Calvin University and Seminary to Host Global Leadership Summit
One of the world’s most influential leadership events is coming to Grand Rapids, Mich. On Aug. 7-8, 2025, Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary will serve as an official simulcast host site for the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) — a two-day, high-impact leadership experience that reaches over 350,000 participants worldwide each year.
Broadcast live from the GLS main campus in the Chicago area and cohosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Paula Faris, this powerful event will be streamed in real-time to hundreds of locations across the country — including the Covenant Fine Arts Center on Calvin’s campus.
“Participants in Grand Rapids will experience the same world-class content as those attending the main campus,” said John Zimmerman, associate director for public relations at Calvin University. “The 2025 speaker lineup features 15 global thought leaders who will share insights on leadership, purpose, innovation, digital communication, and personal resilience.”
Those featured speakers include Nick Saban, former head football coach from the University of Alabama; Craig Groeschel, the founding and senior pastor at Life.Church; Thasunda Brown Duckett, president and CEO of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America; Christine Caine, founder of the A21 Campaign and Propel Women; and Jon Acuff, bestselling author of Soundtracks.
“This year’s theme for the Global Leadership Summit is ‘Lead Where You Are,’” explained Zimmerman. “The GLS invites individuals in every sector — business, education, ministry, nonprofits, and beyond — to grow their influence and lead with purpose, wherever they’re called. It is a great fit for the Calvin community.”
In addition to the simulcast sessions, the Calvin host site will offer a special networking event on Friday, Aug. 8, from 8:30–9:45 a.m. at the Calvin Seminary Student Center. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, espresso, and pastries from local bakeries (gluten-free and vegan options included), with spaces available for team meetings and debriefs. Shuttle service will run between the seminary and the Prince Conference Center throughout the morning.
The Global Leadership Summit will also be translated into over 40 languages and presented in more than 100 countries, including over 250 prisons and community organizations — extending its reach to underserved and at-risk communities.
Tickets for the Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary simulcast site are available at https://brushfire.com/582107. Early-bird pricing is available through July 16.
