Kuyper Conference and Prize

In plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and roundtables, you and your fellow attendees will explore the ways that Kuyper’s legacy informs our approach to the conference theme. The Kuyper Conference builds on the tradition of neocalvinist theologian and statesman Abraham Kuyper.

Join a community of scholars, pastors, ministry professionals, laypeople, and civic leaders.

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Call for Papers

The theme of this conference highlights perspectives addressing the global history and legacy of neo-calvinism. Abraham Kuyper described the neo-calvinistic impulse as the motivation “to go back to the living root of the Calvinist plant, to clean and to water it, and so to cause it to bud and to blossom once more, now fully in accordance with our actual life in these modern times, and with the demands of the times to come.” Herman Bavinck identified the Reformed world- and lifeview as having not merely a focus on contemporary application but also a “a world-encompassing tendency.” From speakers addressing the phenomenon of colonialism, evangelism, and pluralism to contextual approaches to theology and discipleship, the plenary speakers at this conference will bring to bear important perspectives on neo-calvinism as it has manifested in places all over the world, from older roots in the Protestant Reformation to the development of the neo-calvinist tradition into the twenty-first century.

In addition to the advancement of scholarship, this conference aims to foster personal and professional networks of scholars, pastors, ministry professionals, civic leaders, and practitioners with interests in Kuyper and neo-calvinism as well as Reformed theology and public life. While papers and sessions related to the general conference theme are encouraged, proposals for concurrent sessions are also welcome on topics that engage with aspects of the life and work of Abraham Kuyper, neo-calvinism more broadly, and public theology and public life. Papers from historical as well as interdisciplinary, ecumenical, critical, practical, missional, pastoral, and constructive perspectives are welcome. Proposals for short paper sessions (3-4 presenters), roundtables (3-5 discussants), and from students are especially encouraged.

One-page proposals should include a proposed paper title or roundtable theme, a brief description of the focus of the presentation (one to three paragraphs), and the presenter’s institutional affiliation and contact information, including email address. Proposals received after the December 15, 2024, deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Individual paper and/or complete session proposals, as well as questions about the conference, may be sent to:
Dr. Jordan J. Ballor, Kuyper Conference Coordinator, jordan.ballor@calvin.edu.

The Kuyper Prize, established in 1998 and named after Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper, is awarded each year to a scholar or community leader whose outstanding contribution to their chosen sphere reflects the ideas and values characteristic of the Neo-Calvinist vision of religious engagement in matters of social, political, and cultural significance in one or more of the ‘spheres’ of society. The prize and an annual conference focused on Kuyper's enduring legacy are funded thanks to a generous grant from the late Rimmer and Ruth De Vries.

2025 Recipient

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Tong will be the recipient of the 2025 Kuyper Prize, which is awarded by Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary. He is a globally respected evangelist who has preached to over 37 million people during his 66-year ministry across Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Born in Xiamen, China in 1940, he now ministers from Jakarta, Indonesia. Known for his strong foundation in Reformed theology, Rev. Tong focuses on removing rational barriers to faith and leading people back to Christ. His media ministries have reached hundreds of millions in mainland China, and his influence has led countless individuals to full-time ministry. Rev. Tong's influence extends beyond ministry. Through his work in education, the arts, and community building, Tong has empowered countless individuals to live out their faith boldly. Read more.

Past Recipients

• 2024: Sid Jansma Jr. is an influential leader in industry and in business, serving for more than 40 years as leader and CEO of Wolverine Gas and Oil Corporation, and currently as its chairman of the board. Over the years he has been chairman of the Michigan Oil and Gas Association and founding chairman of its Political Action Committee; chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America’s Tax Committee; chairman of the Environment and Safety Committee; on the board of directors of the American Petroleum Institute; and a lobbyist in Washington D.C. on numerous occasions. Jansma Jr. remains vitally interested in politics. He is also heavily engaged with the local Church and various philanthropic activities locally and internationally. The words of Deuteronomy 8:18 have been foundational to Jansma Jr., “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Learn more.
• 2023: Makoto Fujimura, a world-renowned modern artist, author and speaker, and founder of the International Arts Movement and the Fujimura Institute whose artistic work expounds on, popularizes, and builds upon Kuyperian theology. Read more about Fujimura's work and the prize.
• 2022: Ruth Padilla DeBorst, a theologian, missiologist, educator, and storyteller, doing important work in theological and missional leadership development in Latin America. Read more about Dr. Padilla DeBorst's wide-ranging work.
• 2021: Rachael Denhollander, a leading voice on the topic of sexual abuse was recognized for her work as an attorney, author, advocate, and educator. Read more about Ms. Denhollander's important work and accomplishments.
• 2020: David Brooks, a longtime New York Times op-ed columnist who writes about politics, culture, and the social sciences. Read more about Mr. Brooks' receipt of the prize.
• 2019: Dr. John M. Perkins, one of the leading evangelical voices to come out of the Civil Rights Movement. Read more about Dr. Perkins' scholarship and achievements.
• 2018: Daniel Bourdanné, general secretary of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES). Read more about Bourdanné’s work and ministry.