LEAven Blog
Together Again
HAPPY 15TH ANNIVERSARY!
This October 2-4, 2025, marks the 15th anniversary of an international event that has become known for bringing together Lutheran educators from across the USA and several other countries. It is unique because of its size, but its purpose is similar to many other conferences held at local, district, and regional levels. This gathering highlights professional development, worship, and social interaction. Teachers at all levels, administrators, district and national leaders, exhibitors, and guests come to one place to celebrate the blessings of Lutheran education ministry. This year we experience the 15th triennial LEA Convocation!
It all started in 1984 when the Lutheran Education Association executive board decided to create a distinctive national event in the spring that would focus on what we all have in common under the theme “Artistry in Teaching.” LEA President at the time, Norm Young, was quoted as proclaiming, “It’ll be a Gathering that will be festive and caring, worshipful and meaningful, and we’re setting the tables for six hundred.” Indeed, it was the beginning of a triennial tradition that has lasted 41 years. The numbers have grown from several hundred to several thousand in attendance, but the LEA Convocation has maintained its focus on coming TOGETHER with each new event and theme.
Why has this event had such an impact on Lutheran educators through the years? It is estimated that more than 40,000 individuals from every level of Lutheran education in all fifty states and more than a dozen other countries have entered the hotels and convention centers in eight different cities to experience the LEA Convocation over the years. More than 2000 sectionals have been presented, and the number of featured speakers and entertainers has exceeded 200. Convocation attendees have experienced some 1500 exhibitors through the years, representing countless areas of ministry, products, and services that support participating educators every day. Worship events sometimes exceeding 3000 participants are recognized as memorable highlights. All of the above have been made possible by hundreds of skilled and creative LEA leaders, planning committees, and LEA staff who volunteer their time to make each Convocation happen.
If there is one word that best sums up every one of the past 15 LEA convocations, it is the theme of the 2025 event: TOGETHER. We are blessed to come together from all parts of the country and around the world to celebrate the Lutheran education ministry we share, when most of the time we can only do so from a distance. We meet new colleagues, renew friendships, share educational experiences, and learn about the constantly changing nature of the communities we serve. Convocation attendees are refreshed and revived … better prepared to face the next stages of Lutheran education ministry in the places we serve.
God has, indeed, blessed each LEA Convocation through the years. We look forward to YOUR involvement in the 15th triennial event in St. Louis, October 2-4, 2025.
Check out the following sites for more information about the 2025 LEA Convocation:
