OCTOBER 9-11, 2024
BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO
CONFERENCE PRESENTERS
Rev. Dr. Peter H. Nafzger
Wednesday All Worker Keynote
Pastor General Sessions
Dr. Peter H. Nafzger is associate professor of Practical Theology and director of Student Life at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has been a faculty member since 2016. He teaches courses in homiletics, systematic theology, and pastoral ministry. His areas of interest include the theology of Scripture, the theology of preaching, the Lutheran Confessions, and confirmation and Christian formation.
Nafzger holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Concordia Seminary (2004, 2009). He studied at the Lutherische Theologische Hochschule in Oberursel, Germany (2001–02). He holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in behavioral science from Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward (1999).
Chase Mielke
Educator Thursday General Sessions
Chase Mielke is an award-winning educator, writer, and speaker focusing on preventing teacher burnout and increasing student engagement.
He has been awarded multiple honors, including being a Michigan Teacher of the Year nominee and an Allegan County “Outstanding People for Education” recipient. For his work minimizing the achievement gap with at-risk high schoolers, his Positive Psychology program received a Michigan Association of School Administrators’ “Winner’s Circle Award.”
As an engaging, nationally recognized speaker, he has traveled across the nation and world to speak with students and educators on topics of resilience, mindset, applied neuroscience, and positive psychology.
Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler
Conference Chaplain
& Educator Friday General Session
Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler is the Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, a Christian outreach ministry with a rich history. LHM provides global media including The Lutheran Hour radio program, daily devotions, help topics and booklets, evangelism training, and more.
Prior to beginning his LHM role in October 2018, Dr. Zeigler served as pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church (2014-2018) and assistant pastor at Timothy Lutheran Church (2012-2014), both in St. Louis. Before becoming a pastor, he served as an aircraft maintenance officer in the Air Force.
Dr. Zeigler continues to serve part-time as an Air Force Reserve officer at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and as a guest instructor at Concordia Seminary.
EARLY CHILDHOOD SECTIONAL SERIES
Sectionals will be offered on a variety of topics for pastors, educators, and other workers. One series of sectionals will be offered targeting early childhood educators by Dr. Drew Gerdes.
Dr. Gerdes has served as an Early Childhood Teacher and Administrator at schools in the United States and Asia for nearly 3 decades. Noted as a professional who loves to share and develop other educators, Dr. Gerdes has been a sought-after speaker on a variety of topics in Early Childhood Education and Lutheran School Ministry. In 2023 Dr. Gerdes joined the staff of Concordia University Nebraska where he serves as Assistant Professor of Education, Early Childhood Education Program Director, and Director of Student Teaching.
SECTIONAL PROPOSALS
The practical nature of workshops is a conference highlight for many. Presenters are invited to share knowledge, best practices, and tools in a 60 minute session with fellow church workers.
- Do you have a unit or chapel message that everyone says is fantastic?
- Do you have a program or process at your church that has re-invigorated your members or connected your church with your community?
- Do you have a program at your school that has improved enrollment, parent involvement, test scores or student performance?
- Do you know another educator or church leader that fits the above?
Share your ideas and submit your sectional proposal
SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION
Be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks for more details regarding sectional content, registration, cost, and more. Registration will open in early August.
View the draft event schedule.
SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS
If you are interested in being contacted for a Sponsor or Exhibitor slot later this year please fill out the form below!
2024 Sponsorship OR Exhibitor Interest Form
Thank you again to our 2023 Sponsors:
