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Summer Conference: Foundations of Faith and Freedom, July 14-17, 2026 written above the United States Constitution

Summer Conference

CCLE XXVI:  Foundations of Faith and Freedom

July 14-17, 2026 at Concordia University Chicago

Registration is now open.

Plenary Speakers

Dr. E. Christian Kopff

Dr. E. Christian Kopff

Martin Luther and the American Founding

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Dr. Korey D. Maas

Dr. Korey D. Maas

Reformation & Revolution: Lutheran Political Theology and Its American Echoes

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Dr. Ryan MacPherson

Dr. Ryan MacPherson

Religious Free Exercise: A Contemporary Look at the First Amendment

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Presenters

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Jocelyn Benson

The Lutheran case for the Commonplace

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Kim Bohot

Bedrock of Classical Education: Building Young Learners from the Ground Up

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Jason Braaten

Reason as a Servant of the Word: Teaching Logic through Philip Melanchthon’s Dialectical Questions in Classical Lutheran Schools

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Dr. Charles Brown

Conference Choir Director

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Nicole Busarow

Learning to Hear the Language of Music: Attentive to Aural Beauty

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Paul Cain

Avoid the Fashionable, but False: An Introduction to Logical Fallacies for All Ages

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Paul Cain

Doing What Charlie Did: A Rhetorical Analysis of Charlie Kirk and His Use of Socratic Questioning

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Rene Castillero

Introduction to Classical Lutheran Education I

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Rene Castillero

Introduction to Classical Lutheran Education II

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Rene Castillero

Introduction to Classical Lutheran Education III

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Steven Cholak

Socratic Dialogue in the Classroom

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Brennick Christiansen

Not Trivial: A Disputation On Whether Music or Astronomy is the Capstone of the Quadrivium

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Amanda Crabtree

Bedrock of Classical Education: Building Young Learners From the Ground Up

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mr. Joe Gerth

Abridged Too Far: Why Students Must Read Whole Books

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo

Theme and Variation: How a Common Musical Form Can Illustrate the Christian Life

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Miss Anna Hahn

Realistic Excellence: Tips and Encouragement for Normal People Trying to Teach a Bunch of Things

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mr. Nathanael Hahn

A Christian Philosophy of the Mathematical Arts

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Dr. Gabriel Haley

Foundations for Reading Paradise Lost

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Kjirsten Harpain

Teaching the classical liberal arts by Celebrating the Timeline: An Architect's Joy of Discovering Level of Detail (LOD) in Classical Christian Education (CCE) History.

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Jeffrey Hendrix

Starting Small: How Our Small Congregation Started a Hybrid Classical School

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mr. John James

The First Grammar Book and the Goals of Grammatical Education

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Dr. Chad Kendall

Protreptics: An Ancient Approach to Dialogue and Instruction

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Steve Kieser

The Quadrivial Arts for Lutheran Schools

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Dr. E. Christian Kopff

Martin Luther and the American Founding

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Dr. James Lee

The Pedagogical and Theological Value of Augustine’s Confessions for Teaching the Christian Faith within a Distinctly Lutheran Framework

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Dr. Korey D. Maas

Reformation & Revolution: Lutheran Political Theology and Its American Echoes

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Dr. Ryan MacPherson

Religious Free Exercise: A Contemporary Look at the First Amendment

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Erika Mildred

Wisdom in the Five Canons: How Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian can inform Curriculum, Instruction, Pedagogy, and Lesson Planning

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Dr. Susan Mobley

Beyond Wittenberg: The Lutheran Liberal Arts in Württemberg

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mr. Erik Morrissey

Classical Education and Logic 1

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Roger Mullet

The Great Conversation in the Scriptures and the Classics

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Megan Mullet

Considerations for New Teachers and Those Who Support Them

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Dr. John Nordling

Foundations of Faith and Freedom... at Philippi

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Robert Paul

Linguam Latinam Docere Necesse Est: It is Necessary to Teach Latin

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Robert Paul

Conference Chaplain

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Aubrie Pierson

Latin for the Littles: Incorporating Latin Instruction in the Grammar Classroom

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mr. Nathaniel Pullmann

The American Republic Needs Classical Christian Education

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Simeon D. Raddatz

University Chaplain

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Andrew Richard

How to Read a Play

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Andrew Richard

Hymn Writing as a Capstone of a Classical Lutheran Education

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Christine Rivers

The First Day: Creating an Orderly Classroom

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mr. Tom Rosenwinkel

Writing Roads to How to Read a Math Book

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Katie Schuermann

Discovering Biblical Allusions in Our Favorite Stories

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Aaron Schultz

The Five Pillars of Being a Lutheran School

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Dr. Charles Schulz

Teaching the Church Fathers

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Dr. Charles Schulz, Dr. Robert Sorensen, Dr. Brian Sundermeier and Dr Erin Real

Teaching Languages

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mr. Davis Smith

The Hermeneutics of Nature: Notes toward a Classical Lutheran Theory and Practice of Natural Science

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mr. Patrick Steckbeck

Is a Lutheran-Classical Hybrid School Right for Your Congregation?

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mr. Jonathan Telschow

A Classical Perspective on Athletics in today's Modern World

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Kate Thoelke

From Calling to Classroom: The Heart of Classical Lutheran Education & the Art of Growing Great Teachers

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. David Thompson

See to It That No One Takes You Captive: The Basic Assumptions of Cultural Marxism

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mrs. Joscelynn Tomaw

In Due Season: Towards a Classical Lutheran Approach to Teaching Economics

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Dr. Jackie Veith

Accreditation for Your School

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Dr. Jackie Veith

Is Certification for You?

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Dr. Gene Veith

Misconceptions about the Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Mr. Jason Vogeler

Implementing Classical Physical Education

Rev. Stephen Kieser

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt

Aligning Recruitment and Admissions with Mission: Strengthening the Foundations of Faith and Freedom

CCLE XXVI Worship

Dr. Charles Brown

Dr. Charles Brown

Conference Choir Director

Rev. Robert Paul

Rev. Robert Paul

Conference Chaplain

Rev. Simeon D. Raddatz

Rev. Simeon D. Raddatz

University Chaplain

children playing chess

Children's Programs

Children are encouraged to attend the CCLE summer conference with their parents! Each year, we offer programs for our younger attendees while parents attend the adult sessions. Lunches, dinners, and evening events are enjoyed together as a family.

Purchase tickets

Pre-Grammaticus

The Pre-Grammaticus program will engage the children aged 3-5 at their developmental level and provide closer supervision with a lower child to caregiver ratio. A playroom is also available for parents and children ages 0-5.

Space for the Pre-Grammaticus program is especially limited! Be sure to register early to secure your spot (registration ends June 20).

Grammaticus

The CCLE’s Grammaticus program provides an enriching, edifying environment for children aged 6-12 to interact with new and existing friends. Children will engage in educational activities and enjoy games outside. They will sing beautiful hymns and sacred music with meaningful texts and their imaginations will be kindled as they listen to our program’s featured read-aloud novel. Crafts and hands-on activities are also included. 

Scholasticus

Scholasticus is designed for attendees aged 13-18 years and offers sessions and activities fitting for this age group. Scholasticus attendees are also free to choose from any of the adult sessions that interest them. Social opportunities including an English country dance and chess tournaments are offered. The program will include instructional sessions, educational activities, and fellowship opportunities with like-minded Lutherans of the same age.

Scholasticus Theme: Render

Mrs. Jocelyn Benson

Mrs. Jocelyn Benson

Scholasticus

Rev. Steven Cholak

Rev. Steven Cholak

Scholasticus Opening Address and Chess

Rev. Brennick Christiansen

Rev. Brennick Christiansen

Scripture and Self Evident Truths

Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago

Learn about the classical offerings at Concordia University Chicago

Mrs. Katie Schuermann

Mrs. Katie Schuermann

The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword

Dr. Kurt VonKampen

Dr. Kurt VonKampen

Scholasticus Choir

United States Constitution

Presentation Schedule

Subject to change

  • Introduction to Classical Lutheran Education I

    Rev. Rene Castillero

    Chapel

    Details

    Considerations for New Teachers and Those Who Support Them

    Mrs. Megan Mullet

    Band Room

    Details

    See to It That No One Takes You Captive: The Basic Assumptions of Cultural Marxism

    Rev. David Thompson

    KCC OPRF

    Details

    In Due Season: Towards a Classical Lutheran Approach to Teaching Economics

    Mrs. Joscelynn Tomaw

    Kretzmann Recital Hall

    Details
  • Introduction to Classical Lutheran Education II

    Rev. Rene Castillero

    Chapel

    Details

    Foundations for Reading Paradise Lost

    Dr. Gabriel Haley

    KCC OPRF

    Details

    The Great Conversation in the Scriptures and the Classics

    Rev. Roger Mullet

    Kretzmann Recital Hall

    Details

    Implementing Classical Physical Education

    Mr. Jason Vogeler

    Band Room

    Details
  • Introduction to Classical Lutheran Education III

    Rev. Rene Castillero

    Chapel

    Details

    Not Trivial: A Disputation On Whether Music or Astronomy is the Capstone of the Quadrivium

    Rev. Brennick Christiansen

    KCC OPRF

    Details

    From Calling to Classroom: The Heart of Classical Lutheran Education & the Art of Growing Great Teachers

    Mrs. Kate Thoelke

    Kretzmann Recital Hall

    Details

    Is Certification for You?

