A Koinonia Gathering on Pastoral Formation in the LCMS
Is residential seminary the best way to form MDiv general ordination pastors for service in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or is online seminary education an effective option to accomplish the same? Let’s talk about it!
You are invited to participate in the discussion at a Koinonia Project gathering on January 7 and 8, 2026, Noon to Noon, at Faith Community Lutheran Church, 3505 S Town Center Dr, Las Vegas, Nevada.
What is a Koinonia Gathering?
A Koinonia gathering, as defined and approved at the 2023 LCMS Convention, provides an opportunity for church workers and lay people to come together and seek to understand the various opinions on controverted topics. We pray that God will give greater harmony in our Synod’s Life Together by showing how we as a church can move toward greater unity in teaching and practice. (Resolution 4-01A, 2023 LCMS Convention)
Brief presentations will set the stage for significant times of discussion, moderated by Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, Pacific Southwest District president. Registration is limited to 200 people – 100 each representing the major discussion viewpoints. Participants will be assigned to Table Talk discussion groups to ensure equal representation. Topics include:
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A review of convention resolutions that have shaped pastoral formation throughout LCMS history.
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Why residential seminary education is the standard for pastoral formation.
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Why online education, where students remain in context, is an effective option for pastoral formation.
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What kind of pastors are congregations and District Presidents looking for and why residential seminary is the way to accomplish it.
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What kind of pastors are congregations and District Presidents looking for and why an online MDiv would be a helpful option to accomplish it.
Why is this event being held?
This gathering serves as an opportunity to join together in fraternal love and concern to discuss this important issue, with the goal of God-pleasing unity as we “speak the truth in love” to each other as Synod. This models how the church can come together to discuss controverted topics and do it well as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Registration | Cost | Hotel Information
Register for the Koinonia Project using the registration button below that best represents your position. Registration includes a brief position questionnaire. If interested in attending this event, please register as soon as possible, as space is limited.
Each participant is responsible for their own travel and hotel arrangements. Information on hotel block options is available here. You are asked to contribute $40 per person during the registration process or at the time of the event to assist in covering refreshment and dinner expenses.
Hotel information:
Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89145. About 10 minutes from Faith Community Lutheran Church. Limited number of rooms available at the special group rate of $131 per night from Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - Thursday, January 8, 2026. Click here to book your room. The cut-off date for our discounted room rate is December 4, 2025.
Schedule
Subject to change
Wednesday, January 7 | ||
Noon | Check In | |
12:15 PM | Welcome | Devotion | Setting the stage and Koinonia discussion | Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, President, Pacific Southwest District – LCMS |
1:00 PM | One Congregation and Pastor’s Position | Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman, Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church and School, Gilbert, AZ |
1:20 PM | Table Talk - Discussion | |
1:40 PM | Break | |
2:00 PM | Why residential seminary education is “the standard” for pastoral formation | Rev. Heath Curtis, President, Southern Illinois District – LCMS |
2:20 PM | Table Talk - Discussion | |
2:40 PM | Why online education is an effective option for pastoral formation | Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kloha, Dean, The Center for Missional & Pastoral Leadership |
3:00 PM | Table Talk - Discussion | |
3:20 PM | Table Talk - Discussion on the two presentations | |
3:40 PM | Large Group Discussion | |
Break | ||
4:15 PM | A review of convention resolutions that have shaped pastoral formation throughout LCMS history | Rev. Robert Sundquist, Faith Community Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, NV |
5:00 PM | Table Talk - Discussion | |
5:45 PM | Large Group Discussion | Share recommendations for evening informal discussion | |
6:00 PM | Dinner | Fellowship | Continued Discussion | |
Thursday, January 8 | ||
8:30 AM | Devotion | |
8:45 AM | Table Talk | Large Group Discussion | |
9:30 AM | What kind of pastors are congregations and DPs looking for and why an online MDiv would be a helpful option to accomplish it. | Rev. Waldemar Vinovskis, President, SELC District – LCMS |
9:50 AM | Table Talk - Discussion | |
10:15 AM | What kind of pastors are congregations and DPs looking for and why residential seminary is the way to accomplish it | TBD |
10:35 AM | Table Talk - Discussion | |
10:55 AM | Large Group Discussion | |
11:30 AM | Prayer at Tables | |
11:40 AM | Sending |