Saturday, September 12, 2026

Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, Michigan

When the world feels confusing, heavy, and loud, where do you find something solid to stand on? Rooted by the River is a one-day pro-life, Christian conference designed to anchor you in God’s Word and equip you to face some of today’s hardest issues. Don’t miss presentations on coping, sexual shame, AI, and better conversations about abortion. Plus a powerful interview with an abortion survivor! You’ll be strengthened to live and speak with courageous, Christ-centered hope right where God has placed you.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:3)

NOTE: The event was on September 12, but you can still register to view the conference recordings.

Speakers & Sessions

Pastor Robert Fleischmann

AI’s Impact on Life and Family Issues

AI is influencing thought patterns, accelerating tasks, and creating distractions. This workshop will help participants think critically and “Christianly” about AI as a tool without letting it redefine judgment, mission, or human purpose.

Rev. Robert Fleischmann has been the National Director of Christian Life Resources since 1988. He is adjunct to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary where he teaches a pastoral approach to bioethical issues. He teaches an online Master’s certificate course at Concordia University on Bioethics and Biotechnology. He speaks throughout North America on the Biblical approach to various life and family issues and counsels people with God’s Word in correct decision-making.

Pastor Mike Helwig

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping

Every day we experience the results of a broken and fallen humanity. Some experiences are more traumatic than others. Everyone copes because everyone needs coping. This breakout session will allow the participant to distinguish between unhealthy and healthy coping strategies. The session will offer manageable approaches to choosing healthy coping over unhealthy coping.

For 20 years Pastor Mike Helwig served as a parish minister. For 4 years he taught young adults in a Christian high school. In 2023 he achieved a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bethany Lutheran College. Mike served an internship with Christian Family Solutions in a variety of patient care services. He currently works as a Licensed Professional Therapist (LPC) at Northshore Clinics and Consultants. He is also the founder of Camp Courage LLC, a retreat program designed to help people in helping agencies to build personal wellness plans. Mike’s wife, Rachel, is an educator by trade. They have five adult children and six grandchildren.

Joshua Campbell

Rooted in Grace: Finding Freedom from Sexual Shame

Can we truly be like the tree planted by streams of water if we are living with shame? In this presentation, we will define sexual shame, examine what Scripture says about it, and discuss the ways it can affect our lives and relationships. Most importantly, we will explore how the Gospel and the Church can guide us toward healing, restoration, and becoming firmly rooted in Christ.

Joshua Campbell is a limited licensed psychologist in Michigan and a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Andrews University. He also serves on the board of Conquerors Through Christ. His clinical and academic work focuses on helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges, particularly sexual sin. Joshua is passionate about serving those who are hurting with the truth, grace, and hope found in Christ.

Claire Culwell

Interview with An Abortion Survivor

Join us for a special pre-recorded interview with Claire Culwell, international pro-life speaker and abortion survivor. In this powerful conversation, Claire shares her personal story of survival, faith, and forgiveness, offering a moving reminder of the value of every life and the hope found in Christ.

Claire has been featured on national media and lives in Austin, Texas, with her family, where she serves on the board of Texas Alliance for Life and her local pregnancy center.

Afternoon Pregnancy Center Affiliate Track

Safe Support in Difficult Situations: Many women seeking support during pregnancy & after are also navigating domestic abuse, often in ways that are hidden or misunderstood. This session will help volunteers identify red flags, respond safely, and avoid common pitfalls that can unintentionally cause harm. Attendees will leave with simple, practical ways to offer support that reflects God’s heart for the oppressed with greater confidence and care.
Expert advice from an insurance professional
Tips for serving clients from a pro-life lawyer
Pastor Mike Helwig: MDiv, LPC
Laura Brown: How to have better conversations with those who’ve had an abortion

Rachel Greiner

Laura Brown

Rooted by the River Conference Schedule

Friday

7:00–8:15 p.m. – Center Leadership Event

Saturday

Morning – General Sessions

8:30–9:00 a.m. – Check-In & Coffee
9:00–9:30 a.m. – Opening Worship & Pro-Life Message
9:30–10:15 a.m. – General Session 1
10:15–10:30 a.m. – Morning Break
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – General Sessions

Morning general sessions will include a range of presentations and testimonies connected to life issues, Christian care, and ministry encouragement.

Midday

12:00–1:00 p.m. – Lunch & Fellowship
1:00–1:20 p.m. – Service Project

Afternoon – Two Tracks

1:20–1:35 p.m. – Transition to Afternoon Tracks
1:35–2:20 p.m. – Afternoon Tracks (Block 1)
- General Sessions Track – General-audience sessions and discussion opportunities.
- Affiliate Track – This is for those involved with our affiliated ministries.
2:20–2:35 p.m. – Afternoon Break
2:35–3:10 p.m. – Afternoon Tracks (Block 2)
- General Sessions Track – General-audience sessions and discussion opportunities.
- Affiliate Track – This is for those involved with our affiliated ministries.
3:10–3:15 p.m. – Transition to Closing