This year’s Aus Lecture will be an extended conversation on Jesus Christ as the instigator and sustainer of Christian evangelism. In taking the Good News to those who have not yet heard and responded to the news, we join Jesus in his relentless determination to invite all into his coming realm. Opportunities and impediments to evangelism will be discussed and encouragement offered for today’s pastors to lead in evangelizing. Will Willimon has written extensively on evangelism, has been an evangelist as a campus minister, and as a bishop has led church planting ministries.
Event Details
Jesus: The Most Interesting Word We Have for the World
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6–8:30 p.m.
Olson Campus Center, 1490 Fulham Street
Luther Seminary, Saint Paul
In-Person Event
- 6:00 p.m. start
- Olson Campus Center, 1490 Fulham Street, St. Paul, MN 55108
- Complimentary meal provided. Gluten-free and vegan options available
Virtual Event
- 6:30 p.m. start
- Live, interactive webinar
Both options are free and open to the public. Registration is required.
About the Speaker
A bishop in the United Methodist Church, Will Willimon served as the dean of Duke Chapel at Duke University for 20 years. He returned to Duke as professor of Christian ministry and director of the Doctor of Ministry program after serving as the bishop of the North Alabama Conference from 2004 to 2012. He has taught in Germany, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia in various seminaries. He is a trustee of Wofford College and Emory University and the first Distinguished Alumnus of Yale Divinity School. Willimon is author of over 90 books, and more than a million copies of his books have been sold. His articles have appeared in many publications including Theology Today, Interpretation, Liturgy, and Christianity Today. He is editor-at-large for The Christian Century. His book, “Pastor: the Theology and Practice of Ordained Leadership,” is used in dozens of seminaries in the United States and Asia. His most recent book is “Changing My Mind: The Overlooked Virtue for Faithful Ministry.” Over the years he has been a frequent visitor to Luther Seminary.
About the Aus Memorial Lecture
Established in 1978, the Aus Lecture series focuses on evangelism in memory of George Aus, a prominent evangelist and professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary from 1939 to 1973. View past events in this series and other public lectures from Luther Seminary on YouTube.