Tuesday, May 15 and Wednesday, May 16, vicars and active and emeritus pastors from the Northern Illinois District gathered at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton for the annual General Pastoral Conference. This year’s theme was derived from Proverbs 27:17, “Iron Sharpens Iron.” Throughout the conference, the pastors were able to learn with and from one another as a unified working group.
The conference began Tuesday morning with the Divine Service. Following, President Dan Gilbert addressed the General Pastoral Conference assembly for the final official time as the standing district president. Shortly thereafter, President-elect Rev. Dr. Allan Buss addressed the assembly, sharing more of his heart, personally as he shared of his family and favorite athletic teams, and professionally as he shared of his heart for the district.
Throughout the conference, the pastors chose three breakout groups to attend from eight offerings including school ministry, urban ministry, and confirmation/youth.
Additionally, the events of the conference included an award and elections. Tuesday morning, the Northern Illinois District Lutheran Layman League awarded Iglesia Evangelica San Pablo a $3,000 grant for mission outreach. Later, the pastors came together to discuss various business affairs. The following pastors were elected into leadership positions at next year’s pastoral conference:
Chairman – Rev. David Daniel; Zion, Ottawa
Vice-Chairman – Rev. Doug Swanson; King of Glory, Elgin
Secretary – Rev. Karl Hess; St. Peter, Joliet
Treasurer – Rev. Steve Wagner; Trinity, Lombard
Registrar – Rev. Bo Graham; St. Paul, Mt. Prospect
Program Committee West – Rev. David Buchs; St. John, Wheaton
Program Committee South – Rev. David Juhl; Our Savior, Momence
Nominating Committee North – Rev. Dr. Larry Tieman; Immanuel, Crystal Lake
Nominating Committee South – Stephen Schumacher; Bethany, Naperville
Nominating Committee East – Rev. Matt Zickler; Grace, Western Springs
Nominating Committee West – Rev. Alex Merlo; San Pablo, Aurora
Continuing:
Program Committee East – Rev. Dr. Mark Birkholz; Faith, Oak Lawn
We are thankful for each of our pastors and vicars as they continually seek to learn more about God and his ministry. May the Lord continue to work through them and grown them as they faithfully serve and lead.