Small Church Summit
Hope Lutheran Church
2745 Broadway Highland, IL 62249
January 10, 2026
(Snow Date January 31)
Registration
Let us know that you’re coming! Click here to register: https://forms.gle/eujwE5hmRC48wF7MA
Overview
The principal topic for the Winter, 2026 Small Church Summit meeting will be “The Small Town Lutheran Church.” Southern Illinois District President Rev. Heath Curtis, author of a recent book on the small town Lutheran pastor, will speak both before and after lunch. Broadening the scope from the pastor to the entire congregation, he will offer observations and encouragement designed to meet small town churches where they are.
During this conference, participants will include an opportunity for participants to get better acquainted with one another and the respective circumstances of their several congregations. This time, our “around the room” time will include the question: What unique customs or practices does your congregation have? Are any of them related to the church’s location in a rural area or a small town? Why or why not?
Short sectional presentations are set to be offered in the afternoon. Participants will be able to choose one of the following:
- Additional discussion with President Curtis
- Introducing the re:Vitality module “Shepherding our Strays” with Pastor Mike Burdick of St. John Lutheran Church, Effingham, CID First Vice President
- Utilizing Technology in Small Churches with Pastor David Benning of Trinity Lutheran Church, Nashville
- Safety Standards for the Small Church with Mr. Trip Rodgers of CID staff
Sign-in will be at 9:30 a.m., opening devotion will commence at 10:00, and closing prayer will be at 2:30 p.m. There is no cost. If you think your church is small, YOU are invited to the Small Church Summit. And everyone is welcome!