GLDCON is the annual gathering for pastors and ministry leaders of the EFCA's Great Lakes District.
For two days we come together as a family of churches for mutual encouragement, next-step equipping, and renewed commitment to reach our neighbors and the nations with the gospel.
This year we will open the Scriptures together in 2 Timothy. Knowing his life is nearly finished, the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy from a prison cell. Paul knows his race is ending. In this letter, Paul exhorts us to guard the gospel, endure hardship, preach the Word, and raise up leaders who will carry the work forward.
This year we’ll be at The Chapel in St. Joseph, Michigan.
GLDCON is the annual gathering for pastors and ministry leaders of the EFCA's Great Lakes District.
For two days we come together as a family of churches for mutual encouragement, next-step equipping, and renewed commitment to reach our neighbors and the nations with the gospel.
This year we will open the Scriptures together in 2 Timothy. Knowing his life is nearly finished, the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy from a prison cell. Paul knows his race is ending. In this letter, Paul exhorts us to guard the gospel, endure hardship, preach the Word, and raise up leaders who will carry the work forward.
This year we’ll be at The Chapel in St. Joseph, Michigan.
SPEAKERS
In 2 Timothy, Paul exhorts us to guard the gospel, endure hardship, preach the Word, and raise up leaders who will carry the work forward.
BRETT GLEASON
GREAT LAKES DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
Brett is the District Superintendent of the Great Lakes District.
LUKE McFADDEN
CHRISTIAN NEIGHBORS CHURCH – WAUKEGAN, IL
Luke is the Lead Pastor of Christian Neighbors Church of Waukegan, Illinois.
CURTIS COSTON
SOLID WORD BIBLE CHUIRCH – INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Curtis is the Lead Pastor of Solid Word Bible Church of Indianapolis, Indiana.
ADAM
EFCA REACHGLOBAL MISSIONARY
Adam is an international missionary with EFCA ReachGlobal.
GLDCON26 SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
10a | PRE-CONFERENCE
Developing a Culture of Leadership Development
with EFCA Executive Vice-President of National Ministries Scott Sterner
The church needs pastors and leaders who are equipped for the ministry entrusted to them. Scott Sterner will help your church think through how to develop a culture of leadership development with a clear leadership pathway for both the needs of your church and to identify and equip the leaders of the next generation church.
Welcome to the Family!
If you are new to the Great Lakes District we invite you to this gathering to meet members of our GLD board and staff, connect with other pastors and leaders, and learn about different resources and opportunities to help you and your church flourish.
*You must pre-register for these options. Each includes lunch.
1:00p | SESSION 1
Brett Gleason: Guard the Gospel
2:15p | BREAK
2:30p | FAMILY MEETING
Including our 2026 Business Session
3:30p | BREAK
4:00p | AFFINITY GROUPS
Connect with an Affinity Group in the GLD. Learn more here.
5:30p | DINNER OPTIONS
General Dinner
Join us for a relaxed dinner with extended time for conversation and fellowship.
Women’s Dinner w/ Dr. Pam MacRae
Join us for an evening of dinner and encouragement designed especially for pastor's wives and women in leadership as we reflect on 2 Timothy. Enjoy a meaningful time of fellowship and a special message from Dr. Pam MacRae, who oversees the Ministry to Women major at Moody Bible Institute. Pam has spent her career equipping women for ministry in the church, parachurch, and academia for over 35 years.
7:00p | SESSION 2
Luke McFadden: Raise up Leaders
Curtis Coston: Endure Hardship
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
9:00a | AFFINITY GROUPS
Connect with an Affinity Group in the GLD. Learn more here.
10:30a | BREAK
11:00a | SESSION 3
Adam: Preach the Word
5:30p | FAMILY LUNCH
AFFINITY GROUPS
At GLDCON you’ll have the opportunity to connect with and learn from others serving in a similar ministry to your own. You will be led by a faithful guide for the journey together.
NORMAL CHURCHES
Designed for Pastors and Leaders of GLD Churches under 200 in weekly attendance. This is an opportunity to learn, encourage, and connect with other leaders while exploring the joys and challenges of loving and leading the normal-sized church!
Mark Burks
GLD Area Superintendent
MID-SIZE CHURCHES
Connecting Lead Pastors of mid-sized churches (200-500), this group will focus on peer learning. Topics and questions submitted by attendees shape the agenda. We believe the answer is in the room—we want to draw out the wisdom, knowledge, and experience of those attending.
Josh Weiland
Wawasee Bible
LARGE CHURCHES
Designed for Lead Pastors and a 2nd Chair Leader in churches near or greater than 500 in weekly attendance, this group will explore topics and questions submitted by attendees. Learn from, encourage, and network with other leaders in a similar context of large-church ministry.
HISPANIC MINISTRIES
Come connect with other leaders in the growing movement of Hispanic churches across the Great Lakes District. Share principles and experiences related to the growth and multiplication of Spanish-speaking congregations. Ricardo Palmerin will lead this gathering alongside other members of the Hispanic Leadership Team
Ricardo Palmerin
GLD Director of Hispanic Ministries
WOMEN IN MINISTRY
The gifts and ministries of women are essential to the health and fruitfulness of the Church. This group is designed to support women serving in ministry roles at local churches across the GLD. Topics and questions discussed will be shaped by those attending for learning, encouragement, networking, and prayer.
Cyndi Leamon
GLD Director for Women in Ministry
*NOT YOUR TYPICAL* PASTOR’S WIFE
Being married to a pastor carries with it many unique dynamics. Join other spouses of pastors in this affinity group for a time of learning, encouragement, and prayer for one another.
Amy McCausland
LCPC & Regional Superintendent's Wife
STUDENT MINISTRIES
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other Student Ministry pastors and leaders, discuss the challenges you face in reaching and releasing the next generation with the gospel, and how the GLD & EFCA can help you at the district and national level.
Nate Stenholtz
GLD Director for Student Ministries
KIDS MINISTRY
This group is designed for those leading and minsitering to children and families in the GLD. Jesus loved kids and so do we! Come learn from and connect with others serving in this vital area of ministry!
Judy Crocket
Retired Children's Ministry Director, Lakeland EFC, Gurnee, IL
HEALTHY BOARD DYNAMICS
Do you serve in some capacity on a church board? Come learn about the dynamics of church boards at various sizes of growth, how best to support and engage with your pastor, healthy relationships between board and staff, and more!
EFCA MISSIONS
Being a transformational church… globally. Come and explore the theology of transformational international missions and practical ways to increase your missions impact and engagement.
Tom Pankratz
EFCA ReachGlobal
CHAPLAINS
Join us to build community and discover how to support chaplains through prayer and partnership. Whether serving in the military, hospitals, first responders, or the workplace, chaplains provide vital spiritual care in moments of crisis. This group is a space for chaplains and supporters to connect, share experiences, and learn how to foster resilience in the communities they serve.
Ron Petigrew
DISABILITY & SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY
For anyone serving and/or interested in disability & special needs ministry in a local church setting. We all have something to offer, something to learn about how to make the gospel accessible to EVERYONE in our neighborhood.
REGISTER
Use the link below to register for GLDCON26.
(Scroll down for hotel options.)
Early Bird
Register by September 1, 2026 for a discounted rate.
early rate
$59
Regular Rate
Register by September 1, 2026 for a discounted rate.
early rate
$79
Child Care is Available! (Must Include on Registration)
Additional $10 per child, but no more than $20 per family.
Available Tuesday, October 6 from 9-Noon, 1-5:30pm and 7pm-End
Available Wednesday, October 7 from 9am-Noon
HOTELS
We’ve secured a limited number of rooms at a reduced rate at the following hotels. Use the links below to book.
COURTYARD
BY MARRIOTT
1295 Cinema Way,
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(269) 210-3000
Use Code:
GLD
starting at
$109
TRU
BY HILTON
2683 W Marquette Woods Road
Stevensville, MI 49127
269-429-4444
Use Code:
GLD
starting at
$109
FAIRFIELD
BY MARRIOTT
4408 Red Arrow Highway
Stevensville, MI 49127
269-429-1111
Use Code:
GLD
starting at