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A Week of Ideas, Fellowship, and Faith: Recapping the International Christian Professors Forum

  • Jun 12
  • 3 min read

This was, without a doubt, the most impressive academic event I have had the pleasure of attending in my nearly 30 years of legal academia.

- Dr. Augusto Zimmermann,

Dean and Professor of Law at Alphacrucis University College in Sydney


From June 2 to 5, the Wagner Faith & Freedom Center hosted the inaugural International Christian Professors Forum, bringing together Christian scholars, educators, judges, and thought leaders from around the world for four days of rich conversation, rigorous lectures, and meaningful fellowship.


The forum drew attendees from countries including Brazil, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, India, and beyond, all gathering on the beautiful campus of Spring Arbor University in Michigan under a shared commitment to developing a comprehensive biblical worldview. The week opened with a warm inaugural address from Spring Arbor University President Brent Ellis, who welcomed speakers and guests and set the tone for what would become an extraordinary gathering of minds and hearts.



The Speakers and Their Topics


The forum featured eleven thought leaders whose lectures spanned law, theology, education, philosophy, and public life.


Dr. Darrell Furgason, Director of the Worldview Studies Center, launched the conversation with a lecture titled "Authentic Christianity: The Reconciliation of All Things," grounding the week in the foundations of a genuine biblical faith.


Hon. William Wagner, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and President of Salt & Light Global, addressed the growing tension between judicial power and democratic accountability in his lecture, "The Virtue of True Meaning and the Tyranny of the Few: A Remonstance Against Politically Unaccountable Judicial Policymaking."


Dr. Tassos Lycurgo, founder of Lycurgo Academy, a public speaker and intellectual with over 2 million online followers, delivered a compelling talk on "Faith, Family and the Battle for Truth: The Vocation of Christian Professors in a Hostile Age."


Prof. Natt Gantt, formerly with Harvard Law School's Program on Biblical Law and Christian Legal Studies, challenged attendees on the importance of "Speaking the Truth in Love in Times of Division."


Dr. Peter Morgan, Dean of Post Graduate Studies at the Caribbean Nazarene College, spoke on "Reshaping Nations Through Kingdom Education," drawing on his deep experience in church leadership and community transformation.


Dr. Tom Metallo, professor at Liberty University's Jesse Helms School of Government, examined "Conflicting Intellectual Traditions of Western Civilization: The Impact of Process Philosophy on International Politics."


Dr. Alvin Kauffman, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Spring Arbor University, offered a thought-provoking lecture on "Healthcare and Culture: Towards a Biblical Perspective."


Hon. John B. Crane, former Indiana State Senator and founder of JBC Leadership Strategies, encouraged participants with his talk, "In, But Not Of: Pursuing Redemptive Engagement in the Public Square."


Dr. Augusto Zimmermann, Foundation Dean and Professor of Law at Alphacrucis University College in Sydney, challenged the room with his lecture, "The Tragedy of Multiculturalism."


Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi, internationally renowned philosopher and author, asked a pointed question in his lecture, "Why Trinitarian Theology Lost Western Universities," provoking deep reflection on the state of higher education.


Dr. Kevin Clauson, President and founder of The Patrick Henry Institute, closed out the lecture series with "How Modern Higher Education Systematically Hinders Biblical Worldview Teaching," connecting the week's themes to a clear call for reform.


The forum concluded Thursday with a powerful roundtable discussion in which participants reflected on how they might strategically impact the academy for Christ. They also shared what they learned throughout the week and shared how God spoke to them during their time together. On Friday, the group traveled to Lansing for guided tours of Michigan's State Capitol and Supreme Court, capping the week with an up-close look at the institutions of government the forum had so often discussed. The Faith & Freedom Center also provided additional worldview impacting excursions appreciated by all.



What Comes Next


If you missed this exciting event, we plan to post each lecture on our YouTube channel so that you can watch, learn, and share these important ideas with your own community. Subscribe to our channel and follow us on social media so you do not miss a single session.


We are deeply grateful to every speaker, attendee, sponsor, and partner who made this forum possible. What happened in Spring Arbor this week was more than a conference. It was a demonstration that Christians across nations and disciplines can come together, sharpen one another, and leave better equipped to engage the world with truth, grace, and courage.

Stay tuned. The best conversations are just getting started.



 
 
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