Calvin Theological Seminary Speakers

Click the person's name for a bio and list of session topics.

Click the person's name for a bio and list of session topics.

• Preaching: (show | hide)
  

  • Helping Your Pastor Become a Better Preacher
    Mary Hulst, Assistant Professor of Preaching
  • How We Teach Preaching at CTS
    Mary Hulst, Assistant Professor of Preaching
  • Four Pages of a Sermon
    John Rottman, Associate Professor of Preaching
    This workshop is designed for pastors in a small group discussion setting. Based on Paul Scott Wilson’s book, The Four Pages of the Sermon, the book recommends both an approach to sermon development as well as a grammar for talking about sermons.
  • Planning the Preaching Calendar
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • Preaching in Series of Sermons
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • Preaching as Pastoral Care
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship

• Computer-Based Exegesis: (show | hide)
  

  • The Word in Windows: LOGOS Computer-Based Exegesis Training
    Carl Bosma, Associate Professor of Old Testament
    In this hands-on training workshop preachers will be taught how to use Libronix LOGOS, a biblical computer software program, for sermon preparation. Participants must own or purchase the software for the training session and will come away with their computer workspaces ready for next week\'s sermon preparation.

• Christian Living: (show | hide)
  

  • Hospitality: Our Christian response to Immigrants
    Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament
  • Hospitalidad: Nuestra respuesta cristiana ante los inmigrantes
    Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament
  • Discerning Your Calling:
    Heidi De Jonge, Pastor for Discernment
    What does it mean to be called, to have a calling, and to listen to the voice of the one who calls?
  • Holding Loosely
    Heidi De Jonge, Pastor for Discernment
    God gives us so many gifts to enjoy-what matters is how we receive them, how we hold them,and how we let them go.
  • The Dynamics of Relinquishment and Adoption
    Ronald Nydam, Professor of Pastoral Care
  • The Knottiness of Divorce
    Ronald Nydam, Professor of Pastoral Care
  • The Messiness of Marriage
    Ronald Nydam, Professor of Pastoral Care
  • Sin
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Corruption
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology
  • The Seven Deadly Sins
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Reading for Preaching
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Christian Virtues
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Compassion
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Humility
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Forgiveness
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Love of God
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Love of Neighbor
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Grace and Truth
    Cornelius Plantinga, President, Charles W. Colson Professor of Systematic Theology

• Church Leadership: (show | hide)
  

  • The Congregation's role in Effective Leadership
    Duane Kelderman, VP for Administration, Associate Professor of Preaching
  • Marks of Good Leadership
    Duane Kelderman, VP for Administration, Associate Professor of Preaching
  • Stilling the Storm: Worship and Congregational Leadership in Difficult Times of Crisis, Transition and Conflict
    Kathleen Smith, Director of Continuing Education and Director of the Making Connections Initiative
  • Effective Leadership in the Church
    Kathleen Smith, Director of Continuing Education and Director of the Making Connections Initiative
  • Leading Through Change
    Kathleen Smith, Director of Continuing Education and Director of the Making Connections Initiative
  • Church Order as a Tool for Effective Leaders
    Kathleen Smith, Director of Continuing Education and Director of the Making Connections Initiative
  • The Four C's of Church Leadership
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology

• Congregational Issues: (show | hide)
  

  • Praise Songs or Hymns? What Type of Songs are Found in the New Testament
    Dean Deppe, Professor of New Testament
  • Church Education
    Darwin Glassford, Director of MA Programs, Associate Professor of Church Education
  • Youth, incl. Contemporary Youth Culture
    Darwin Glassford, Director of MA Programs, Associate Professor of Church Education
  • Youth Ministry
    Darwin Glassford, Director of MA Programs, Associate Professor of Church Education
  • Young People and Worship
    Darwin Glassford, Director of MA Programs, Associate Professor of Church Education

• Future/End Times: (show | hide)
  

  • What Happens When We Die?
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
    The Bible and Various Christian Visions of the Afterlife.
  • Will there be Sexuality in Heaven?
    Heidi De Jonge, Pastor for Discernment
  • The Bible and the Future: Major Millennial Views
    Jeffrey Weima, Professor of New Testament
    Major Millennial Views-an introduction and evaluation of popular claims about what the Bible teaches with respect to the future (2 sessions).
  • Left Behind: Why CRC Folk Should Leave These Books Behind
    Jeffrey Weima, Professor of New Testament
    An introduction and evaluation of the popular series that deals with the end times (1-3 sessions).
  • The Rapture: A Biblical Truth or a Misleading Error?
    Jeffrey Weima, Professor of New Testament
    The rapture--the belief that Christians will suddenly disappear and be taken to heaven for seven years while a series of terrors and catastrophes occur for those who are "left behind" on earth--continues to be a teaching that generates much interest and discussion. But is this teaching really a biblical truth or a misleading error? This 1-session discussion investigates the biblical basis of the Rapture.

