Convention Information Sessions Explore the Life, Mission, and Future of the Church

National – One of the strengths of convention is the opportunity not only to conduct the business of the church, but also to learn, discuss, and consider together how God is leading us in mission and ministry. As Lutheran Church–Canada gathers for the 2026 convention, delegates and visitors will have opportunities to participate in a wide range of information sessions designed to strengthen the church for faithful service and witness.

Several sessions this year focus on the life of the church internally — how congregations nurture faith, support workers, encourage future leaders, and strengthen relationships within the body of Christ in ways that are also practical.

One session addressing Work/Life Balance and Preventing Burnout will explore the growing challenge of burnout among pastors, church staff, administrators, and volunteers. Participants will examine practical and evidence-based strategies for protecting meaningful work, establishing healthy boundaries, and sustaining long-term service in ministry. The session will emphasize that faithful service includes caring for one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Other sessions will focus on nurturing faith across generations. Resources for Faithful Parenting and Grandparenting highlights the importance of both the family and the wider Church family in raising children in the faith. Participants will explore practices and resources that encourage lifelong growth in Christ at every stage of life.

Many have spoken with a brother or sister and felt their points were lost; they later felt disconnected from their congregation, or detached from synod overall. Communication makes mission, ministry, and growth in and as a Church possible, but how do we mind the gap? Communication and unity across the synod will also be explored in Closing the Communication Loop. This session intends to examine the challenges of communication across congregations, and regions, while introducing practical approaches to reducing misunderstandings and strengthening connections throughout Lutheran Church–Canada.

The importance of worship and congregational life is also central to this year’s discussions. In The Flow of the Christian Life (Do You Need to Go to Church to Be a Christian?) participants will reflect on the essential place of Word and Sacrament ministry in the life of believers and congregations. The session will emphasize the Divine Service not as one activity among many, but as the centre from which Christian life and service flow.

As congregations look toward the future, other sessions will address leadership development and engagement within the church. Engaging with Young Adults explores how young adults are currently connecting across the synod while offering practical insights into supporting and encouraging their participation in congregational and synodical life.

Similarly, a session on Encouraging Future Church Workers examines the shared responsibility of identifying, supporting, and praying for future pastors and deacons. With growing clergy shortages affecting many regions, participants will consider how congregations can help foster a culture that encourages church work vocations.

Together, these sessions reflect an ongoing commitment to strengthening congregations, supporting workers, and equipping God’s people for faithful service within the church and community. As engaging as these sessions promise to be, the 2026 Convention Committee has more sessions available to attendees. Those will be shared in the next InfoDigest.

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