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The Augustana Ministerium
311 W. Meyer, P.O. Box 246
Campbell Hill, IL 62916

Administrative Council:
Rev. Robert Schaibley, Superintendent; Rev. Dr. Kent Heimbigner, Legate;
Rev. Drew Newman, Recording Secretary; Rev. Gregory Schultz, Bursar;
Rev. Eric Stefanski, Dean of Communications; Rev. Dr. Steven Hein, Dean of Education;
Rev. James Heiser, Dean of Missions; Rev. Michael Liese, Dean of Pastoral Care

Registration Now Open Online at <http://AugustanaMinisterium.org/registration.html>!

The Third Annual Theological Conference and Plenary Session of The Augustana Ministerium will be held May 20-21, 2008 hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church, Kearney, MO and her pastor, the Rev. Drew Newman.

A stimulating and timely theological agenda, open to all—pastors and laity—is being planned that will address several important areas that deserve discussion and clarification under the general theme: “The Challenges for a Confessional Lutheran Ministry in a Post-synodical Age.” [Note that this theme does not suggest that the presenters will be encouraging attendees to depart from any particular church body, etc., but simply indicates that the reality of Confessional Lutheranism in the 21st century is that there is no one institution, etc., to which to look for meeting the needs of Lutheran parishes.]

The challenges to be addressed will involve two elements: 1) the challenges in expanding the Ministry of the Gospel domestically and abroad, and 2) the challenges to provide adequate resources for faithful ministry in a post-synodical context. As has been the custom, these topics will not be covered by formal papers. Rather, each will have a facilitator who will be responsible for researching and preparing pertinent background information on his topic, identifying appropriate issues, questions, and additional reading resources. A listing of these materials will be made available via The Augustana Ministerium website prior to the conference for individual preparation for the discussions at the conference. A lineup of very able and talented facilitators will be leading the discussions.

Reading Lists Now Available at <http://augustanaministerium.org/08readinglists.html>

Topics dealing with the expansion of The Ministry will include “Support for Confessional Lutheran Ministry Abroad,” Pr. Phil Grovenstein, facilitator; and “Home Missions in  Post-synodical, Post-Christian America,” Deacon, Pr. Jeffrey Ahonen, facilitator. Topics exploring the challenge of needed resources for the Ministry of the Gospel will include: “The Future of Ecclesiastical Oversight among Confessional Lutheran Clergy,” Pr James Heiser, facilitator; “Training Future Pastors for Post-Synodical Congregations,” Dr. Steven Hein, facilitator; and a Panel Discussion , “Non-Synodical Confessional Lutheran Resources (Publications, Media, and Ministries)–What do we have? What do we need?”

Together with registration and opening worship, the scheduled theological portion of the program is open to members and non-members, clergy and laity alike. The Plenary Session of the TAM is open to Augustana Ministerium members only. The cost of the conference will be $30. That cost is included in the paid 2008 dues for Augustana Ministerium and Augustana Confraternity members.

Regarding lodging, the two best choices with regard to cost and proximity are:

Best Western — Kearney Inn (816) 628-4524 — King Bed, $70.00 + Tax (about 7%), 2 Queens, $80.00 + tax. No limit to the number of people who could share a room.

Kearney Super 8 — (816) 628-6800 — King Bed, $69.95 + tax, 2 Queens, $74.95 + tax.

You may be able to get in on a special internet rate for the Super 8. See <http://tinyurl.com/44ro7e> for more information.

The Best Western is considered the nicer motel, and newer. Both have free Wireless
Internet.

Dr. Steven A. Hein, Dean of Education

The Augustana Ministerium

Make checks payable to:

The Augustana Ministerium
c/o The Rev. Gregory J. Schultz, Bursar
311 W. Meyer, P.O. Box 246
Campbell Hill, IL 62916

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