Preaching in an Age of Contempt 

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learn and renew
This conference is designed not only for learning but for renewal. Every element of the program reflects the conviction that excellent ministry requires both intellectual rigor and spiritual depth — and that preachers need solidarity as much as they need instruction.
what participants will experience
The conference program is designed to nourish the whole person and the whole ministry. Attendees come not only to learn but to be renewed — to find refreshment and solidarity with fellow laborers in the Gospel. 
Dates and Times
Conference opens Tuesday September 15 at 6pm with a full program of sermons, lectures, and workshops. Conference concludes Thursday September 17 at 12:15 pm
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Location Details
Come join us in Denver, Colorado at the Iliff School of Theology, 2323 East Iliff Avenue, Denver CO 80210. We would love to welcome you to our beautiful historic home for this inaugural conference!
Our team

2026 Conference Presenters

Rev. Dr. William Willimon

Worship: "Contemptible Preaching"

Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque
Rev. Dr. Miguel De La Torre
Lecture: "Reading the Gospel
from the margins"

Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook

Rev. Dr. Kirk Byron Jones

Lecture: "Preaching Three Beats Deep: Gospel Proclamation Rooted in
Rest, Play, and Soul"

Rev. Dr. Joy J. Moore
Lecture: "Loving the Enemy From the Pulpit: Preaching Without Contempt
in a Kingdom of Rage"

Rev. Dr. Melanie Jones Quarles

Rev. Dr. Porter C. Taylor
Dr. Tamisha Tyler

Rev. Ian Cummins

Lecture: "Are We Just Pundits
With Robes On?"

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson
Worship: "Why Are We Weeping
When We Ought to Be Singing?"
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Rev. Dr. Justin West

Conference Schedule

Tuesday, September 15

3:00-6:00 pm Registration/Check-in (Dinner on your own)
6:00-6:30 Welcome and Land Acknowledgment
6:30-7:30 Opening Worship & Communion: Will Willimon
7:30-8:30 Opening Lecture: Miguel De La Torre

Wednesday. September 16

8:00-9:00  Coffee, Tea, Snacks Available
9:00-10:00 am Lecture: Suzan Johnson Cook
10:30-11:30 am Sermon: Porter C. Taylor or Lecture: Ian Cummins
11:30-1:00 Lunch (on your own)
1:00-2:00 Lecture: Kirk Byron Jones
2:15-3:15 Workshop: Tamisha Tyler or Workshop: Justin West
3:30-4:30 Sermon: Melanie Jones Quarles
4:30-5:30 Moving Break
5:30-7:00 pm Dinner (on your own)
7:00:00-8:00 Evening Worship: Cynthia Wilson 

Thursday, September 17

8:30-9:30 Coffee, Tea, Snacks Available
9:30-10:30 Lecture: Joy J. Moore
10:45-11:45 Closing Worship: Zina Jacque
12:00 pm Departure

Connect with Iliff

Who we are

Iliff School of Theology is a graduate theological school rooted in the formation of leaders for justice, public life, and faithful ministry. For over 130 years, Iliff has prepared clergy and scholars who take seriously both the Gospel and the world into which it is proclaimed.

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Get in touch

  • 2323 East Iliff Ave
    Denver, CO 80210, US
  • cti@iliff.edu
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