Great Lakes Theology & Preaching Conference
Western Theological Seminary invites current undergraduates and others considering seminary to submit presentation proposals for the 2026 Great Lakes Theology & Preaching Conference
2026 Call for Papers and Sermons
This conference, hosted with the Bast Center for Christian Proclamation, features the work of undergraduates and others without graduate education in theology, who are aspiring pastors, theologians, and Christian thinkers in other spheres, and serves to facilitate conversations between the Church and the academy.
The general theme for the conference is “God the Creator.” Other possible topics related to the theme include but are not limited to:
- Creation care
- Imago Dei
- Reading Genesis
- Creation stories in the Psalms
- Creation and new creation
In addition to our theme, we will entertain proposals that touch upon any aspect of Christian theology, biblical studies, preaching, or ministry.
Click here to learn more about GLTPC paper and abstract submission guidelines.
Evening Lecture and Friday Chapel with Dr. David Komline
Director of the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts Programs at Western Theological Seminary.
Dr. David Komline has deep family roots in the RCA and enjoys teaching at a school that is evangelical, ecumenical, and Reformed. These three traditions have strongly shaped him, as one might infer from his educational background, which includes a BA from Wheaton College, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a PhD from the University of Notre Dame. He is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in America.
Dr. Komline’s scholarship emphasizes international exchange, which he has participated in firsthand through teaching and research. After college, he taught English for a year at Yantai University in China; since graduate school, he has spent three years conducting research in Germany, living in two of its historic university towns: Tübingen and Heidelberg. Locally, he has also taught at Western’s neighbor, Hope College. He also serves as book review editor for the journal Fides et Historia.
Great Lakes Theology & Preaching Conference Prizes
Paper Prize
The Paper Prize seeks to inspire and support the next generation of theological thinkers. This award is given to an individual beginning theological study—someone without graduate-level training—who exhibits promise in the form of creativity, clarity, and depth of engagement.
Guidelines for Submission:
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Final papers must be submitted to [email protected] by October 23, 2026.
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Submitted papers must be delivered at the conference for consideration.
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Papers should be written in a formal academic tone, with references to Scripture and secondary literature. Adaptations for oral delivery are welcome.
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Papers should not exceed 2,000 words (including footnotes but excluding bibliography).
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Any standard citation format is acceptable; Chicago Manual of Style is recommended.
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The winning paper will be selected by a panel of WTS faculty and announced on the final day of the conference
Sermon Prize
The Sermon Prize honors excellence in undergraduate preaching. This award recognizes a student who demonstrates theological depth, scriptural insight, and skill in the art of proclamation.
Guidelines for Submission:
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Students must preach their sermons live at the conference.
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A written manuscript must be submitted to [email protected] by October 23, 2026.
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Sermons should be rooted in one or more biblical texts and ideally reflect the conference theme.
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Sermons must fall within the 12-15 minute range when delivered.
The winning sermon will be selected by a panel of faculty and local pastors with expertise in preaching and worship and announced on the final day of the conference.
Click here for a full list of GLTPC paper and abstract submission guidelines.
Register to attend gltPc
You do not need to present or submit a paper to attend. All are welcome!
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Space is limited, so be sure to register early if you plan to attend.
If you have questions about your paper submission or other event details, please contact us at [email protected].
Great Lakes Theology Conference