• Issues in Christianity: (show | hide)
  

  • Women in Office and the Unity of the CRC.
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
    A demonstration of how both sides of the issue can be argued from Scripture using Reformed hermeneutics. (Can be adapted for non-CRC audiences.)
  • The Creation-Evolution Debate: a Reformed Perspective.
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
    An introductory survey of the issues and the position of the CRC. (Can be adapted for non-CRC audiences.)
  • Should We Revisit 1973? The CRC and Homosexuality.
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
    Why we must minister compassionately and retain biblical teaching on sexual morality. (Can be adapted for non-CRC audiences.)
  • From Genesis to Revelation: The Kingdom of God as the Basic Theme of the Bible.
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
  • Moral Issues in Early Life Technologies
    Calvin Van Reken, Professor of Moral Theology

• Missions: (show | hide)
  

  • The Bible and Missions
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology
  • Living as a Family on the Mission Field
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology
  • Getting Ready to Go on a Mission Trip
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology
  • Islam: Understanding the History, Teachings, Variations, and Culture
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology
  • Understanding and Loving Your Muslim Neighbor
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology
  • Mission Challenges in the 21st Century
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology
  • Cross-culture Life Style and Ministry
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology
  • Missions: Past, Present, and Future
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology
  • The Local Congregation and Missions
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology

• New Testament: (show | hide)
  

  • The Message of Ephesians for Today
    Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament
  • El mensaje de Efesios para las iglesias de hoy
    Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament
  • Discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew for the Church today
    Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament
  • El discipulado en el evangelio de Mateo y la iglesia actual
    Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament
  • How to Read the Book of Revelation
    Carl Bosma, Associate Professor of Old Testament
    4 Sessions
  • Interpreting the Parables of Jesus.
    Dean Deppe, Professor of New Testament
    Up to 4 sessions
  • The Gospel of Mark: Reading the Gospel as if for the first time.
    Dean Deppe, Professor of New Testament
    2-8 sessions
  • Discipleship in the Four Gospels or Missions in the Four Gospels.
    Dean Deppe, Professor of New Testament
    4 sessions
  • The Churches of the Book of Revelation.
    Dean Deppe, Professor of New Testament
    7 sessions
  • The Purpose of the Gospel of John.
    Dean Deppe, Professor of New Testament
    1-2 sessions
  • Faith, Hope, and Love: they last forever.
    Dean Deppe, Professor of New Testament
    3 sessions of Bible studies on Heb. 11, Rom. 8, and 1 Cor.
  • Interpreting the Beatitudes in Matthew
    Calvin Van Reken, Professor of Moral Theology
    1-2 talks
  • Does the Sermon on the Mount have Three Points?
    Calvin Van Reken, Professor of Moral Theology
    1 talk
  • From Patmos to Paradise: The Seven Sermons to the Seven Churches (Rev 2-3)
    Jeffrey Weima, Professor of New Testament
  • 1 Thessalonians and Its Message for the Church Today
    Jeffrey Weima, Professor of New Testament
    3-5 sessions
  • 1 Corinthians and Its Message for the Church Today
    Jeffrey Weima, Professor of New Testament
    3-5 sessions
  • Paul, the Letter-Writer
    Jeffrey Weima, Professor of New Testament
    PowerPoint presentation that examines the four major parts of Paul’s letters (Opening, Thanksgiving, Body, Closing) (4 sessions).

