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2025 Aus Memorial Lecture
An Evangelism Salon with Will Willimon
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Jesus: The Most Interesting Word We Have for the World

What does it mean to bear witness to Jesus in a world hungry for something real?
In an age of skepticism and spiritual searching, how can we share the difference Jesus makes—not just in belief, but in the fabric of everyday life?
The 2025 Aus Memorial Lecture:
Jesus: The Most Interesting Word We Have for the World
An Evangelism Salon with Will Willimon
Rather than leaning on outdated methods or formulaic answers, Dr. Willimon will invite us to:
- Reimagine evangelism as a movement initiated by Jesus himself
- Reflect on the cultural shifts reshaping how people encounter faith
- Cultivate meaningful conversations that speak to real-life questions
- Be strengthened in the call to lead communities in sharing the Good News
Drawing from his decades as a campus minister, bishop, and preacher, Dr. Willimon brings both depth and clarity to this timely conversation.
Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or someone passionate about living and sharing your faith, this is a must-attend event.
Featuring: Will Willimon
Former Dean of Duke Chapel, Professor of Christian Ministry, and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Duke University
Starting in:
Time and location:
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025
- 6–8:30 p.m. CT
- Online and In-Person
*In-Person Location Olson Campus Center, 1490 Fulham Street Luther Seminary, Saint Paul
Meet the Speaker
Will Willimon
Former Dean of Duke Chapel, Professor of Christian Ministry, and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Duke University
A bishop in the United Methodist Church, William H. Willimon served as 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 the 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.
The 2025 Aus Memorial Lecture
to attend Online
- Live online access to the full Aus Lecture from anywhere you are
- Reflection guide and downloadable reflection guide
- Opportunity to submit questions for Q&A with Dr. Willimon
- Access to the event recording for later viewing
to attend In-Person
- Get live access to the full Aus Lecture with Dr. Will Willimon at Luther Seminary
- A complimentary full-course dinner served on campus
- Opportunities for in-person networking and conversation with fellow learners and leaders
- Access to the event recording for later viewing
In-person registration is now full.
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