May 2026
The 3rd Lay Leadership Summit will be held August 22, 2026 at Walther Christian Academy. This event is an
opportunity to gather lay leaders together from throughout the LCMS Northern Illinois District for a day of worship, learning, and fellowship.
Reverend Kris Whitby, Assistant to the President – Mission and Ministry, shared the continued hope to focus on equipping attendees for the vital roles in which the Lord is using them in service to His kingdom’s work in our churches, school, and ministries. There is a particular focus on practical help for lay roles of service, ranging from administrative needs to stewardship, outreach, and spiritual growth.
Dave Bunte is one of those lay leaders who has attended the Lay Leadership Summit each of the previous two years. When asked why he decided to first attend, he shared, “When I saw that the District was hoping a Summit for lay leaders, I was intrigued and excited that there was an opportunity to engage with and learn with other leaders in the District.”
When asked why he thought someone should consider attending, Dave responded, “A prospective attendee will receive a unique opportunity to learn and grow as a leader and connect with others in the District. We share many of the same issues in our congregations. It is refreshing to know we are not alone in our struggles, and the encouragement we receive that day is tremendous.”
He also commented, “The Summit is really for anyone currently in leadership, because it offers a wide range of subjects in the sessions. I would actually encourage those not currently in a leadership role, but considering it, to attend. There is so much to learn, not only from the sessions and presenters, but also from the attendees.”
Pastor Whitby helped answer some common questions about the Lay Leadership Summit.
Why should I attend if I already have before?
- This year’s amazing keynote speaker is author, professor, and dynamic presenter, the Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing. His topic will be based on the book of Jonah and is entitled: “On a tough mission for a tender God.”
- You’ll have the opportunity to receive and give continued encouragement to fellow believers and build stronger connections with neighboring ministries as we spend the day together in Christian fellowship.
- We will have 30 workshops offered (a few repeats from previous years in order to allow as many as possible to glean information; several new sessions). Each year affords returning attendees new opportunities to grow their “service tool kit” for their local ministry and possibly bring something home which will equip others who were unable to join the summit.
- While there may be some at your church, school, or ministry who are unable to attend, the Lay Leadership Summit organizers would encourage you to invite others to come WITH you that they might receive the blessing of participating as a team in the variety of opportunities the Summit has to offer.
Why should I attend if I never have before?
- See list above.
- Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to be uplifted in the mutual encouragement and fellowship of our District being together.
- You will have opportunities to grow in your own insights and skills in your various service roles as a lay member, all the while also bringing your experiences and insights to help build others up as you participate.
This year’s Lay Leadership Summit will also offer a special track on youth ministry. Veteran youth ministry leader, Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling, will lead three workshops (one during each workshop time period) on various topics of youth ministry. There is also intent to respond to feedback from previous participants requesting more workshops that touch on spiritual, wellness, functional, and administrative topics.
Something new that was offered last year was the opportunity for participants to locate and meet their closest neighboring churches and ministries during lunch. They were able to share ministry stories—both struggles and joys. That was very well received, and the same will be offered at this year’s Summit. Pastor Whitby shared, “There is a hope to promote continuing connection as our closest neighboring LCMS ministry is part of our faith family and can be a partner in our mutual ministry efforts.”
When asked to share his general feelings about attending (considering pros and cons), Dave Bunte was quick to respond, “There are no cons I can think of! The pros are: 1) a great time of fellowship with over 300 of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from throughout the District; 2)a wide array of session topics; 3) networking and working together with other lay leaders; 4) I feel it has really encouraged and equipped me to be a better leader, and I look forward to attending this year; 5) We begin the day with worship!”
Again, this year’s Lay Leadership Summit will be held on August 22, 2026 at Walther Christian Academy. Please watch for upcoming registration information via various District communication channels (twice monthly e-newsletter; school newsletter) and check the District website for the most up-to-date information.
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