• Old Testament: (show | hide)
  

  • How to Read the Prophets for Today
    Carl Bosma, Associate Professor of Old Testament
  • How to Read the Psalms for All They are Worth
    Carl Bosma, Associate Professor of Old Testament
  • The Theological Importance and Pastoral Function of the Lament Psalms
    Carl Bosma, Associate Professor of Old Testament
  • Understanding the Ten Commandments
    Calvin Van Reken, Professor of Moral Theology
  • The Forgotten Prophets: Habakkuk
    Michael Williams, Professor of Old Testament
  • The Forgotten Prophets: Haggai
    Michael Williams, Professor of Old Testament
  • The Forgotten Prophets: Nahum
    Michael Williams, Professor of Old Testament
  • The Forgotten Prophets: Obadiah
    Michael Williams, Professor of Old Testament
  • Those Mysterious Prophets: Applying Prophetic Principles to the Church
    Michael Williams, Professor of Old Testament
  • Wisdom and Her Children: A Study of Biblical Wisdom
    Michael Williams, Professor of Old Testament
  • Beginning Hebrew
    Michael Williams, Professor of Old Testament

• On Being Reformed: (show | hide)
  

  • The Latin American accent of our Reformed Identity
    Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament
  • El acento latinoamericano de nuestra identidad Reformada
    Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament
  • A Reformed Critique of the "Left Behind" Series
    Lyle Bierma, Jean and Kenneth Baker Professor of Systematic Theology
  • What is Calvinism?
    Lyle Bierma, Jean and Kenneth Baker Professor of Systematic Theology
  • What Does it Mean to be Reformed?
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
    A survey of biblical Reformed doctrine and how it generates our Reformed world and life views.

• Reformed Creeds & Confessions: (show | hide)
  

  • The CRC, Heidelberg Catechism Q/A 80, and the Roman Catholic Mass
    Lyle Bierma, Jean and Kenneth Baker Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Heidelberg Catechism
    Lyle Bierma, Jean and Kenneth Baker Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Belgic Confession
    Lyle Bierma, Jean and Kenneth Baker Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Canons of Dort
    Lyle Bierma, Jean and Kenneth Baker Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Contemporary Testimony
    Lyle Bierma, Jean and Kenneth Baker Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Preaching the Heidelberg Catechism--Well!!
    Mary Hulst, Assistant Professor of Preaching

• Religion: (show | hide)
  

  • Christianity and other Religions: A Reformed Perspective on Current Religious Pluralism
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
  • Great World Religions: An Introduction to Islam
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
    (or Hinduism, or Buddhism--separate presentations)
  • Panentheism: The Major Paradigm in Contemporary Theology.
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
    A laypersons' introduction to the most influential modern/contemporary alternative to traditional Christian theology: the God who risks our freedom, feels our pain, and 'journeys' with us. A traditional Reformed response is included.
  • Postmodern Spirituality: Religion for a New Age
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
  • Confronting the Idols of our Time: Hedonism, Consumerism and the Church
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
  • The Goodness of God and the Problem of Evil.
    John Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology
    Biblical and theological reflections on why it is reasonable to trust God completely in spite of the hard questions.
  • Islam: Understanding the History, Teachings, Variations, and Culture
    Pieter Tuit, Associate Professor of Missiology

• Sacraments: (show | hide)
  

  • Infant Baptism
    Lyle Bierma, Jean and Kenneth Baker Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Children at the Lord's Supper
    David Rylaarsdam, Associate Professor of Historical Theology
  • The Theology and Practice of the Lord's Supper
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • The Theology and Practice of Baptism
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship

• Spiritual Formation: (show | hide)
  

  • Spiritual Formation and the Spiritual Disciplines
    David Rylaarsdam, Associate Professor of Historical Theology
  • How to Help Church Leaders and Cong. Members Foster a Deeper Relationship with the Lord.
    Patricia Zandstra, Formation for Ministry Specialist
  • The Complementary Roles of Personal Worship and Corporate Worship in Spiritual Formation.
    Patricia Zandstra, Formation for Ministry Specialist
  • The Art of Spiritual Direction and Who Should Consider Tapping Into It?
    Patricia Zandstra, Formation for Ministry Specialist
  • How Prayer Ministry Can Transform Your Life and Your Church.
    Patricia Zandstra, Formation for Ministry Specialist
  • How Personal Spiritual Retreats and Participating in Guided Spiritual Retreats Can Change Your Life.
    Patricia Zandstra, Formation for Ministry Specialist

• Worship: (show | hide)
  

  • A Biblical Perspective on Worship
    Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament
  • Una perspectiva bíblica sobre la adoración cristiana
    Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament
  • The Meaning of Advent--in Scripture and Song
    Emily Brink, Adjunct Professor of Church Music and Worship
  • The Meaning of Epiphany--in Scripture and Song
    Emily Brink, Adjunct Professor of Church Music and Worship
  • The Meaning of Lent--in Scripture and Song
    Emily Brink, Adjunct Professor of Church Music and Worship
  • Contemporary Developments in Church Music Worldwide
    Emily Brink, Adjunct Professor of Church Music and Worship
  • How Shall We Sing the Psalms?
    Emily Brink, Adjunct Professor of Church Music and Worship
  • Changes in Worship in the 150 Years of the CRC
    Emily Brink, Adjunct Professor of Church Music and Worship
  • Learning to Sing and Pray Locally and Globally
    Emily Brink, Adjunct Professor of Church Music and Worship
    A workshop exploring new and multicultural resources for song and prayer in congregational worship.
  • The In-Between Words
    Heidi De Jonge, Pastor for Discernment
  • Workshop on the Public Reading of Scripture
    Mary Hulst, Assistant Professor of Preaching
  • Worship and Change
    Duane Kelderman, VP for Administration, Associate Professor of Preaching
  • How to Listen to a Sermon
    Duane Kelderman, VP for Administration, Associate Professor of Preaching
  • Worship in the Early Church
    David Rylaarsdam, Associate Professor of Historical Theology
  • The Deep Meaning and Purpose of Worship
    Kathleen Smith, Director of Continuing Education and Director of the Making Connections Initiative
  • Dealing with Change in Worship
    Kathleen Smith, Director of Continuing Education and Director of the Making Connections Initiative
  • Worshipping Well and Speaking Well about Worship
    Kathleen Smith, Director of Continuing Education and Director of the Making Connections Initiative
  • Stilling the Storm: Worship and Congregational Leadership in Difficult Times of Crisis, Transition and Conflict
    Kathleen Smith, Director of Continuing Education and Director of the Making Connections Initiative
  • The Invisible Made Visible: Visual Arts as an Integral Aspect of Worship
    Elizabeth Steele Halstead, Continuing Education Events Manager
  • The Issues of Worship Renewal Today
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • The Uniqueness of Reformed Worship
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • The Case for Collaboration in Worship Planning
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • Structuring a Seasonal Worship Calendar
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • Issues in Worship Planning
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • Designing Worship Services with "Flow"
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • The Evaluation of Worship Services
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • Introducing The Worship Sourcebook
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • In-Between Words
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • The Birth and Growth of a Sermon
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • Intergenerational Worship
    Howard Vanderwell, Adjunct Professor of Worship
  • The Glory of God and the Re-centering of Christian Worship
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • The Life-Changing Perspective of Trinitarian Worship
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • How Worship Connects with Every Other Ministry in Your Church
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • Sunday Morning Parenting: Helping Kids Worship
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • Vatican II, Willow Creek, and P&W: Why Worship Has Changed Over the Years
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • Praying the Psalms in Private and Public Worship
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • Ancient Future Worship: What We Learn About Worship from the Early Church
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • The Building Blocks of Worship Renewal
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • The Nuts and Bolts of Worship Planning
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • Catholics, Pentecostals, Anglicans, Orthodox, Methodists and Calvinists: Exploring the Denominational Spectrum of Worship Practices
    John Witvliet, Associate Professor of Worship
  • An Invitation to the "Liturgy of the Hours"
    Patricia Zandstra, Formation for Ministry Specialist

