibility outward from the CoB to engage and include the rostered ministers of the Western Iowa Synod. Together we’ll wrestle with theological questions of this nature, while also acknowledging and exploring how the call into rostered ministry that we each experienced may have looked and felt very differently compared with how ministry is shaping up in our present reality.”
Required for all Rostered Leaders serving, SAMs, Candidates, Interims, & Pulpit Supply-even if retired. Retired pastors not serving do not need to attend. Church staff - those working with faith formation, youth, etc. are encouraged to attend.
The synods of Region 5 (the synods in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) are collaborating to present annual boundaries education for active rostered ministers and SAMs. The purpose of this collaboration is, in part, to show a shared commitment to boundaries education across the region, to create and sustain professional ministry leadership in our synods, for safety in our communities of faith, and to pool our resources to offer high quality educational events.
The collaborative boundaries education follows a three-year cycle covering Professional Boundaries, Gender Justice, and Racial Justice. This year’s focus is Racial Justice.
Participants are expected to be present for the entire event and to engage with the material presented as fully as they are able.
LOCATIONS
St. Olaf, Fort Dodge (239 N. 11th St.)
St. Mark, Sioux City (5200 Glenn Ave.)
Grace, Spirit Lake (801 Hill Ave.)
St. Paul, Treynor (12 Park St.)
COST: $100/person
Deadline: October 19th
Lunch & snacks will be provided. Please bring note taking materials & a digital device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop).
Rev. Scott Dalen has been installed as Bishop of the Western Iowa Synod, ELCA.
2025 Assembly Highlights
See highlights on the Assembly 2025 page.
Bishop Curry and Minnesota synod bishops
News
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