Post-Christian America

2024 Missouri District Pastors' Conference

In late October, pastors from around the Missouri District gathered at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach to discuss some of the cultural shifts that have taken place throughout the last year and equip each other with the knowledge on how to respond to these shifts while holding steady to the word of God. The conference opened with festival worship and an ice cream social at nearby Christ the King Lutheran Church in Lake Ozark. Exhibitors included Concordia Publishing House, LCEF, Concordia Plans, Ministry to the Armed Forces, and a host of other ministry-focused organizations. Breaks, evenings, and a Monday Gemütlichkeit provided opportunities for pastors to renew friendships and share with each other both the blessings and challenges of ministry. Space was also provided for pastor’s wives and children to gather for devotions and fellowship.

One of the plenary speakers, Dr. Russell P. Dawn, perhaps said it best when he kicked off the event by writing about “…social trends that have influenced American culture away from a prevailing Christian framework that worships the self through a confused mixture of isms, including Gnosticism, atheism, and paganism.” The other plenary speaker, Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann of Concordia Seminary, addressed the advent of normal nihilism in our society and suggested ways for the church to respond confidently and faithfully to our changing world.

On the second day of the conference, pastors continued to hear from speakers that delved into related topics, such as, “Genesis, Genetics, and Gender”, “Assertive Engagement of Religious Freedom in the Military”, and “Living as Exiles in the 21st Century” among many others. One of the speakers, Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, presented on the idea of “How NOT to Let Issues Prevent Relationships” in which he laid out the practice of engaging with non-believers instead of straying from them. He says, “Let’s learn from Jesus, who never let an issue prevent a relationship.” Another speaker, Rev. Brandon Boos, shared his personal experiences on being a Gen Z pastor within the LCMS and his resolutions for reaching the next generation while staying faithful to the Word. Upon his return after the conference had ended, District staff Rev. Peter Kirby reflected, “Pastors needed this opportunity to get away from the busyness of parish life for a few days to reflect on the broader changes we are facing in society, to be encouraged in our callings, and to strengthen relationships with others facing similar challenges.”