The 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering begins Monday, July 6, early evening, through Thursday, July 9, at noon.

The event will be held in Indianapolis, Ind., at the JW Marriott Indianapolis.

We will gather under the theme “Woven Together.”

Each day we will focus on specific themes — "Woven Together with God," "Woven Together for Creation," "Woven Together as Community" and "Rostered Ministers Woven Together” —through fellowship, renewal, continuing education, worship, Bible study and refreshment for your spirit.

All deacons, pastors, bishops (under call, on leave or disability, or retired) and candidates approved for call who are on the roster of the ELCA may attend this event.

Yes. This event is structured around, and planned for, seminarians, candidates approved for call and all rostered ministers (active in call, on leave from call, awaiting call, retired).

We are excited that the JW Marriott offers space for up to 750 participants!

If your spouse is a rostered minister, we hope they will be there. This gathering is specifically planned and created for ELCA rostered ministers. If your spouse would like to come and enjoy what Indianapolis has to offer, that is more than fine. Additionally, worship is open to everyone. Guests may attend the Celebration Banquet on Wednesday for an additional cost of $110.

We’ll provide a list of child care providers in the Indianapolis area, which will be available on the gathering webpage. Participants are responsible for making their own child care arrangements.

Registration for the main event is $400 per person, with an early registration savings priced at $325 per person.

You will also need to plan your travel expenses to Indianapolis as well as your accommodations ($191.88 per night, including taxes and fees).

Early registration (Jan. 9–March 31 at 11:59 p.m. Central time) — $325

Regular registration (April 1–June 5 at 11:59 p.m. Central time) — $400

You will have access to sessions with keynote speakers, small group discussions, affinity groups and a variety of workshops as well as activities in the Interaction Center, including exhibits and vendors. Included meals: Tuesday and Wednesday lunch, and the Celebration Banquet on Wednesday evening. Everyone also is invited to the Presiding Bishop's Reception on Monday evening following worship.

A limited number of scholarships are available to provide support for registration costs and other expenses for eligible ministry leaders attending the gathering. This church commits to working to intentionally lift up voices from historically underrepresented groups, and applicants from historically underrepresented groups, along with eligible candidates 35 years old and under, will be prioritized for the scholarships.

The priority deadline for applications is March 31, 2026. Apply here.

The JW Marriott Indianapolis is the event venue and has a block of rooms available with a rate of $191.88 per night (including taxes and fees). Once you register, you will be responsible for booking your own room. A link to reserve your space will be provided in your registration confirmation email and on our website.

The hotel is in downtown Indianapolis so there are several choices within walking distance of the JW Marriott. You are welcome to make reservations at other hotels or hotel-type accommodations if you wish.

You could split the cost and share a room with someone else. You will need to make those arrangements on your own.

The JW Marriott Indianapolis has a parking garage. On-site self-parking is available at a daily discounted rate of $32.90.

The self-parking entrances are off Maryland Street and Washington Street.

The general schedule will be posted on the event website.

We will be using Guidebook during the event to provide up-to-date information and the ability to create a schedule of your activities. Watch for more information about Guidebook, coming soon.

Descriptions and the schedule of workshops and affinity group sessions will be posted in early spring.

Affinity groups create space for rostered ministers with shared roles or interests — such as chaplains, deacons or those serving in specialized ministries — to gather for conversation, mutual support and shared wisdom.

• The Rev. Leila Ortiz, former bishop of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod and theologian-in-residence at St. Peter’s Church in Manhattan, N.Y.
• The Rev. Lori Kochanski, former assistant to the bishop in the Upstate New York Synod and fiber artist
• The Rev. Stephanie Spellers, canon-in-residence of St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City
• The Rev. Baird Linke, writer, ecojustice activist and pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bonner, Mont.
• The Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, James Franklin Kelly and Hope Eyster Kelly Associate Professor of Public Theology and vice president and dean of academic affairs at United Lutheran Seminary
• The Rev. Sharei Green, Womanist theologian and pastor of United in Faith Lutheran Church in Chicago
• The Rev. Yehiel Curry, ELCA presiding bishop
• The Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills, ELCA secretary

Yes! The event begins with Holy Communion on Monday afternoon.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we will center ourselves in worship with morning prayer.

The event concludes with Holy Communion.

Find more information about this event by going to:

Website: ELCA.org/RMG

Facebook: ELCARMG

Instagram: @elca_rmg

If you have specific questions, you may email RosteredGathering@elca.org.

Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will offer you an opportunity for workshops, the Interaction Center, affinity groups, colleague conversations or free time, if you choose. Tuesday early evening is dinner on your own. We are purposefully not scheduling any activities Tuesday evening to give rostered ministers an opportunity to network and reconnect.