Southern District Pastors’ Conference

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod

2010 Pastors’ Conference

“The Rules” (a.k.a. Policies & Procedures)

Updated: 03.03.10

Southern District Guidelines on Pastors’ Conference Attendance

      “Days off to attend required District pastoral conferences, Circuit conferences, and meetings, and attendance at professional seminars and workshops are not vacation time and congregations are discouraged from considering these required meetings and professional growth conferences as days off or part of the allotted vacation time. In fact, congregations are required to pay for the cost of the District pastoral conferences and should make every effort to see that their pastor participates regularly in these District and Circuit conferences. These provide a place where the pastor is both accountable to and responsible for his peers in the ministry” (Southern District 2010 Salary Guidelines, p. 12).

      Those pastors not attending must send an excuse letter to Southern District President Kurtis Schultz (president@southernlcms.org). A copy to conference chairman John Karle (pastor@CelebratingJesus.net) will help reduce confusion in planning, hotel accommodations, and registrations.

Congregational Assessments and Professional Fees

      All 2010 assessments and fees were due by February 28, 2010. The 2010 assessment rate is $1.25 per communicant member. A professional fee is required for each active Southern District pastor, regardless of whether or not he chooses to attend. Because a vicar’s attendance is at the discretion of his supervising pastor, a professional fee is only required for those vicars in actual attendance. When a pastor serves more than one congregation, only one professional fee is required, which may be split between congregations as they see fit. The professional fee for retired, non-active pastors is paid by the Pastors’ Conference. Those in attendance as guests of the conference (not paid presenters), such as DCEs, interns, and others must pay the $50 professional fee.

Hotel Room Reservations and Costs

      Please see the Conference Registration and Reservations page for complete information. You must make your own hotel reservations by March 31^st. This is the absolute reservation deadline for enjoying our special conference rates. Some hotel expenses will be reimbursed to you following the conference.

Travel Equalization Reimbursement

      As of March 2, 2010, we intend to reimburse at the District rate of $ 0.38/mile for travel over 150 miles distance from the hotel. The first 150 miles (or less) should be charged to a participant’s congregation/ministry or deducted from taxes. (150 miles is roughly half the distance from Jackson to the farthest points in the District.)

      Application for travel reimbursement is made through the conference treasurer, Stewart Marshall, using the Reimbursement Form. Checks will be mailed following the conference. You are encouraged to exercise good stewardship by riding together when possible. For ease of accounting, there is only one reimbursement rate. This policy is subject to change based on finances.

Cash Distribution for Meals

      $40 cash will be provided at registration to conference participants (church professionals and retirees, though not spouses) to off-set the cost of your on-your-own meals (Tuesday evening, Wednesday morning and noon, and Thursday morning). The full $40 is intended for those staying for the duration of the conference. The Wednesday evening banquet is provided by the conference for all in attendance.

      The Alumni House Sports Grill is located within the Holiday Inn Trustmark Park. Some dozen other fast-food and sit-down restaurants are located within easy walking distance or a very short drive to the east of the hotel.

      Those other restaurants include: Lone Star Steakhouse, Ryan’s Steakhouse, O’Charley’s, Pizza Hut, Ruby Tuesdays, Shoney’s, Cracker Barrel, Dunkin Donuts, Bass Pro Shop, and a variety of fast-food restaurants.

      An updated restaurant list will be distributed in your registration packet at the hotel.

Display Tables

      Those wanting display or distribution space must submit a request to the conference leadership by March 31^st. Space will be very limited in Jackson. Presently we have reserved tables for (1) Lutheran Church Supply [books for sale; Paul Entzenberger], (2) Kramps Travel [2011 conference cruise information & registration; Ginger Kramp], and (3) Concordia College–Selma [McNair Ramsey].