April 9-12, 2026 @ Lakeview Villages
Guarding Our First Charge
“Be fruitful and multiply.” Genesis 1:28 is often referred to as the first great commission. With this mandate, let us “therefore choose life.” (Deut. 30:19) It’s easy to see how God loves life throughout Scripture, but have you ever thought about how today’s “Right to Life” issues go far beyond abortion? Does the Bible have anything to say about birth control pills or vasectomies? What about the barren, IVF, or adoption? Are you educated on these topics and prepared to defend life no matter the consequence? These may be sensitive topics, but we as men should be prepared to talk about these issues to guard those closest to us. This may seem like an odd topic to discuss at a Men’s Gathering, but if we are not prepared to answer the tough questions related to these topics, those we are given charge over will find answers elsewhere. The goal of this weekend will be to educate and prepare fathers/sons/and grandfathers so they can help those in their lives make wise decisions regarding these issues.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Donna Harrison to the 2026 Men’s Gathering. Dr. Harrison will provide 3 educational sessions on the ever-changing abortion landscape, potential contraception concerns, and alternative reproductive options.
Dr. Harrison is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and Director of Research for the American Association of Prolife Obstetricians and Gynecologists. AAPLOG is the largest pro-life physician organization in the world. They encourage and equip their members and other concerned medical professionals, to provide an evidenced-based defense of both the mother and her unborn child. She has also spoken before the FDA Reproductive Health Advisory Committee on mifepristone and ulipristal and has addressed numerous congressional committees, as well as presenting at the United Nations Committee on the Status of Women accessory sessions on topics related to medical abortion in developing nations, and maternal mortality and abortion. Dr. Harrison a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church and is married to Dr. Mark Harrison, M.D. She is the mother of 5 children and 5 grandchildren.
To provide a Scriptural understanding of these topics, we are also pleased to welcome Indiana District President, Rev. Dr. D. Richard Stuckwisch. Dr. Stuckwisch will tag-team the presentation time with Dr. Harrison and will be our Pastor for the weekend leading our morning and evening devotions.
The Rev. Dr. D. Richard Stuckwisch is President of the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. He also continues to serve Emmaus Lutheran Church in South Bend, Indiana, where he was ordained in May 1996. A graduate of Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska (BA, 1988), Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana (MDiv, 1993; STM, 2003), and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana (MA, 1996; PhD, 2003), he served on the Lutheran Service Book project from 1998 to 2006, and on the Indiana District Worship Committee from 2003 to 2012. He then served as a Circuit Visitor and as a District Vice President before being elected as District President in 2022. Dr. Stuckwisch and his wife LaRena were married in 1985 and have been blessed with ten children, seven of them now married, and twenty-four grandchildren so far. He especially enjoys reading aloud to his family, listening to audio books and a wide variety of music, and visiting his grandchildren whenever he is able.
Special Sessions & Activities
In addition to the keynote sessions, we have many other sessions of which you may take advantage. Friday afternoon will include the opportunity to select from one of many organized activities in the area of Columbus and Seymour, Indiana. On Saturday afternoon. we will provide various on-site sectional activities led by knowledgeable experts.
If you choose to not participate in these sessions, you can spend this time relaxing in God’s creation. We have attempted to build this retreat schedule so that everyone can get what they need out of their time at camp. We desire that you do what you need to do in order to be refreshed and brought closer to God.
What else can you expect?
Food. We will be preparing a whole hog and smoking it on a rotisserie roaster for 20+ hours until it literally falls apart and onto your plate! The other meals and snacks provided will not leave you wanting. We feast together.
Competition. The Medieval Challenge, Gathering Quest, or the like will bring you together with your fellow men to compete in feats of skill, wit, strength, and determination. This is always a great time to bond with your brothers. We often organize various tournaments (mini golf, dart ball, bass fishing, etc.) during the weekend, as well.
A good challenge. Each year, our speakers challenge us to rethink how we are engaged in our duties as men of the church. Come and consider with us the vocations of father, husband, son, and friend. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
What Does It Cost?
Registration & Housing Options
| Lodge | Cabin | Tent | Commuter | |
| Main Retreat Thursday evening thru Sunday morning (8 meals, 3 nights) | $155 | $145 | $135 | $125 |
Previous year participants have contributed to our Help a Brother Out fund which helps defray the cost for those who might be unable to attend without some such financial assistance. If cost is standing in the way of your attending this year, please contact info@mensgathering.us prior to registering to determine what money might be available.
What is the Schedule?
We’re still pulling together details, but here’s our rough schedule we’re looking at for our Thursday through Sunday gathering.
The Men’s Gathering thanks LCEF for sponsoring fellowship snacks and refreshments during our time together. If you would like to connect with the ministry of LCEF, feel free to reach out to the Indiana District Vice President TJ Mattick at tj.mattick@lcef.org or 812-841-3120.