2026 Theological Conference

Theologians of the Cross

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18

October 11, 2025

May 18–20, 2026, $75

Registration fee is $75 (includes NC BBQ lunch on Tuesday). This is the fee for students and non-students.

The presenters for the 2026 Theological Conference, “Theologians of the Cross” are:

Randy Freund, on the distinction between a theology of glory and the theology of the cross

Mark Ryman, Oratio

Dennis Di Mauro, Meditatio

Julie Smith, Tentatio

Marney Fritts, On Being Theologians of the Cross

Hosted by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
205 Saint Paul Church Road, Salisbury, NC 28146

A block of rooms has been reserved for May 16 – 21 at the Hampton Inn of Salisbury. Make your reservation by calling the hotel directly at 704-637-8000. Mention the “2026 SPLS Theological Conference” to receive our reduced rate of $159/night. In order to receive this rate, do not use an 800 # or third party booking agency. Deadline for this rate is April 17, 2026. Reservations may be canceled with notice to the Hampton Inn in writing 72 hours in advance of registration.

A limited number of scholarships are available to seminarians in need of housing for the two nights. Please email pastor@stpaulslutheran.church about your need. These will be handled on a first-come-first-served basis.

If you plan to attend, please do the following: (1) email pastor@stpaulslutheran.church to let him know of your intention to attend, your t-shirt size, and if you need hotel scholarship (if you are a student at St. Paul Lutheran Seminary). The t-shirt is included in the registration fee. (2) Pay your $75 registration fee by using the church's Tithely account (Click to the "Fund" account "St. Paul Theological Conference.) or send a check to 205 Saint Paul Church Rd., Salisbury, NC 28146.

Conference Schedule

Monday, May 18:
1:00 Registration (Narthex)
1:30 Welcome, Seminary Update (Jon Jensen)
1:45 Presentation, Rev. Randy Freund, "The Finishing Touch” – Distinguishing a theology of glory and the theology of the cross
2:45 Discussion/Q&A
3:30 Presentation 1, "Oratio," Rev. Dr. Mark Ryman
4:30 Discussion/Q&A
5:00 Supper on your own
7:00 Johan Glidden In Concert

Tuesday, May 19:
8:30 Devotions (Fellowship Hall)
9:00 Presentation, "Meditatio," Dr. Dennis Di Mauro
10:00 Discussion/Q&A
10:30 Break
11:00 Presentation, "Tentatio," Rev. Dr. Julie Smith
Noon Discussion/Q&A
12:30 NC BBQ Lunch (Fellowship Hall)
1:30 "On Being Made Theologians of the Cross," Rev. Dr. Marney Fritts
2:30 Discussion/Q&A
3:00 Break
3:30 Application Discussion
4:30 Supper on your own

Wednesday, May 20:
8:30 Panel Discussion/Q&A
9:30 Break
10:00 Worship and Conferral of Degrees
Noon Conference Adjourns

2026 Theological Conference