The Small Church Summit

Since 2022, CID has been partnering with the Southern Illinois District in support of the Small Church Summit (SCS), a project of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Farmersville. Meetings are held at two different times of the year: in winter (typically two parallel events, one in CID and one in SID in January or February) and summer (one combined event to which both Districts are invited).

The original impetus for the SCS was to provide members of small congregations a place to gather for information, edification, conversation, networking, and encouragement. Every meeting includes introductions "around the room" so participants can meet one another. Those attending also have the opportunity to see another church, since the SCS has hardly ever met in the same place twice.

Usually meetings offer a plenary or keynote presentation in the morning and sectional sessions in the afternoon. Most presentations are given by pastors, District staff members, or others from CID or SID. The summer meeting typically features a speaker from outside our Districts. We have had "outside" presenters ranging from Synod executives in St. Louis to a seminary dean from Siberia, all focusing on small Lutheran churches (not all of which are rural!) and their challenges.

Every effort is made to keep the Small Church Summit free of charge to those who attend. You have only to get to it.

Who may attend?

If you think your church is small, you are invited. And everyone is welcome!

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SCS Schedule

Winter, 2027

Plans are underway for a Winter, 2027, Small Church Summit. Watch this page for more details!

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For more information on the Small Church Summit, contact:

LCMS Central Illinois District
1850 N. Grand Avenue West
Springfield, IL 62702-1626
(217) 793-1802
cid@cidlcms.org