Abilene Christian University’s 119th annual Summit, a three-day conference for Christian leaders and church members, will take place Oct. 8-10 with the theme “Encounter: Spirit of the Living God.”
The annual three-day conference, part of the university’s Siburt Institute for Church Ministry, offers ministers, church leaders and other believers the opportunity to gather for teaching, worship and fellowship. Attendees share practices, discuss ministry challenges and encourage one another, all while building relationships that extend beyond Summit.
The Fall 2025 event features several communities built around specific areas of practice: adult formation, Hispanic ministry, intergenerational ministry, preaching ministry and small/rural church ministry. Facilitators will craft each group’s discussions and learning experiences specifically toward the needs of the group. There will also be two general interest communities: one will focus on the Old Testament and specifically examine Isaiah 40-66, and another will dive into the worldwide phenomenon of The Chosen.
“Summit is open to everyone, whether a person serves formally in ministry or not,” said Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Summit director. “While we are focusing on specific areas of ministry, our general interest communities maintain a more traditional lectureship model for those who simply want to dive more deeply into the word of God.”
Worship throughout the event will be led by United Voice Worship, a bridge-building a cappella music ministry composed of diverse worship ministers and praise leaders from Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas.
Keynote speakers for Summit include:
- Naomi Walters, dean of the School of Theology and Ministry at Rochester Christian University
- Dr. Jerry Taylor, associate professor emeritus of Bible, missions and ministry at ACU
- Nathan Burrow, preaching minister at Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene
- Nijay Gupta, author and Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary
On Thursday evening, Oct. 9, the entire Summit community will come together for Anchor Point, which includes dinner, worship led by United Voice Worship and a plenary session with Gupta. Attendees will also receive a copy of his book, Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling.
Attendance is limited, and registration is open through Sept. 23. Learn more at acu.edu/siburt-summit.
