Getting Ready for Lutheran Week 2023

Check-In & Registration

The registration table will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 8. Registration is at the North Prefunction when you first enter the conference center on level two. Check-in for the Faith Formation Festival and the WNALC Gathering will be in their respective locations beforehand.


Ground Transportation & Parking Information

If you are flying into Will Rogers World Airport the best way to travel to the Omni Hotel is via Uber or Lyft. It’s about a 15-minute ride. There is no shuttle from the airport to the hotel. The Omni Oklahoma City Hotel is located at 100 Oklahoma Blvd.
If you are driving, parking is available for $10/day at Convention Center Parking, 15 Mick Cornett Drive, Oklahoma City, which is right next door to the hotel. Your parking receipt is your ticket to ride the OKC streetcar for free all day! Each parking receipt is valid for two people to ride for free for 24 hours from the time of parking. Check the streetcar route map for more information.


Lutheran Week Guide Now Available

Prepare for Lutheran Week in Oklahoma City with the comprehensive Lutheran Week Guide, now available for download in PDF format! Inside, you’ll find a wealth of information: whether you’re interested in global mission insights, effective parish communication, youth and family ministry, or learning to strengthen your congregations, this guide is your key to unlocking a rewarding Lutheran Week experience. Download the PDF now to have all the information at your fingertips!

Note: All attendees to Lutheran Week 2023 will receive a printed program at registration.


Livestream Information

Live streaming will be available for the Braaten-Benne Lectures and Mission Convocation on the Lutheran Week website as well as the NALC Facebook pagePlease note: Voting is only available for in-person attendees.


Other Lutheran Week Resources


Missed the Pre-Convocation Discussion Forums?
View the Recorded Session Below!

Proposed Budget & Treasurer’s Report

Proposed Agenda & Rules of Procedure


You’re Invited to a Reception with the North American Lutheran Seminary

The North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) cordially invites all guests attending Lutheran Week to a reception on the Tuesday of Lutheran Week following the Braaten-Benne Lectures, 5:30 – 7:00pm. Come enjoy a wine and cheese spread with the NALS faculty and staff!


2020 Vision Effort Updates

We are excited to share updates on so many initiatives birthed and supported from the NALC’s 2020 Vision, including new and exciting efforts in youth and family ministry, our seminary network and pastoral discernment, renewal and mission efforts, as well as mission district and congregational support through our area assistants to the bishop. This year’s Mission Convocation will also feature panel discussions and workshops to learn how congregations like yours have already engaged with and joined the vision! We invite you to come ready to learn more about the 2020 Vision to ensure a legacy of faith today, tomorrow, and forever!


Recent Posts on LutheranWeek.com

Local Amenities in Oklahoma City

Visiting Oklahoma City for the first time? Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry that awaits you, with a host of local amenities ranging from vibrant art exhibitions to delicious dining options. Explore the unique Native-inspired collections at the First Americans Museum or revel in the contemporary masterpieces at the Red Earth Art Center. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, home to the largest exhibit of Chihuly Glass creations in the U.S. For those seeking outdoor recreation, Scissortail Park and Myriad Botanical Gardens offer scenic walking trails and playful water features. With a variety of restaurants near the hotel, including the famed Bricktown Brewery and Jazmo’s Bourbon Café, your culinary desires will be more than satisfied. Hop on the Downtown Streetcar to explore all these attractions and more. For a detailed list of these exciting attractions and more, visit our website.

Mission Convocation Workshops

With a wide range of workshops scheduled during Lutheran Week, the 2023 Mission Convocation will provide you the opportunity to explore subjects like global mission work, sexual slavery awareness, legacy giving, Life-to-Life discipleship, parish communication, and much more. Hear from gifted presenters including the Rev. Dr. Gemechis Buba, the Rev. Dona Johnson, the Rev. Mark Chavez, the Rev. Dcn. Andrew S. Ames Fuller, and many other respected leaders and specialists. Whether you are involved in youth and family ministry, seeking to strengthen and grow congregations, or exploring other aspects of congregational life, there’s something valuable for everyone. Workshops commence at 4:30 p.m. and continue at 5:30 p.m. with varied and compelling topics. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your understanding and contribute to meaningful discussions. Visit our website to learn more.

Speakers Announced for Faith Formation Festival!

