NYT bestselling author Nadia Bolz-Weber to speak at Hendrix College

Nadia Bolz-Weber, a New York Times bestselling author and ordained Lutheran pastor, will speak in Staples Auditorium on the campus of Hendrix College Monday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

She will also serve as a featured leader of this year’s John and Marjem Gill Preaching Workshop, which begins earlier in the day on Nov. 3 and concludes Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 4. Visit www.hendrix.edu/gillworkshop for more information or to register.

Bolz-Weber is the creator and host of The Confessional podcast; author of The Corners on Substack; and has written three bestselling memoirs: Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith Of A Sinner & Saint (2013 and re-released in 2021), Accidental Saints: Finding God In All The Wrong People (2015) and SHAMELESS: A Sexual Reformation (2019).

Bolz-Weber’s visit is co-sponsored by the Compelling Preaching Initiative (CPI), which is funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment and administered by the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas. CPI seeks to build the capacity for bold, innovative preaching within Arkansas United Methodist clergy to transform churches and communities. It is co-sponsored by the Hendrix College Office of Religious Life and its John and Marjem Gill Preaching Workshop, which since 1984 has aimed to strengthen the United Methodist Church by enhancing clergy’s ability to proclaim the gospel in ways that are relevant to the needs of our time, and to enhance dialogue and fellowship among clergy colleagues.

“We are so grateful for the vision and generosity of John and Marjem Gill who, over 40 years ago, took the step of providing for this preaching workshop which continues to touch thousands of lives through preachers and communities of faith from across our region,” said Chaplain of Hendrix College the Rev. Ellen Alston. “The partnership with the Compelling Preaching Initiative offers enhanced opportunities for these two days to spend with an amazing preacher and leader like Nadia Bolz-Weber, while deepening connections with peers for support and community in faith leadership and witness.”

“I am so excited that Nadia Bolz-Weber will be at Hendrix College,” said Methodist Foundation for Arkansas President and CEO the Rev. Wayne Clark. “I hope everyone—lay and clergy—will take advantage of this gifted and inspirational visitor coming to the area. She will be one of those rare speakers you will reference for many years and get to say you saw in person.”

About Hendrix College

Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.

“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose

About Lilly Endowment

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

About the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas

With a mission to establish and manage charitable funds to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas, the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas manages over $220 million in endowment funds and other charitable assets that benefit local churches and other United Methodist ministries. Founded in 1963, the Foundation has grown into one of the largest United Methodist foundations in the country, managing more than 800 funds that support Methodist ministries. To learn more, visit methodistfoundationAR.org.