Our annual Fall Theological Conference for rostered and synod-authorized ministers will be held September 22-24 at Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center in Grafton. Our theme this year is “Re-membering the body of Christ: Theological and Pastoral Formation in a Polarized World,” led by the Rev. Sunitha Mortha.
The cost is $370 for a single room, $295 per person for a shared double room, and $145 for commuters and campers. A $50 discount is available on all registration types for retired rostered ministers. Register online at CSIS-ELCA.org/FTC25 by August 15.
Campsites are available nearby in Pere Marquette State Park if you would like to camp out. You are responsible for making your own camping arrangements. Visit dnr.illinois.gov for more information.
We will engage with Miroslav Volf’s powerful theological framework from “Exclusion and Embrace” as we explore how to embody faithful reconciliation ministry in deeply divided contexts. We’ll move through four key movements: excavating our own theological assumptions, engaging the cross as the foundation for justice and reconciliation, examining how cultural values can co-opt our gospel witness, and developing adaptive leadership strategies for transformational ministry.
The sessions are designed specifically for leaders who are courageously serving in polarized communities across central and southern Illinois. We’ll address both the internal church dynamics and the broader community challenges you face, always grounding our work in robust theological reflection and practical pastoral application.
Our time together will be deeply experiential, including contemplative practices, case studies drawn from real ELCA contexts, role-playing exercises for difficult conversations, and concrete action planning. You will leave with both renewed theological vision and practical tools for leading reconciliation in their unique ministry settings.
You’ll experience:
- Deep theological engagement with practical application
- Role-playing exercises for difficult conversations
- Case studies from congregational contexts
- Contemplative practices and experiential learning
- Concrete way forward for your setting
You’ll take home:
- Skills for facilitating healthy conflict
- Tools for authentic reconciliation ministry
- Strategies for leading in polarized contexts
- Community with fellow leaders
- Clear pathways to move forward in ministry
The Rev. Sunitha Mortha
Pastor Mortha serves as the Associate to Bishop Curry and directs the Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging work of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. She believes that how we engage the “other” is a defining question of our time. Most of her life has been working to respond to this question through preaching, teaching, and walking with partners in God’s vineyard.
With over 20 years of experience, Pr. Mortha has served as a strategic storyteller, consultant, and thought leader across multiple spaces from ELCA congregations and synods to global partnerships and secular nonprofit organizations. She has consulted through Reuters and contributed to board-level strategy and facilitation on matters of justice, identity, and belonging.
Family is central in Pr. Sunitha’s life. Cooking, dancing, singing, and learning are also some of her loves.
Conference Schedule
Schedule is tentative and subject to change. A final schedule will be provided at the conference.
- 2:00 p.m.: Sign-in begins
- 5:30 p.m.: Supper
- 6:45 p.m.: Welcome
- 7:00 p.m.: Presentation 1
- 8:15 p.m.: Worship
- 7:30 a.m.: Breakfast
- 8:45 a.m.: Morning Prayer
- 9:15 a.m.: Presentation 2
- 10:30 a.m.: Break
- 10:45 a.m.: Bishop’s hour
- 12:00 p.m.: Lunch
- 1:00 p.m.: Free time
- 4:30 p.m.: Presentation 3
- 5:45 p.m.: Supper
- 6:45 p.m.: Bishop’s hour
- 7:00 p.m.: Evening Prayer & fellowship
- 7:30 a.m.: Breakfast
- 9:00 a.m.: Presentation 4
- 10:00 a.m.: Break
- 10:15 a.m.: Worship
- 12:00 p.m.: Return keys & name tags
The afternoon of Tuesday, September 23, is your free time. You may do something of your own, or you can take advantage of the area. The state park and surrounding area offer a variety of activities, including hikes, zip lines, bike trails, and more. Visit PMLodge.net to explore some options.