Christian leaders and church members from across the country will gather at Abilene Christian University this October to explore the transformative power of love at the 120th annual Summit Oct. 7-9. Registration continues through Sept. 22.
The annual event, part of the university’s Siburt Institute for Church Ministry, provides conversations about faith and life for ministers, church leaders and other believers. Participants study scripture, share practices, discuss specific ministry contexts, and spend time in fellowship and worship. This year’s theme, “A Call to Genuine Love,” is based on Romans 12.
The 2026 conference includes small-group communities focusing on adult formation, emerging adulthood, Hispanic ministry, preaching ministry, rural and small-town churches, and continuing education for spiritual direction. Each group’s discussions and learning experiences are designed for the needs of that group. In addition, two general interest communities are available: New Testament and Old Testament.
“In Romans 12, Paul challenges us by looking at the everyday moments as the example of a life built around love,” said Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Summit director. “Christian life doesn’t only involve our minds — how to think about love — but our entire selves: our identity. We look forward to exploring Romans 12 together and experiencing the practice of becoming a people of love.”
Keynote speakers include:
- Dr. Josh Graves, senior minister at Otter Creek Church in Nashville
- Dr. Sara Barton, chaplain and director of pastoral care at Baylor University
- Dr. Heather Gorman, associate professor of New Testament at ACU
- Mitch Wilburn, preaching minister at The Park Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma
On Thursday evening, Oct. 8, the entire Summit community will come together for Anchor Point, which includes dinner, worship and a plenary session with Gorman.
Worship throughout the event will be led by Nic Dunbar, worship minister at The Hills Church in North Richland Hills and a vocalist, songwriter, creative director and producer.
An additional opportunity is the Pre-Summit Workshop Oct. 6-7 with a focus on ”Pastoring Difference: Learning to Love Diversity as a Way of Church Life.” Dr. Willie James Jennings will teach about environments that celebrate differences and reflect the reconciling work of Christ in increasingly diverse congregations. Jennings is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Theology and Africana Studies at Yale University Divinity School and the author of several award-winning books.
Learn more at siburtinstitute.org/summit and register by Sept. 22 to secure your spot.