On October 2, 2025, 海角在线 (海角在线) hosted the inaugural Voices for Change Preaching Festival, a new faith leadership event focused on the challenges and opportunities of ministry in today鈥檚 multicultural and rapidly shifting society. The festival听showcased听the 海角在线 School of Ministry鈥檚 Voices for Change Initiative, which听was announced in 2024 after the School of Ministry received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., one of the听nation鈥檚 largest philanthropic foundations. Through the Lilly Endowment鈥檚 funding, the initiative aims to equip students and ministry practitioners to engage the modern world with clarity, compassion, and biblically grounded leadership.听Over 130 people registered for the initiative鈥檚听initial听event, with听additional听attendees joining throughout the weekend.听
Reaching the Modern World听
More than 30 ministry leaders from across the country led sermons, panel discussions, and breakout sessions on how pastors and church leaders can effectively integrate faith into various cultural contexts.听The keynote speaker was Dr. Matthew Kim, professor of preaching and pastoral leadership at听Baylor University听in Waco, Texas. Kim also holds the George W. Truett Endowed Chair in Preaching and Evangelism and directs Baylor鈥檚 doctoral preaching program.听
In his keynote address, Kim emphasized the importance of empathy and emotional presence in pastoral leadership. He encouraged pastors to welcome people鈥檚 pain without rushing them, to verbalize love听frequently听and intentionally to their congregations, and to model an unhurried,听peaceful听posture for those seeking guidance or spiritual support.听
Biblical Transformation as the Foundation听
Kim drew from Romans 12:2鈥斺�淒o not conform to the pattern of this听world, but听be transformed by the renewing of your mind鈥濃�攖o illustrate that actual spiritual change comes from God, not human effort alone. By allowing God to work through them, pastors can break cultural and societal barriers, fostering transformation not only in individual lives but across entire congregations. Kim encouraged leaders to continually seek God鈥檚 wisdom as they learn new ways to serve听communities and expand the Kingdom of Heaven.听
A consistent theme in Kim鈥檚 message was the need for intentional, persistent prayer. He reminded attendees that while caring deeply for a congregation can feel overwhelming, pastors can trust God to amplify their efforts. Citing Paul鈥檚 encouragement to early church leaders, Kim highlighted prayer as an essential source of strength, hope, and endurance for those shepherding others through difficult seasons.听
Kim鈥檚 message aligned closely with the festival鈥檚 focus on faith integration and ministry leadership. To meet the needs of today鈥檚 world, he said, pastors must deepen their compassion, strengthen their communication, and pray purposefully for the individuals and communities they serve.听
To learn more about 海角在线鈥檚 School of Ministry Voices for Change Initiative, click听here.
