June 12, 2019 | Matt Kucinski

Publicity shot of Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow is coming to Grand Rapids this fall. Tebow, a professional athlete, ESPN analyst, and author, will be a featured speaker at the Second Global Congress on Sport and Christianity in October.

Tebow’s talk is part of the ecumenical gathering that brings together sport administrators, players, coaches, pastors, ministry leaders, professors, and students to explore the ways that sport and Christianity impact one another. The gathering is hosted by Calvin College and Hope College.

“Our aim with this gathering is to bring together people who are studying and experiencing sport in many different contexts and provide the space for us all to together explore what it means to live faithfully in all areas of work and play,” said Brian Bolt, professor of kinesiology at Calvin College, and co-director of the event.

Renowned theologian Miroslav Volf and Loretta Claiborne, the recipient of the 1996 Arthur Ashe Courage Award, will join Tebow as keynote speakers at the gathering, held October 23-27, 2019, on the campus of Calvin College.

“Digging deep into the overlapping sphere of sport and Christianity is what this event is all about,” said Chad Carlson, associate professor of kinesiology at Hope College, and co-director of the event. “We are excited to have Miroslav, Loretta, Tim, and a host of other great minds in the areas of sport and Christianity join with us as we engage, learn, and discuss both affirmation and critique of modern sport.”

Organizers say the goal for the gathering is to bring about a culture shift in modern sport and the role it plays in the life of Christian faith, and to develop resources for people to use in their sphere of influence.

Register for the conference or sign up to attend one of the keynote lectures. Early bird pricing has been extended through July 15, 2019. To join the ongoing conversation, listen to the official podcast of the Second Global Congress on Sport and Christianity on iTunes: “Dig Deep: Sport, Faith, and Life.” 

Calvin College, Calvin Theological Seminary, Hope College, Our Daily Bread Ministries, Western Theological Seminary, and the West Michigan Sports Commission are co-sponsors of the event.  


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