    Dr. Jackie Veith

    Band Room

    Details
  • The Lutheran case for the Commonplace

    Mrs. Jocelyn Benson

    KCC OPRF

    Details

    Reason as a Servant of the Word: Teaching Logic through Philip Melanchthon’s Dialectical Questions in Classical Lutheran Schools

    Rev. Jason Braaten

    Chapel

    Details

    Abridged Too Far: Why Students Must Read Whole Books

    Mr. Joe Gerth

    Kretzmann Recital Hall

    Details

    Accreditation for Your School

    Dr. Jackie Veith

    Band Room

    Details
Aerial view of a Concordia University Chicago with buildings, track, and sports fields.

Concordia University - Chicago
Campus

View Campus MapVisitor Guide

Meal Plans

Guests attending the CCLE Conference are encouraged to pre-order meals from Concordia University - Chicago at discounted rates before the conference. The last day to pre-order meals at discounted rates or make any changes to orders is July 10, 2026. Meals may also be purchased at the door during the conference at regular rates. Discounted rates apply only to meals that are pre-ordered. Guests may order the Full Conference Meal Plan, which covers all meals not included as part of the conference, or they may select specific meals based on their schedule.

For any questions, please reach out to Campus.Events@cuchicago.edu or 708-209-3092.

Refunds: A 95% refund will be made for plans cancelled or changed by July 10, 2026. No refunds will be made after the deadline.

Order Meals Now

Dorm Reservations

Reserve Now
  • Concordia Hall is the University's newest residence hall. It offers flexible suite-style living with shared-bedroom and single-bedroom options. Each suite is fully furnished and includes two restrooms, a kitchenette (with microwave, sink and refrigerator), and living room area. Every floor is complete with a community lounge and full common kitchen. Rooms have central air conditioning. Elevator access is available in this building. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, towel, washcloth, bar of soap, and water cup are provided.

     

    Concordia Hall is centrally located on campus between the Koehneke Community Center and the Klinck Library and close to conference events. See more details at Concordia's website.

  • Rooms in Mary Martha-Trusheim Hall feature community-style living with two-person rooms (and a small number of three-person rooms). Each room includes two twin beds, two desks with chairs, two dressers. Community bathrooms are on each floor. Rooms are equipped with window air conditioning units. Please note: this building does not have an elevator. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, towel, washcloth, bar of soap, and water cup are provided.

     

    Mary Martha-Trusheim Hall is centrally located on campus between the Koehneke Community Center and the Klinck Library and close to conference events. See more details at Concordia's website.

  • David-Jonathan Hall features suite-style living with a lounge on all of the three floors making up the building. Each suite contains a bathroom shared by the two bedrooms. Each room in the two-bedroom suite includes two twin beds, two desks with chairs, and two dressers. One room in the two-bedroom suite will have a window air-conditioner that will cool both rooms if the bathroom doors are left open. Please note: this building does not have an elevator. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, towel, washcloth, bar of soap, and water cup are provided.

     

    David-Jonathan Hall is the farthest dorm from the conference events and will take about 15 minutes to walk. See more details at Concordia's website.

group photo of conference attendees in the chapel of Concordia University Wisconsin

Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities

An estimated 500 Lutheran educators, parents, and administrators will attend our conference this July. Gain valuable exposure for your business or organization while helping to make this event special for our attendees!

View Opportunities

Registration closes June 20. 

Household Members, Institutional Members, and Accredited Schools:

email jess@ccle.org for your discount code.

If you are unable to pay electronically, please email wendy.koch@ccle.org for other options.

Constitution of the United States

Adult Ticket

Includes lunches. Member discount: $25.

Register Now

$450 

$400 

Until May 1

Spouse Ticket

For spouses of attendees purchasing a regular adult ticket. Includes lunches. Member discount: $25.

Register Now

$400 

$350 

Until May 1

Higher Education Student Ticket

For students in college, graduate school, or seminary. Includes lunches. Member discount: $25.

Register Now

$275 

$225 

Until May 1

Pre-Grammaticus Ticket

For children ages 3-5. Includes lunches. Member discount: $25.

Register Now

$150 

$125 

Until May 1

Grammaticus Ticket

For children ages 6-12. Includes lunches. Member discount: $25.

Register Now

$150 

$125

Until May 1

Scholasticus Ticket

For children ages 13-18. Includes lunches. Member discount: $25.

Register Now

$200 

$175

Until May 1

Volunteer Ticket

Volunteer one day of the conference for deeply discounted registration! Teen volunteers attend free. Includes lunches. 

Register Now

$175

  

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