• Avila, Mariano, Professor of New Testament
  • July 20, 2008, Preaching at Paz y Esperanza CRC in Grand Rapids, MI
  • July 21-25, 2008, Teaching and doing research in Lima, Peru at the CEMAA Seminary
  • Jul 28-Aug 1, 2008, Teaching at Sao Paulo, Brazil at the Servo de Cristo Seminary
  • August 4-8, 2008, Teaching "Hermeneutics of the Bible and of Society" in Asuncion, Paraguay
  • Aug 17-Dec 31, 2008, Preaching regularly at Paz y Esperanca CRC in Grand Rapids, MI
• Brink, Emily, Adjunct Professor of Church Music and Worship
  • January 6, 2008, Adult Ed: The Meaning of Epiphany (2nd Grand Haven CRC)
  • February 10, 2008, Adult Ed: The Meaning of Lent (2nd Grand Haven CRC)
  • February 15, 2008, Interchurch Relations Committee (Grand Rapids)
  • August 4-8, 2008, Teaching at Bible Alliance Seminary (Hong Kong)
  • Aug 11-Sep 5, 2008, Teaching at Trinity Theological College (Singapore)
  • September 10, 2008, Presentation and Worship at Church of the Servant, Grand Rapids, MI: Orientation for CICW CONTACT grant with Rich Rienstra
  • September 23, 2008, Adult Ed.: History of Worship in the CRC (Westwood CRC, Kalamazoo)
  • September 30, 2008, Adult Ed: Singing the Psalms (Westwood CRC, Kalamazoo)
  • October 7, 2008, Adult Ed: History of Worship in the CRC (Blythfield CRC)
  • October 16, 2008, Consultation with Kurt Selles, Beeson Seminary, Burmingham, AL
  • October 21-23, 2008, Teaching at Wee Kirck Conference - Mount Herman, CA
  • October 26, 2008, Teach Bierma's class on History of Worship in the CRC
  • October 28, 2008, Adult Ed: A Glimpse of Worship in China (2nd Grand Haven CRC)
  • November 9-10, 2008, Interchurch Relations Committee in Burlington, ON
  • November 14, 2008, Bible Translation Committee
  • December 2, 2008, Adult Ed: The Meaning of Advent (2nd Grand Haven CRC)
  • December 10-11, 2008, CCT in New York City
• De Jonge, Heidi, Pastor for Discernment
  • October 3, 2008, Discerning Your Calling Conversation for Kuyper College, at Camp Roger
  • October 24, 2008, Discerning Your Calling Conversation, Edgerton, MN
  • October 25, 2008, Discerining Your Calling Conversation, Sioux Center, IA
• Deppe, Dean, Professor of New Testament
  • Sep 14-Dec 14, 2008, Adult Education classes at the Gerald R. Ford site of Madison Square CRC - 9:00 a.m.
  • January 4, 2009, Adult Education: Missions in the Four Gospels (First Byron Center CRC)
  • January 11, 2009, Adult Education: Missions in the Four Gospels (First Byron Center CRC)
  • January 18, 2009, Adult Education: Missions in the Four Gospels (First Byron Center CRC)
  • January 25, 2009, Adult Education: Missions in the Four Gospels (First Byron Center CRC)
• Hulst, Mary, Assistant Professor of Preaching
  • Jun 15-Aug 30, 2008, Snow Mountain Ranch, Colorado
• Smith, Kathleen, Director of Continuing Education and Director of the Making Connections Initiative
  • August 17, 2008, Preaching at Woodlawn CRC, Grand Rapids (morning service)
  • October 18, 2008, Worship Workshop with Paul Ryan, Brookfield CRC, Milwaukee, WI
• Sytsma, Richard, Dean of Students and International Student Advisor
  • September 21, 2008, Preaching at Baldwin CRC, Jenison, MI
  • October 26, 2008, Preaching at Blythefield CRC morning service, Rockford, MI
  • October 26, 2008, Preaching at Ridgewood CRC evening service, Jenison, MI
• Weima, Jeffrey, Professor of New Testament
  • September 25-26, 2008, Seminar on "Sex, Second Coming and Sanctification: Preaching I Thessolonians - From Text to Sermon", Wingate Inn, Kenewick, WA
  • October 13-14, 2008, Seminar on "From Patmos to Paradise: Preaching the Seven Sermons to the Seven Churches (Rev. 2-3)", First CRC, Denver, CO
• Witvliet, John, Associate Professor of Worship
  • August 17, 2008, Preaching at North Hills CRC, Troy, MI
  • September 12, 2008, Presentation at th eannual meeting of the Association of Christian College Music Educators, Great Lakes Christian College, Lansing, MI
  • September 25-26, 2008, Keynote address at The Houghton Conference on Christian Worship, Houghton College, Houghton, NY
  • November 1, 2008, Panel Discussion on "For Life Abundant: Practical Theology, Theological Education, and Christian Ministry" at American Academy of Religion annual conference, Chicago, IL
  • November 20-22, 2008, Presentation at Evangelical Theological Society, Biblical Theology of Worship Consultation, Providence, RI
• Zandstra, Patricia, Formation for Ministry Specialist
  • September 25, 2008, Volunteers in Service presentation: "Making Your Own Spiritual Life a Priority" (7:15 p.m. at Brookside CRC, Grand Rapids - Register with Connie Kuiper VanDyke at 616-459-7500x201)