ASPIRE at Hastings College strives to provide opportunities to develop preaching and leadership skills in a welcoming environment focused on making Biblical teachings relevant and accessible to diverse and contemporary audiences. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just beginning your spiritual journey, these programs are designed to equip you with the tools to communicate effectively and meaningfully.
Open Call
May 31 – June 7, 2025
Open Call is a summer immersion experience for current high school freshman, sophomores and juniors exploring a call to ministry. Hosted on the Hastings College campus, students participate in hands-on learning and discovery sessions on everything from story-telling and faith to current culture and strategies to preach across digital platforms.
Instructors connect Biblical text with current culture, use digital media to create multi-sensory presentations and teach theological languages for faith and Biblical teachings that will help students share the depth and insights of their faith.
The week-long experience includes recreational activities and field trips, and culminates with students preparing and giving sermons that will be uploaded to a Digital Sermon Library.
Compelling Preaching Conference
June 16-21, 2025
Active Presbyterian preachers, alumni preachers, local reformed tradition pastors, Christian Ministry students, and seminary students are invited to a unique five-day conference of cross-generational learning focused on engaging young adults through digital media and contemporary culture.
Scholarships
The ASPIRE program awards scholarships to incoming Hastings College students who discern a call to ministry.
Over a four year period, ASPIRE students will have the opportunity to contribute sermons that use innovation and modern methods to engage diverse listeners, especially young adults.