The GROW Conference exists to bring together WELS lay members, both men and women, teachers, staff ministers, and pastors from across the South Central District to grow together in God’s Word and grow in our various roles within the church. Our growth takes place at the conference through keynote speakers, specialized workshops, cross pollination with various WELS areas of ministry and parachurch organizations, and ample fellowship opportunities with one another.
To see the promotional video, CLICK HERE.
Keynote Speakers
GROW 2025 will feature two keynote speakers.
Day 1 is an inspirational keynote by Professor Brad Wordell from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary…
“The Holy Spirit’s Gift Set For Us!”
Day 2 is an educational keynote by Professor Luke Thompson from Martin Luther College…
“Direction, Not Perfection: A Confessional Lutheran Approach to Spiritual Care.”
Click below for more details…
Workshops
Attendees have the opportunity to attend a total of four workshops — two on Thursday and two on Friday. The selection includes nearly 20 choices for educators, church members, pastors and a wide range of ministry staff members. Click below to review the workshop descriptions before you register…
Each of the guest speakers is encouraged to have a one page handout with key points and helpful resources. All of the conference handouts will be available to everyone in the GROW Conference Dropbox. Check back often as the Dropbox will be updated as files are received.
Schedule
The daily schedule is designed to allow for a full complement of presentations with reasonable start times and dismissals. Our plan and prayer is to provide ample growth opportunities yet breaking up long presentations into managable sections. There is also intentional time to network and enjoy time together with one another.
The GROW Conference is working together with Divine Savior Ministries as this year’s sponsor organization. Special thanks to Divine Savior Ministries not only for presenting at the conference but also facilitating the social gathering on Thursday evening. We hope that everyone can find time to relax, catch up with old friends, and connect with new colleagues too.
Registration
Registration is now open! Click on the button below to attend the conference. The registration fee remains the same as last year and includes all meals and refreshments — $135 for both days. The registration deadline is January 31, 2025…
Travel & Lodging
The conference is held at Abiding Word Lutheran Church & School in Houston, Texas. If your travel plans include air travel, please note that there are two commercial airports in Houston. The Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is located about 10 miles away. The Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) is located on the far south side of the city about 30 miles away. Click below for the conference address and a map of the area…
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston North I-45 Spring serves as the “official” conference hotel. The hotel is conveniently located on the main road just 2 miles away from Abiding Word. A discounted rate has been arranged with the hotel, however, space is limited. Click below to to follow a link to the hotel reservation website…
DISPLAY TABLES
The GROW Conference offers the opportunity for various WELS areas of ministry and parachurch organizations to set up a table in conference commons / refreshment center. Click on the link below for more information and to register a space for a display table…