The annual Kuyper Conference, which began in 1998 at Princeton Theological Seminary, was founded to acknowledge the stream of Calvinist thought represented by Abraham Kuyper, Dutch theologian and statesman (1837–1920), and to explore the tradition he helped to form, commonly known as neocalvinism.
2027 Conference, February 25-27, Seoul, Korea
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.
Register
Registration information will be forthcoming.
Call for Papers
“The Legacy of Kuyper, the Public Square, and Korean Society”
As Abraham Kuyper put it at the conclusion of his Stone Lectures at Princeton in 1898, “What one confesses to be the truth, one must also dare to practise in word, deed and whole manner of life.” It is with this holistic and robust understanding of the Christian faith in view that a call for papers for the Kuyper Conference in 2027 is issued.
Continuing the recent rhythm of the Kuyper Conference moving to different venues every other year (Canada 2023, Indonesia 2025), in 2027 the conference will take place at Soongsil University in Seoul, Korea, hosted by Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary in collaboration with the Christian Ethics Movement of Korea (CEMK). The organizing committee has developed a plan to include 10 curated sessions featuring presentations by Korean scholars with comments from international scholars on a variety of themes, such as politics, economics, education, culture, media, labor and worship, reconciliation, church and family, gender, and the environment.
In addition to these sessions the committee welcomes proposals for short papers and roundtable discussions related to the conference theme as well as topics that engage with aspects of the life and work of Abraham Kuyper, neo-calvinism more broadly, and public theology and public life. A limited number of sessions are open for this general call, and papers from historical as well as interdisciplinary, ecumenical, critical, practical, missional, pastoral, and constructive perspectives are welcome. Proposals for 90-minute short paper sessions (3 presenters) as well as roundtables are also encouraged. 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.
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 October 15, 2026, 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.
Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life
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.
2026 Recipient
Dr. George Harinck, renowned historian, scholar, and rector magnificus, will be the recipient of the 2026 Kuyper Prize, which is awarded by Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary. He has been called "the treasurer of the heritage of neo-Calvinism" for his decades-long commitment to illuminating the life and legacy of Abraham Kuyper and the movement he inspired. Learn more.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Rev. Dr. Stephen Tong is a globally respected evangelist across Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Known for his strong foundation in Reformed theology, Rev. Tong focuses on removing rational barriers to faith and leading people back to Christ. Read more.
- 2024: Sid Jansma Jr. is an influential leader in industry and in business and 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.