2026 Fall Theological Conference
For rostered ministers in the Saint Paul Area Synod.
The Fall Theological Conference is a time for study, worship, unstructured time and building relationships with your colleagues in the synod. This year’s conference has a theme of “From Moments to Momentum—for a Future with Hope.” In the midst of a rapidly changing world, we are being called upon to rediscover the enduring mission of God with renewed clarity, courage, and creativity.
Our guest speaker, the Rev. Brian Konkol, Ph.D., will invite participants to consider how a missionary mindset can lead to expanded and gratifying impact. We will consider how to be clear about mission and creative with methods, to faithfully participate in what God is doing in and through our world. Drawing from Lutheran theology, practical local and global ministry experience, and lessons from organizational leadership, these presentations will encourage and equip participants to welcome, accompany, and send God’s people as fellow missionaries into the world.
Featured Speaker: The Rev. Brian Konkol, Ph.D.
The Rev. Brian Konkol, Ph.D., is president of Valparaiso University in Indiana. He is an ELCA minister and previously served as vice president, dean and professor at Syracuse University, where he led a transformational strategic plan and oversaw a 933% increase in student participation at Hendricks Chapel. He also led the development of a nationally recognized model for spiritual, ethical and interfaith engagement in higher education. Rev. Konkol played a key role in Syracuse’s successful $1.5 billion campaign, which resulted in dramatic growth in annual giving and donor engagement. He has been in his role at Valparaiso since Jan. 1.
Rev. Konkol has taught courses in religion, conflict and collaboration. Among other roles, his resume includes service as chaplain at Gustavus Adolphus College and as the country coordinator for the ELCA in Guyana and South Africa. He holds a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary and both a Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
Registration
The registration fee is $525 per person for single occupancy and $475 per person for double occupancy. Additional charges will apply for credit card payments. Financial assistance is available; please contact Bishop Justin Grimm at 651-224-4313 or justin.grimm@spas-elca.org.
Online registration has closed. Any additional registration inquiries must go through Leslie Ortiz at leslie.ortiz@spas-elca.org or call 651-224-4313.
