Fall Preaching Conference
Preaching the Gospel of Mark to a Restless Culture

with Professor of Preaching Dr. Thomas G. Long


9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 9, 2008

Calvin Theological Seminary Chapel
3233 Burton SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546


Dr. Thomas G. LongThe Gospel of Mark has long been a favorite of preachers all over the world and is also the key gospel featured in the Year B of the Common Lectionary that begins in Advent 2008. For our Fall Preaching Conference we welcome back Dr. Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Long is an internationally acclaimed preacher and teacher of preaching and is the author of numerous books including his recently revised "The Witness of Preaching," "Preaching and the Literary Forms of the Bible," and "Testimony: Talking Ourselves into Being Christian." At this conference Dr. Long will help us review the main themes of Mark's Gospel and will also ponder how best to preach those themes to our contemporary culture. Dr. Long will also be the preacher at the worship service that will open this one-day event.


Schedule (show | hide)

9:00 a.m. Check-in and coffee
9:30 a.m. Opening Worship
Thomas G. Long, preaching
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Session One:
Tearing the Heavens Apart: the Big Ideas in Mark’s Gospel
In this session, while keeping our current context in mind, the focus will be on the text of the Gospel of Mark itself—its structure, literary style, setting, and content. By looking closely at several key passages, we will explore some of the major social themes and theological ideas in the Gospel.
12:00 p.m. Lunch (Seminary Student Center)
12:45 p.m. Session Two:
Go, Tell His Disciples: Mark Confronts the Church Today
In this session, while staying grounded in the text of the Gospel, we will turn our attention to the contemporary context. We will examine ways that the Gospel of Mark addresses and interacts with issues in culture and congregations today.
2:00 p.m. Conference Concludes

Suggested Lodging Options (show | hide)

  • Prince Conference Center

    Calvin College

    616-526-7200
    1-866-526-7200

    Free continental breakfast
    Wireless internet access

  • Ramada Plaza Hotel

    3333 28th St. SE

    616-949-9222
    1-800-2Ramada

    Free continental breakfast
    Free high speed wireless internet
    Water park with pools, Jacuzzi
    Restaurant on site


Brochure (pdf)


Registration is full and now closed.

  • $15/individual
  • $5/student
This event is sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary