Indianapolis, Indiana
August 5-9, 2019
Lutheran Week 2019
Every year, the North American Lutheran Church gathers for Lutheran Week! The week is more than a conference, more than a church festival and much more than a business meeting. The NALC Lutheran Week is all of that and more!
This year’s theme is Walking by the Spirit with the Fruit of the Spirit.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
The events of Lutheran Week will include the annual Ventures in Youth Ministry Symposium, Women of the NALC Gathering, Carl E. Braaten-Robert D. Benne Lectures in Theology, Mission Festival and Convocation.
Our Speakers
We have a number of amazing plenary and workshop speakers this year
Ministry Expo
Each year, many parachurch ministries, seminaries, publishers and mission organizations attend Lutheran Week to provide a wealth of resources and partnership opportunities for our churches and leaders. Here is a short list of just some of our partners in attendance this year.
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Ventures in Youth Ministry Symposium: Day I
Gary & Laurie Pecuch
NALC Youth Ministry Coaches
An annual gathering of congregational leaders interested in developing a sustainable ministry to young people. This year's symposium will be devoted to networking and the sharing of ''Best Practices'' on topics chosen by the participants. Breakout sessions will also be offered. We are excited to be building on what we began last year in Denver.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ventures in Youth Ministry Symposium: Day II
Gary & Laurie Pecuch
NALC Youth Ministry Coaches
An annual gathering of congregational leaders interested in developing a sustainable ministry to young people. This year's symposium will be devoted to networking and the sharing of ''Best Practices'' on topics chosen by the participants. Breakout sessions will also be offered. We are excited to be building on what we began last year in Denver.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Women of the NALC Annual Gathering
Jacqui El Torro
Chair, Women of the NALC
Join women of the NALC gathered from across North America for a day of fellowship, Bible study, and business. The Rev. Leslie Haines, Executive Director of the Lutheran Military Veterans & Families Ministries (LMVFM) will be leading us in study of our theme verse, ''And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.'' –Hebrews 12:1b. There will be time to engage and share ideas with women from other churches and mission districts. Our time together will also include: selection of the Mission Bank recipients for 2019-2020, selection of new members for the WNALC Council, and approval of the WNALC budget. A visit from Bishop John Bradosky is also planned to share his wisdom with us. Join in this day-long annual gathering to be filled with strength and hope to bring back to your congregation and women's groups.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Braaten-Benne Lectures in Theology: Day I
The Rev. Ron Hoyum
Chair, Braaten-Benne Lectures in Theology
The Carl E. Braaten-Robert D. Benne Lectures in Theology have been an integral part of Lutheran Week since 2009. The event originated as the Lutheran CORE Theological Conference, and came under additional sponsorship from the North American Lutheran Church in 2010. In 2015, it was renamed in honor of Carl E. Braaten and Robert Benne, prominent Lutheran theologians who organized and conducted the theological lectures for their first five years (2010-2014). The Lectures reflect a commitment on the part of the North American Lutheran Church, the organizers of Lutheran Week, and the series steering committee to the significance of theology for the future of North American Lutheranism. Each year the series brings together leading theologians, biblical scholars and ethicists from across confessional and ecumenical boundaries to address key issues of Christian faith and practice. While the papers are scholarly in nature, presenters are asked to keep the local Church in mind. Each paper is followed by a question and answer session, with audience members determining the course of the discussion. One of the highlights of the annual event is the roundtable panel session at the close of the lectures. This yearly event gathers an audience composed of laypersons, students, pastors, professional scholars and denominational leaders.
The Rev. Ron Hoyum
Chair, Braaten-Benne Lectures in Theology
The Carl E. Braaten-Robert D. Benne Lectures in Theology have been an integral part of Lutheran Week since 2009. The event originated as the Lutheran CORE Theological Conference, and came under additional sponsorship from the North American Lutheran Church in 2010. In 2015, it was renamed in honor of Carl E. Braaten and Robert Benne, prominent Lutheran theologians who organized and conducted the theological lectures for their first five years (2010-2014). The Lectures reflect a commitment on the part of the North American Lutheran Church, the organizers of Lutheran Week, and the series steering committee to the significance of theology for the future of North American Lutheranism. Each year the series brings together leading theologians, biblical scholars and ethicists from across confessional and ecumenical boundaries to address key issues of Christian faith and practice. While the papers are scholarly in nature, presenters are asked to keep the local Church in mind. Each paper is followed by a question and answer session, with audience members determining the course of the discussion. One of the highlights of the annual event is the roundtable panel session at the close of the lectures. This yearly event gathers an audience composed of laypersons, students, pastors, professional scholars and denominational leaders.
1:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Mission Festival: Day I
The Rev. Gemechis Buba
Assistant to the Bishop for Missions
The NALC is committed to the renewal of all our congregations, working to develop and deliver resources that challenge and open the NALC to the work of the Holy Spirit in our ministry and mission. During Lutheran Week in Indianapolis, the Mission Festival is designed to inspire and serve as a resource to congregations for mission and discipleship. Key components include plenary sessions, worship, Bible study, panel Q & A, mission district meetings and breakout sessions focusing on specific areas of mission and discipleship relating to our theme.
The Rev. Mark Chavez
NALC General Secretary
Under the NALC Constitution, the responsibilities of the annual Convocation shall include: election of the bishop, the executive council and any other position requiring election; adoption of a budget for the subsequent calendar year; consideration of teaching statements; reception of reports; and other items of business as may be determined by the executive council or by the convocation.
Join us at this banquet in honor of Bishop John. Music and meditation provided by Steve Bell and Malcolm Guite.
The Rev. Mark Chavez
NALC General Secretary
Under the NALC Constitution, the responsibilities of the annual Convocation shall include: election of the bishop, the executive council and any other position requiring election; adoption of a budget for the subsequent calendar year; consideration of teaching statements; reception of reports; and other items of business as may be determined by the executive council or by the convocation.
Latest news
Read more about our latest news posts and be informed.
August 21, 2019
In August, 809 people attended Lutheran Week in Indianapolis, IN. Check out our Lutheran Week archives to download documents, watch videos, see photo albums and more!
August 1, 2019
Want to see what’s happening this year at Lutheran Week 2019? Follow along, learn about the sessions, or read the reports in this year’s guide!
July 9, 2019
While the room block at the Westin is sold out, we now have a contract with the Hyatt Regency (One South Capitol Ave, Indy)
June 21, 2019
We’ve made arrangements for reasonably priced parking through Gate Ten Events and Parking. If you are flying into the Indianapolis Airport, we recommend taking the GO Express shuttle to the Convention Center.
May 22, 2019
It’s Ventures in Youth Ministry registration time! To register, visit lutheranweek.com. Join us Aug. 5-6 in Indianapolis, Ind., for our third Ventures in
May 10, 2019
Twelve pastors have been nominated to serve as the next bishop of the North American Lutheran Church. The names of the nominees, as
April 29, 2019
Join women of the NALC gathered from across North America for a day of fellowship, Bible study, and business. The Rev. Leslie Haines,
April 22, 2019
It is my pleasure to take a moment to encourage you to come to Lutheran Week this year, from August 5-9 in Indianapolis,
February 25, 2019
The speakers have been announced for the 2019 Carl E. Braaten and Robert D. Benne Lectures in Theology. The annual theological conference, held
January 22, 2019
Nominate a Candidate Bishop Learn More Executive Council | Court of Adjudication Nomination Form Submit OnlineDownload PDF Nominee Biographical Information Form *To be
Hotel Information
The room block at the Westin is sold out. We now have a contract with the Hyatt Regency (One South Capitol Ave, Indy) for overflow rooms. There are still rooms available for Tuesday through Thursday nights. The rate is $149 (same as the Westin) and the cut-off date is July 25 at 3 pm ET. The reservation phone number is 1-800-233-1234 and the code is our full name (North American Lutheran Church). We also recommend visiting hotels.com or airbnb.com to search for other lodging options near The Westin.
Airport Shuttle Information
If you are flying into the Indianapolis Airport, we recommend taking the GO Express shuttle to the Convention Center. The Convention Center is right across the street from The Westin and the shuttle is only $12 each way. For more information and to book your ride, visit Go Express.
Parking Information
We’ve made arrangements for reasonably priced parking through Gate Ten Events and Parking. Gate Ten will also be providing complimentary shuttle service to and from the hotel and their parking lot. Learn more here.
Please note: Because a huge event (over 60,000 attendees) is ending on Sunday afternoon, reserved parking is not available for Sunday. If you are arriving on Sunday, register online now for a parking space for Monday through your departure date. When you arrive on Sunday, go to the lot after 3 p.m. and you will get parked as spaces are available. You will get the discounted rate at that time for the additional day (cash or credit card accepted).
Venue
The Westin Indianapolis
241 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Costs
Ventures in Youth Ministry Symposium
Monday, August 5th, 9 a.m. to Tuesday, August 6th, 12 p.m.
Cost: $80 (includes Monday lunch)
Women of the NALC Annual Gathering
Tuesday, August 6th, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $100 (includes Tuesday lunch)
Carl E. Braaten-Robert D. Benne Lectures in Theology
Tuesday, August 6th 1 p.m. to Wednesday, August 7th 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $150 (includes Wednesday lunch)
Mission Festival & Convocation
Mission Festival, Wednesday, August 7th 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. & Convocation, Thursday, August 8th 8 a.m. to Friday, August 9th 5 p.m.
Cost: $250 (includes Wednesday dinner, Thursday lunch and dinner, Friday lunch)
Scholarships Available
The 2019 NALC Budget includes funds to assist congregations with the expense of sending lay delegates to the annual Convocation. If your congregation would like to apply for assistance, please contact your mission district dean. Congregations will be eligible for a grant for sending one lay delegate to the Convocation. However, if there are unused funds we will consider requests for an additional grant.
The registration fee includes participation in conference events, select meals, as well as the information & schedule book.
Lutheran Week Planning Team
- The Rev. Will Hartfelder, Chair
- The Rev. Dr. Bassam Abdallah
- Maddie Benson
- Jenny Brockman
- The Rev. Mark Chavez
- The Rev. Tony Ede
- Jody Ford
- Andrew Fuller
- The Rev. Doug Gast
- The Rev. Larry Gember
- Anne Gleason
- Dawn Hahm
- The Rev. Ron Hoyum
- Gary Pecuch
- The Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen
- Becky Seifert
- The Rev. Pam Thorson
- The Rev. Dr. Nathan Yoder