Compelling Preaching Conference

Active Presbyterian preachers, alumni preachers, local reformed tradition pastors, Christian Ministry students, and seminary students are invited to a unique five-day conference of cross-generational learning focused on engaging young adults through digital media and contemporary culture.

The 2025 Compelling Preaching Conference opens on Monday, June 16, and concludes on Saturday, June 21. It will be held on the campus of Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska.

Sessions (see below for presenters and titles) will cover the use of digital media and current culture to reach young adults. Classes will provide practical training for use of appropriate technology and engage in intergenerational dialogue.

Morning prayer and songs will open each day and recreational and social activities are planned. Aspiring and active preachers will engage in peer-to-peer workshops and intergenerational conversation to learn with and from each other.

2025 Conference Details

Dates: Monday, June 16 to Saturday, June 21
Location: Hastings College campus
Cost: None! Accommodations and meals are covered by a grant for the first 50 to register.
Deadline: The deadline to register is May 24, 2025.

Registration is open!

Conference Presenters

Rev. Cece Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the General Assembly
Dr. Corey Schlosser-Hall, Deputy Executive Director of Vision & Innovation Presbyterian Mission Agency
Rev. Dr. Dominique Robinson, Assistant Professor of Preaching at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas
Rev. Eddie Mariel, First Presbyterian Church, Lexington, Nebraska
Rev. Nathan Lamb, Teacher Elder in the PCUSA, First Presbyterian Church in Manchester, Iowa
Rev. Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie, Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University
Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Rev. Doodle Harris, Hastings College Chaplain

Additional Information

The conference begins on Monday, June 16 with registration at check-in from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. followed by a gathering event and dinner.

Sessions will be in French Memorial Chapel on campus.

Typical Daily Schedule

7:30 a.m. – Breakfast
9:00-10:30 a.m. – Session 1
10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – Session 2
12:30 – Lunch
1:30-3:00 p.m. – Session 3
3:15-4:45 p.m. – Session 4
5:00 p.m. – Dinner
6:00-ish p.m. – Evening activities

Typical Last Day Schedule

7:30 a.m. – Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – Check Out

Questions?

If you have questions about the Compelling Preaching Conference, contact:

Rev. Doodle Harris at doodle.harris@hastings.edu, or
Mary Plock, ASPIRE Program Associate, at mary.plock@hastings.edu or 402.705.0675.