It’s Gathering Time! &CALLED2026

 Have you ever sensed God nudging you? Ever get the feeling that God had something more for you in this life? If so, you are in good company! Across Texas and around the world, God still calls ordinary people like you and me into his extraordinary Kingdom work. The key question for us is how do we recognize and respond to being called? This summer, we will be exploring this question together. On July 24-25, Lutherans from across Texas will gather in New Braunfels for our 17th Annual LCMC Texas District Gathering. I   personally would like to invite you to join us.

Our theme this year is CALLED, based on 2 Timothy 1:9; "He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." This grounds our understanding of what it means to be called: not because we have earned anything, but by God's own purpose and grace. The truth proclaimed here once again is that God delights in calling ordinary, unfinished people to be equipped and commissioned for Kingdom mission and ministry.

To be clear, this Gathering is for everyone. This is not a pastors’  conference; it is not a church assembly for voting delegates; nor is it only for church council members to attend. This Gathering is for you! This weekend is a divine invitation for you to join our church family reunion. Come and see, for it is good! Experience uplifting worship, faithful teaching, inspiring messages, and great food and fellowship. And through it all, we pray that each of us may be better equipped to discern how God is calling us.

This year we are blessed to welcome three dynamic keynote speakers. Ben Griffin is the CEO of LINC and lives in Dallas. Ben is a former church planter and pastor with a heart for equipping leaders for creative kingdom ministry. Nathan Hoff will also be joining us from Trinity Lutheran in San Pedro, California where he serves as pastor and leads an internship program that invests in the leadership development of young adults. And finally, we are also privileged to have our Service Coordinator for LCMC, Julie Smith, join us from St. Peter, Minnesota. All three speakers will challenge and help us grow in our understanding of what it means to live out our calling in Christ.

And this Gathering isn’t just for adults. Our Youth Gathering and Lock-In for students grades 6 through 12 will take place right alongside the main Gathering. The Youth will also be studying the same verse from 2 Timothy and will have engaging teaching time with youth leaders and our keynote speakers. Students will get the chance to participate in a service project and will have tons of fun that’s planned just for them!

Our mission is to multiply disciples and churches. Through intentional relationships, we are equipping leaders, strengthening congregations, and inspiring mission. Our Gathering each year exemplifies this focus as our church family comes together to encourage and love one another for the sake of mission. See you in New Braunfels!

Pastor Bryce Formwait is the Director of Mission Growth for LCMC Texas District and Program Director of Harvest Workers, an online ministry training program (learn more at www. harvestworkers, net). Residing in Georgetown, Pastor Bryce is available to coach congregations on mission. Please contact him with any questions or comments: 512-942-7776 or bryce@Jcmctexas.org. © 2024 Bryce J. Formwait, All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.