Summit 2026
Click here for the Summit schedule
Click here for information about the pre-Summit Workshop.
Click here to learn more about the keynote speakers.

Click here to read about Jennifer Schroeder’s upcoming book.

By Loretta Fulton

The 120th annual Summit at Abilene Christian University will explore the transformative power of love, based on Romans 12, when it convenes Oct. 7-9. 

“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,” an ACU news release stated.

The gathering will feature several keynote speakers and small-group discussion that will focus on adult formation, emerging adulthood, Hispanic ministry, preaching ministry, rural and small-town churches, and continuing education for spiritual direction. Also, two general interest communities will be held–New Testament and Old Testament. 

Theme is “A Call to Genuine Love: Romans 12.” Worship throughout Summit will be led by Nic Dunbar, worship minister at The Hills Church in North Richland Hills, and a vocalist, songwriter, creative director, and producer. 

“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.” Click here to read article about Schroeder’s new book.

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder

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

A pre-Summit workshop is scheduled for 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.

Dr. Willie James Jennings

Dr. Heather Gorman

A special feature of Summit will be the Anchor Point dinner, worship, and plenary session, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the 201 Mesquite event center. Guest speaker will be Dr. Heather Gorman, associate professor of New Testament at ACU. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene