Our Vision for Summit

We are pleased to share our strategic changes to Summit as we continually seek to respond to your needs.
Shifting Needs | The Summit Experience

Summit began early in Abilene Christian University’s history as a way of highlighting Christ’s centrality at the core of the university. And for the last several decades, it has provided opportunities for congregational leaders to gather on ACU’s campus for fellowship, instruction, and spiritual renewal. Throughout the years, church leaders’ needs have changed, and we have continually adapted to these changing needs through “Summit,” “Lectureship,” “Preachers’ Meeting,” and other names that have identified this gathering through its history.

Even before the pandemic ushered in changes to countless areas of life, we in the Siburt Institute have been engaged in intentional listening and strategic planning to grasp what church leaders need today and to discern the ways Summit is uniquely gifted to respond to those needs.

Today’s ministers can find a wealth of information at their fingertips – from podcasts to books to videos. But is there a place where they can gather with others who serve in similar capacities: to share best practices, to workshop ministry challenges, to learn from people with differing backgrounds, to encourage one another, and to forge relationships that extend beyond the bounds of a conference schedule? We believe that Summit is that place.

As a result of intentional discernment, we have shifted our vision of Summit to offer focused ministry communities. Centered around specific leadership groups such as children’s ministry or preaching, these communities will engage with God, with one another, and with material designed to equip them for effective service. We will also host a group more broadly focused on gathering with others to examine the biblical text as it relates to the theme. 

Our format will also offer the opportunity to come together as a larger group and not only hear from various keynote speakers but also engage in times of worship and reflection.

Summit will begin on Wednesday evening, October 16, run throughout the entire day on Thursday, October 17, and reconvene on Friday morning, October 18, before it concludes with a closing keynote address and praise. 

We hope you will join us for Summit as we build upon this historic event’s rich heritage to meet the ever-shifting needs of leaders today!