We’re looking forward to seeing you for the Faith Formation Festival during Lutheran Week in Oklahoma City on August 8-9! Hosted by the NALC Youth and Family Ministry, this exciting two-day event is designed to provide valuable resources for pastors, Christian education directors, youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, and anyone working with children and youth. The Director of Youth and Family Ministry, Pastor Teresa Peters, and other distinguished speakers, such as Heather Ruesch and Pastor Jeff Milsten, will cover essential topics including best practices for youth and family ministry, honest conversations with teens, commissioned living, and more. With international insights from speakers like Wondmagegn Udessa Bidire, the event offers a unique perspective on children and youth ministry. Don’t miss this opportunity to navigate and strengthen youth and family ministry in your congregation. Visit our website now to learn more!

Speakers Announced for Braaten-Benne Lectures in Theology!

Get ready for a profound exploration of faith at the upcoming Braaten-Benne Lectures in Theology in Oklahoma City! Since 2009, this esteemed event has been an integral part of Lutheran Week, reflecting the North American Lutheran Church’s commitment to the significance of theology for the future of North American Lutheranism. This year’s theme, “God the Father Creates in His Image” (Genesis 1:27), marks the final installment of a six-year focus on the Holy Trinity and will delve into theological anthropology, discussing the nature of humanity and the moral challenges the church faces. Speakers will include renowned theologians such as Dr. David Luy, Dr. Bob Benne, Dr. Gilbert Meilaender, and more. Engage in insightful Q&A sessions and be part of the highly anticipated roundtable panel discussion. Whether you are a layperson, student, pastor, or scholar, this is a can’t-miss opportunity. To learn more about the conference schedule, visit our website now!


More Things to Do in OKC

If you’re interested in even more possibilities for sight-seeing, recreation, or dining while you’re in Oklahoma City, visit Oklahoma City’s digital Visitor’s Guide!


Oklahoma City Weather Forecast

Mission Convocation Workshops

4:30 p.m. Workshops

Looking Through the Global Mission Window 

The Rev. Dr. Gemechis Buba | Route 66

Sexual Slavery—Call It What It Is

The Rev. Dona Johnson | Double Deuce

NALC Life-To-Life Discipleship 

The Rev. David Keener | Five Moons 5

How You Can Become Part of the 2020 Vision  

Mike Schmidt & Makenzie Freshly (Cramer & Associates) | Five Moons 6

The NALS and Discerning a Call to Ministry  

The Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen | Five Moons 7

Effective Parish Communication—Session 1: Principles and Theories 

The Rev. Dcn. Andrew S. Ames Fuller | Five Moons 3

Youth and Family Ministry in the NALC

The Rev. Teresa Peters & Melanie Corn | Five Moons 2

Every Congregation Renewing: Real Life Processes & Strategies For Strengthening & Growing Congregations  

The Rev. Brad Hales & the Rev. Dr. David Wendel | Five Moons 4

5:30 p.m. Workshops

Legacy Giving: An Expanded View of Giving 

The Rev. Dona Johnson & Michael Johnson | Double Deuce

How Congregations Can Address the Range of Life Issues  

The Rev. Mark Chavez | Route 66

NALC Life-To-Life Discipleship 

The Rev. David Keener | Five Moons 5

How You Can Become Part of the 2020 Vision  

Mike Schmidt & Makenzie Freshly (Cramer & Associates) | Five Moons 6

The NALS and Discerning a Call to Ministry  

The Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen | Five Moons 7

Effective Parish Communication—Session 2: Applying Principles and Solving Real-Life Problems

The Rev. Dcn. Andrew S. Ames Fuller | Five Moons 3

Youth And Family Ministry in the NALC

The Rev. Teresa Peters & Melanie Corn | Five Moons 2

Every Congregation Renewing: Real Life Processes & Strategies For Strengthening & Growing Congregations  

The Rev. Brad Hales & the Rev. Dr. David Wendel | Five Moons 4


Looking Through the Global Mission Window

Offered at 4:30 p.m. | Route 66

Pastor Buba will summarize the NALC’s Global Mission work and introduce some of our Mission Partners and Global Workers who will share about their work in the mission field and how congregations and individuals can support them.

Presenters: The Rev. William Moberly (Awakening Lives to World Mission); the Rev. David and Angela Breidenbach (Spiritual Orphans Network); and the Rev. Charles Jackson (World Mission Prayer League).

NALC Global Workers: Dr. Randy Stubbs; the Rev. Dr. Thomas Thorstad; Jonathan Gowin; the Rev. Martha Shanka; the Rev. Jhakmak Neeraj Ekka and the Rev. Nijhar Minz-Ekka; Dagaga Gemachu.

THE REV. DR. GEMECHIS BUBA
Assistant to the Bishop for International Mission,
North American Lutheran Church


Sexual Slavery—Call It What It Is

Offered at 4:30 p.m. | Double Deuce

Our congregations and every parent need to know the dangers of human (sexual) trafficking and its devastating effects on young children and youth. Human trafficking is everywhere—schools, shopping malls, youth programs and churches. It is both an individual and societal sin against God. Victims come from both affluent and poor neighborhoods. At this very moment, children in this country and throughout the world are being seduced, coerced and kidnapped to be groomed as sexual products to be sold on the worldwide sex market. As the church has formed statements on the right to life for the unborn, it is important that we extend this position to victims of human trafficking. No parent or child is immune from this pandemic of organized crime. “Chosen,” a brief film, will be shown about a young girl who was trafficked and was rescued by family members and friends.

This one-hour presentation will cover the following:

  • How traffickers (pimps/predators) find young victims.
  • How children are groomed and how traffickers create an emotional and physical bond with the victim.
  • The role pornography plays in the grooming process.
  • Warning signs and markers that could mean a victim is being trafficked.
  • Illustration: Shared Hope International & Phoenix Dream Center—flagship recovery program. 
  • What is being done by local law enforcement and nonprofit agencies.
  • How can you make this a ministry or get involved? Q&A.

THE REV. DONA JOHNSON
Chair, NALC Living & Giving Stewardship Team;
Pastor, GracePointe of Sedona


How Congregations Can Address the Range of Life Issues

Offered at 5:30 p.m. | Route 66

The NALC Life Ministries Team will give an overview of forthcoming resources intended to help congregations address life issues from conception in the womb to the end of life, and the circumstances of life in between those points. The resources will be based on Holy Scripture with the aim of not getting entangled in the polarizing politics of the culture. The resources will be designed to use in a variety of settings—youth or adult educational series, a Bible study, a sermon series for Lent or any other period. The workshop will offer ample time for discussion and feedback to assist in the preparation of the resources.

Presenters: The Rev. Mark Chavez, Chair; Rebecka Andrae-Frontz; the Rev. Dennis Di Mauro; the Rev. Dr. Amy Schifrin; the Rev. Melinda Jones; the Rev. Scott Licht; the Rev. Steve Shipman; and the Rev. Al Towberman.

THE REV. MARK CHAVEZ
Chair, NALC Life Ministries;
Pastor, Reformation Lutheran Church (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)


Legacy Giving: An Expanded View of Giving

Offered at 5:30 p.m. | Double Deuce

During our lifetime and only by the grace of God, many individuals and families accumulate some amount of wealth—it could be a little or a lot. And many very devoted and faithful people have no clear plan on how some of their financial and property assets will be distributed in ways that honor God upon their death. Your testimony to the faithfulness of God can live on through a legacy gifting plan.

Through the cross and Jesus’ death and resurrection, we gain an expanded perspective of what genuine giving and generosity look like. God’s giving of His only Son was not only for the benefit of a favored few but through Christ, God extended his gift of salvation to all future generations.

Legacy gifting gives the giver an opportunity to ground their giving in the gospel. And it expands our understanding of generosity to include not only our families but above all else Christ’s church—both local congregations and the North American Lutheran Church. Through directives in your will, beneficiary designations or your trust—your last will and testament, a statement of your faith in Jesus Christ can live on for generations to come. In this session we will provide the resources and the “how to” get started on building your legacy for Christ’s church.

THE REV. DONA JOHNSON
Chair, NALC Living & Giving Stewardship Team;
Pastor, GracePointe of Sedona

MICHAEL JOHNSON
Treasurer,
North American Lutheran Church


NALC Life-to-Life Discipleship

Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 5

Tips and tools for developing a disciple-making culture in congregations. Come join Pastor David Keener in learning about our NALC Life-to-Life Discipleship initiative and how to be intentional in being and making disciples.

THE REV. DAVID KEENER
Director of Renewal & Discipleship,
North American Lutheran Church


How You Can Become Part of the 2020 Vision to Ensure a Legacy of Faith Today, Tomorrow & Forever

Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 6

This interactive workshop will cover all updates, information, and resources to employ as you consider the best time and format for supporting the 2020 Vision in your own congregation. Mike and Makenzie will discuss the impact made within the NALC and its congregations through the 2020 Vision since the launch of its financial component and at the virtual Convocation in 2022, as well as the various communication tools to be aware of as you seek to become its local voice amongst your church peers. Join us to learn and ask questions about the vision as it continues progressing to ensure a legacy of faith today, tomorrow & forever!

MIKE SCHMIDT, CFRE
Cramer and Associates

MAKENZIE FRESHLY
Cramer and Associates


The North American Lutheran Seminary and Discerning a Call to Ministry

Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 7

During this breakout session, the North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) president, faculty, and staff will be present to share about the good things God is doing to raise up the next generation of pastors and church leaders. Come and meet our newest faculty members and hear about the work of the seminary. Pastor Jeff Morlock will share about his ongoing ministry of discernment throughout the NALC and Pastor Patti Morlock will share about Ordination Under Special Circumstances (OUSC). There will be time for questions and discussion.

THE REV. DR. ERIC RIESEN
President, North American Lutheran Seminary


Effective Parish Communication

Session 1: Principles and Theories

Offered at 4:30 p.m. | Five Moons 3

Join us in this transformative workshop with the Deacon Andrew Ames Fuller and the NALC Communications Team in the first part of our two-part series. The Principles and Theories workshop is an immersive exploration into the profound theological foundations of communication. Learn to unlock the potential of both traditional and digital channels in strengthening your parish’s connectivity. Grasp the pivotal principle that “everything speaks” and learn how to let your parish’s vision and values resonate through every interaction. Delve deep into the art of crafting compelling messages, balancing your communication with your internal and external audiences, and navigating through crises. Embrace leadership principles to foster a collaborative and respectful communicative environment.

Session 2: Applying Principles and Solving Real-Life Problems

Offered at 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 3

The second part of our series, Applying Principles and Solving Real-Life Problems, invites you into an interactive forum for exploring real-life communication issues within your parish. Harness the knowledge from our first session, bring your questions and concerns, and be prepared to engage in vibrant, problem-solving discussions. Learn from your peers, gain new insights from their experiences, and apply communication principles in real-world situations. This hands-on, collaborative workshop will help you navigate through actual communication challenges, with the guidance of our seasoned NALC Communications Team. Join us and contribute to the creation of congregations that communicate in a way the fosters shared identity, unity, and testimony across the North American Lutheran Church.

THE REV. DCN. ANDREW S. AMES FULLER
Director of Communications,
North American Lutheran Church


Youth and Family Ministry in the NALC

Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 2

The Rev. Teresa Peters (Director of Youth and Family Ministry) and Melanie Corn (Youth and Family Ministry Specialist) will give a brief overview of what is happening in Youth and Family Ministry in the NALC and how the NALC can help make your local ministry stronger. They will also discuss how your church can do Youth and Family Ministry when you have few or even no young people in your pews.

THE REV. TERESA PETERS
Director of Youth & Family Ministry,
North American Lutheran Church

MELANIE CORN
Youth & Family Ministry Specialist,
North American Lutheran Church


Every Congregation Renewing: Real Life Processes and Strategies for Strengthening and Growing NALC Congregations

Offered at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Five Moons 4

Many congregations in North America—and in the NALC were struggling with declining attendance, participation and involvement BEFORE the pandemic! That reality increased during the COVID-19 shut-down. Is your congregation plateaued? Stagnant? Unsure how to renew and re-engage to revitalize mission and ministry? The NALC offers a number of opportunities and strategies to assist congregations in this important work. This breakout will introduce these processes and strategies, focusing especially on the Fresh Eyes for Mission Summits, renewal through Aging Ministry resources, Small and Rural Church resources, as well as providing practical real-life ideas and information aimed at renewal and revitalizing congregational in-reach and out-reach!

THE REV. BRAD HALES
Director of Church Planting & Aging Ministry,
North American Lutheran Church

THE REV. DR. DAVID WENDEL
Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry & Ecumenism,
North American Lutheran Church