Western Theological Seminary

November 2 - 3, 2023
At Western Theological Seminary

Western Theological Seminary invites current undergraduates and others considering seminary to submit presentation proposals for the inaugural 2023 Great Lakes Theology Conference.

The theme for the 2023 conference will be creation. Learn more about topics and themes in the call for papers.

The conference will feature the Installation Lecture of Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst to the Richard C. Oudersluys Associate Professor of World Christianity and presentations of papers by current undergraduates and those considering Seminary.

Faculty, students, pastors, and all others interested in important themes around creation and theology are invited to attend.

Call for Papers

The theme of the conference is creation; however, we will entertain proposals that touch upon any aspect of Christian theology, biblical studies, and ministry. Papers prepared for undergraduate courses are suitable, but independent work is also welcome.

Proposals should state a title, demonstrate a clear focus, outline the questions addressed in the presentation/paper, and preview the sources engaged. Proposals should be between 200 and 350 words and should be submitted via this form by October 13, 2023.

Each paper presentation will be given a 20-minute slot. Students are encouraged to deliver a 10- to 15-minute paper with the rest of their time dedicated to discussion.

All who present are encouraged to submit their paper for further consideration for our Great Lakes Theology Paper Prize, which has an accompanying award of $500. For consideration, the full paper is due one week in advance of the conference on October 27 at 11:59 pm.

Papers may choose to address the question: “What are the most important intersections between creation and the Church?” But other possible topics related to our theme include but are not limited to:

Theologies of creation
Creation and the Bible
Creation and God
Creation and ethics
Creation and ministry
Creation and science
Creation and World Christianity
Creation and the environment
Creation and race
Creation and culture

DOWNLOAD PDF CALL FOR PAPERS >

Submit Abstract

Schedule

Thursday:

Afternoon: Registration

Evening: Dinner and Lecture by Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst

Friday:

Morning: Breakfast, Sessions, and Chapel

Afternoon: Lunch and Session

Meet the plenary speaker:
Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst

RICHARD C. OUDERSLUYS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF WORLD CHRISTIANITY

Dr. Padilla DeBorst is a renowned practitioner, teacher, and speaker with decades of experience in ministry throughout Latin America through organizations such as the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), and Latin American Theological Fellowship. She has served the worldwide church through World Vision International, Resonate Global Mission (of the Christian Reformed Church of North America), and the International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation (INFEMIT).

She has served on boards and councils ranging from the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization Latin America, A Rocha International, and the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies to the International Justice Mission and the American Society of Missiology.

Dr. Padilla DeBorst has also served as Centro de Estudios Interdisciplinarios (CETI) president, dedicated to providing theological education to pastors and lay Christians throughout Latin America. In addition to her academic leadership, she has taught numerous courses through CETI and for theological schools throughout North America.

Learn more about Dr. Padilla DeBorst