Convocation of the Cross
I am the Way: Cross or Glory?
“On Being a Theologian of the Cross”
“A theology of glory calls evil good and good evil. A theology of the cross calls the thing what it actually is.” That thesis, #21 in the Heidelberg Disputation, reverberated throughout the Reformation, and still does to this day for those of us who confess as did Martin Luther. Join us for a three-year series on some of the most explosive theses in the Heidelberg Disputation – all with an eye on why it matters for pastors today. Year one will be “Theology of the Cross vs. Glory: Clothed in Christ.” Year two will focus on “What Makes a Work Good?”, and year three will explore “The Problem of the Will.”
“I am the way and the truth and the life.” – John 14:6
Register Online Now
The 2026 – 2028 convocations will be centered on the book “On Being a Theologian of the Cross” Reflections on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation, 1518.
Accommodations
You are welcome to stay at any hotel you would like. If you wish to stay onsite at the Embassy Suites the AD has reserved a block of rooms for $149 per night that will be held until midnight January 11, 2026. You can make your reservation online at
- www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/augustanadistrictconference/
- Please copy and paste the link if it fails.
- Or by calling 800-317-8143 and state that you are with the Augustana District conference room block and give them the group code 930.
Hotel Address:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
7901 34th Ave. S.
Bloomington, MN 55425
Hourly Schedule
Monday
- 9:00 AM - ...
- Welcome & Opening Worship
- 10:00 AM - ...
- AD Update
- 10:30 AM - ...
- Break
- 11:00 AM - ...
- Session 1
- 12:00 PM - ...
- Lunch
- 1:30 PM - ...
- Session 2
- 2:30 PM - ...
- Q & A
- 2:45 PM - ...
- Break
- 3:00 PM - ...
- Panel Discussion
- 4:00 PM - ...
- Closing
Tuesday
- 9:00 AM - ...
- Opening Prayer & Announcements
- 9:15 AM - ...
- Session 3
- 10:15 AM - ...
- Q & A
- 10:30 AM - ...
- Closing Worship and Sending
Speaker
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Chris CroganChief Academic OfficerAs the founder of the Luther House of Study, Chris is driven by the same motives that inspired Luther: a deep seated concern for the proclamation of the Gospel and the care of souls.
Trained as a Reformation scholar specializing in the life and teachings of Martin Luther, pastoral ministry remains central to Chris’ vocational identity. After graduating from Augustana College, Chris earned his M.Div. and was ordained in 1995. He returned to Luther Seminary five years later and was granted a Ph.D. in church history.
Chris has been teaching college and seminary students since 2004, with his primary emphasis being nurturing faith and preparing pastors.
From the earliest days of LHOS, Chris has worked to make theological education more accessible and affordable while providing sound theological content.