Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Robinson organized an Evangelism Specific Enclave, which was held July 1-2 on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Attendees included representatives from the LCMS Office of National Mission, Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, and the Indiana, South Wisconsin, Central Illinois, Northern Illinois, and Kansas Districts.
The enclave began by discussing and coming to agreement upon “Seven Theses on Evangelism” as written and presented by Dr. Ken Schurb. This was followed by a discussion of current seminary instruction in the area of evangelism, with the presidents and faculty of both seminaries presenting on their current efforts.
During the next portion of the Enclave, Rev. Dan Galchutt and Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe shared the efforts of the Office of National Mission to promote evangelism throughout the Synod. This discussion included ways that Districts can support evangelism efforts.
On the second day, discussion turned to teaching evangelism at the congregational level. The Enclave concluded with a discussion of former and potential future partnerships to promote evangelism. These include internships for seminary and CUS students as well as inter-district partnerships. With this in mind, tentative plans have already been made for another Enclave to occur in June of 2026 in Springfield, Illinois.
Pictured from left to right are: Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle (CTSFW), Rev. Professor Joel Fritsche (CSL), Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger (President—CSL), Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss (President—CTSFW), Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador ([back] President—South Wisconsin District), Rev. Kris Whitby ([front] Northern Illinois District), Rev. Dr. Ken Schurb (Central Illinois District), Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe (LCMS Office of National Mission), Rev. Dan Galchutt (LCMS Office of National Mission) Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden (CSL), Rev. Dr. Carl Beckwith (CTSFW), Rev. Jim Woelmer (Christ Lutheran in Manhattan, Kansas) and Rev. Dr. Detlev Schulz (CTSFW). Not pictured is Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Robinson (Indiana District).