rostered leaders convocation

2024 Leadership Convocation Reflections

2024 was an exceptional convocation! As parts of South Carolina and much of Western North Carolina were impacted by hurricane Helene, service work was added to the focus of convocation.  Lutheridge greeted us with open arms, as our convocation was the first event following reopening. In preparation, SC Synod Congregation and their leaders gathered supplies bringing items that requested by Lutheridge, a local ministerial alliance, and Skyland UMC. Sleeping bags, hand warmers, canned food items, water bottles, and blankets were some of the items gathered. During the event, some leaders used chainsaws and strong backs to help in the huge task of clearing the camp of fallen trees, some delivered goods collected, and some sorted disaster relief supplies sent from all over the nation to Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM). Convocation truly was God’s work, our hands. We were blessed to be a blessing!

Featured leader Dr. Jacqueline Bussie shared personal story to help leaders find powerful ways to connect our grief, the grief of others, and the love of God. Featured leader Dr. Brent Driggers offered Biblical study to nourish and strengthen leaders in their faith and work. To our delight, Dr. Bussie really got into the task of sorting supplies at ABCCM!

As always, convocation was a wonderful time of learning, worship, fellowship – all of which builds and strengthens relationships of collegiality among leaders, strengthening ministry across the Synod. Leaders were especially thankful this year to have an opportunity to welcome and meet Assistant to the Bishop Deacon Kimberly Heindl.

2025 South Carolina Rostered Leaders Convocation

Monday-Wednesday, October 27-29, 2025 at Lutheridge

Featured leaders:

The Rev. Dr. Starlette Thomas

The Rev. Eric C. Fistler and the Rev. Robb McCoy

Registration will begin in July.

About The Rev. Dr. Starlette Thomas

Director of The Raceless Gospel Initiative – www.RacelessGospel.com/who

Starlette Thomas is an author, activist, visual artist, pastor, and race abolitionist. She is director of The Raceless Gospel Initiative at Good Faith Media. The Raceless Gospel aims to empower Christians to speak about the sociopolitical construct of race and the myriad injustices that intersect in their churches, communities, and country. Her 2023 book is Take me to the Water: The Raceless Gospel as Baptismal Pedagogy for a Desegregated Church. Pastor Starlette is host of “The Raceless Gospel” podcast, with five seasons available. She has also served as a denominational leader and as pastor of congregations in the American Baptist Churches USA tradition.

About The Rev. Eric C. Fistler and the Rev. Robb McCoy

Hosts of the podcast Pulpit Fiction – www.PulpitFiction.com

Pulpit Fiction is a weekly lectionary podcast by pastors for pastors. With hundreds of episodes, Pastors Eric and Robb offer commentary on both the Revised Common and Narrative Lectionaries. Pulpit Fiction also offers written lectionary commentary and interviews both with leaders on the cutting edge of theology and culture and renown theologians.

Pastor Eric serves First Congregational Church (UCC) of Crystal Lake, IL. In addition to his passion for parish ministry, he is active in peacemaking and justice work, and was a founding member of Cathedral in the Night, an emergent street church. When not serving his church, being a Bible geek, or spending time with family, Eric enjoys reading, running, playing World of Warcraft, and building computers.

Pastor Robb serves Two Rivers United Methodist Church in Rock Island, IL. His passion for preaching and teaching has led him to a love for challenging people with a new understanding of the Gospel. His greatest compliment is when a hearer says, “You really got me thinking.” Robb also blogs at The Fat Pastor, reflecting on his journey to fitness and living out the theme, “Love God, Live Well, Do Good.”