Even pastors live in the darkness of sin and the crushing burden of death. But Jesus shines into our darkness. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5 ESV). The True Light, Christ Jesus, has come into the world, and by His Holy Word and blessed Sacraments, he has called pastors to “bear witness about the light” amid a culture of darkness. 

He gives us His light. As bearers of the light of Christ, it is not for our good alone but also for the good of those whom He has called us to serve. The light of Christ shining in us guides those floundering along, blinded by the darkness of this world, and know not The Way. The darkness of evil will seek to push the light back. Therefore, pastors are encouraged to gather at this year’s pastors’ conference. Gathering around Word and Sacrament with the “mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren” (Smalcald Articles, Art IV), pastors of The AALC will be provided a time of refreshment and mutual support. A time to learn and for sabbath. A time to refill their lamps with the light of Christ. To return home to be the light-bearers He has called each pastor to be for His glory. 

This year the Annual Pastors’ Conference will be held on Monday, October 24th, beginning with Dinner and Worship, and closing on Thursday, October 27th around 11:00 AM. Our gathering will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, 341 Hamline AVE South, St. Paul MN.

The Theme of this year's Conference is:

Bearing Christ's Light in a Culture of Darkness - from Matthew 5:14-16

Our presenter is the Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford, LC-MS District President of the Minnesota South District. Dr. Woordford will speak on the mission of the Church, specifically exploring the Great Commission (Matthew 28)

President Woodford is a graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul (1998) and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (M.Div., 2002 and S.T.M., 2003). He holds a D.Min. in Christian outreach from Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne (2011). His project dissertation was published as Great Commission, Great Confusion, or Great Confession?: The Mission of the Holy Christian Church (Wipf & Stock, 2021).

The AALC National Office will be booking rooms at the Fairfield Inn, 3045 Centre Point Dr. North, Roseville, MN 55113-1130 for all Conference attendees (unless attendees choose not to stay at our designated hotel.) 

If you are unable to attend the Pastors’ Conference in person, you may participate in certain aspects of the Pastors’ Conference via ZOOM. See Registration Form for more information.

Click Here to Download Registration Form