By Loretta Fulton

Jennifer Schroeder was named director of Abilene Christian University’s annual Summit in 2022, on the heels of a tumultuous couple of years as the university–and the world–dealt with the after effects of Covid.

It was a challenge, but Schroeder was up to the job. She brought to her new position a wealth of experience in children’s ministry at several churches. She’s also an accomplished musician, with a doctorate in music performance from Michigan State University.

And, she is a wife to husband Greg and mother of four children, including a set of triplets. Now that she is entering her third year as director of Summit, she is ready to go.

“I am truly excited about Summit. Yes, it is a lot of work, but it is also a tremendous blessing,” she said. “Each Summit, I stand in awe of the different voices who contribute to the whole of Summit, their dedication to Christ and their passion for Scripture, and marvel at the fact that this is my “job.” 

Summit will be held Oct. 16-18, with the theme, “Woven Together: The Power of Biblical Narratives.” Click here for a schedule.

Jennifer Schroeder

BIO
Positions: Summit Director, Siburt Institute for Church Ministry; College Fellow for Children & Family Ministry, Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry; Director, Center for Women in Christian Ministry
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of North Texas; master’s in Bible and Family Life from Lubbock Christian University; doctorate in music performance from Michigan State University; doctor of ministry from ACU
Family: Husband, Greg; four children, Jack, the oldest, and triplets Lillian, Harvey, and Matilda. 
Previous experience: Children’s ministry in Garland, Plano, and Houston, and most recently, North Atlanta Church of Christ in Georgia. Taught adjunct courses for ACU’s Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry.

Q What has been the biggest challenge since you were named director of Summit? 
A I would say thinking through the logistics of the actual spaces that we use (will the space be big enough, does it have a seating arrangement that fits with what that community needs, is it centrally located, etc.) Because I work hard to ensure that each of the ministry communities has what it needs and can “set up shop” within that space for the entirety of Summit, it can sometimes be like putting a puzzle together when registration closes and I assign spaces based on a combination of needs alongside numbers. 

Q How did your previous ministries prepare you for directing Summit?
A From a very practical perspective, organizing and carrying out different church elements, whether planning a worship service or creating a special event, gave me the skills I needed to organize an event like Summit. From a pastoral perspective, my love of ministry and my desire to see churches flourish runs deep, and so I think that has equipped me to listen carefully and humbly to what churches need and then allow that to shape Summit. 

Q The year of Covid, 2020, turned everyone’s world upside down. What changes did you make to Summit because of Covid that you continue today? 
A The significant changes that were made to Summit changed just prior to my arrival. A team made up of people heavily invested in Summit came together over Zoom during the pandemic to spend time listening to and discerning the needs of those serving in churches. The most significant change that was made to Summit was the shift to a ministry focus. In other words, rather than having a sea of sessions covering a wide range of topics, the team heard from those serving in ministry that they really desired a place where they could participate in equipping opportunities, be supported, and build relationships that could extend past the bounds of a conference. And through that discernment the new model of Summit was born. It is now somewhat of a both/and conference. It has an element of relational support that is built around specific areas of ministry (e.g., the ministry communities: adult formation, children’s ministry, Hispanic ministry, preaching, and rural churches) while also holding space for the more traditional lectureship format with the Old Testament and New Testament general interest communities. Our desire is to not only meet the needs of church leaders but also to provide a space where anyone, regardless of whether they serve formally in a church or not, can dive deeply into Scripture. 

Q The format for Summit has changed several times since Covid, particularly the number of days. Will it continue to evolve?
A I don’t know. From a constancy perspective, I would like to say “no.” However, our team is intentional about listening to those who come to Summit and who serve in churches to hear what they need. And so, while we never go into a year assuming that we will make a change, we are also open to doing what is best for the kingdom of God. We truly try to listen to the Spirit’s leading.

Q Anything new coming for Summit 2024?
A This year we added a Pre-Summit Preaching Workshop. We had an opportunity to offer this workshop as an additional mechanism of support for those who preach with the tremendous Anna Carter Florence and Jake Myers, both from Columbia Seminary, and we are thrilled to be able to do so. Both have such a deep love of Scripture that this felt like a natural extension of Summit. We have some who are coming only for the workshop; some who will come only for Summit (because the preaching workshop is a limited number), and some who are coming for both. We are excited about this opportunity and hope to offer similar pre-Summit elements in years to come.

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene