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 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

Please contact Dr. Jordan Ballor, Kuyper Conference Coordinator.

Past Recipients

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.

• 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.

2024 Conference

At our conference in April 2024, speakers included:

Anthony B. Bradley, Ph.D.

Distinguished Research Fellow
Acton Institute for the Study of Religion & Liberty

Pruis Rule of Law Lecture in Conjunction with the Henry Symposium

Sarah Hamersma, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Director of Doctoral Studies
Public Administration and International Affairs Department
Syracuse University

Jason Stansbury, Ph.D.

Professor of Business
Calvin University

Cory Willson, Ph.D.
Jake and Betsy Tuls Professor of Missiology, World Christianity, and Public Theology
Calvin Theological Seminary