On October 2, 2025, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) hosted the inaugural Voices for Change Preaching Festival, a new faith leadership event focused on the challenges and opportunities of ministry in today’s multicultural and rapidly shifting society. The festival showcased the PBA School of Ministry’s Voices for Change Initiative, which was announced in 2024 after the School of Ministry received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., one of the nation’s largest philanthropic foundations. Through the Lilly Endowment’s funding, the initiative aims to equip students and ministry practitioners to engage the modern world with clarity, compassion, and biblically grounded leadership. Over 130 people registered for the initiative’s initial event, with additional attendees joining throughout the weekend.
Reaching the Modern World
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. The keynote speaker was Dr. Matthew Kim, professor of preaching and pastoral leadership at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Kim also holds the George W. Truett Endowed Chair in Preaching and Evangelism and directs Baylor’s doctoral preaching program.
In his keynote address, Kim emphasized the importance of empathy and emotional presence in pastoral leadership. He encouraged pastors to welcome people’s pain without rushing them, to verbalize love frequently and intentionally to their congregations, and to model an unhurried, peaceful posture for those seeking guidance or spiritual support.
Biblical Transformation as the Foundation
Kim drew from Romans 12:2—“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”—to 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’s wisdom as they learn new ways to serve communities and expand the Kingdom of Heaven.
A consistent theme in Kim’s 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’s encouragement to early church leaders, Kim highlighted prayer as an essential source of strength, hope, and endurance for those shepherding others through difficult seasons.
Kim’s message aligned closely with the festival’s focus on faith integration and ministry leadership. To meet the needs of today’s world, he said, pastors must deepen their compassion, strengthen their communication, and pray purposefully for the individuals and communities they serve.
To learn more about PBA’s School of Ministry Voices for Change Initiative, click here.
