Dr. Tony Campolo, the American sociologist, pastor, author, public speaker and former spiritual advisor to multiple U.S. presidents, including Bill Clinton, will be speaking at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Bradford West Gwillimbury this weekend.
“We are thrilled to welcome such an influential and respected voice in Christianity to our church,” said Dr. Daniel Scott, the senior minister at St John’s. “In this time of unprecedented global upheaval, and as we enter the advent season before Christmastime… Campolo’s message of social justice is as relevant as ever.”
So, how did a relatively small church in Bradford snag an internationally-acclaimed speaker?
“It was a connection with World Vision," and the fact that a booking came open after another church took exception to some of Campolo’s more liberal views, said Scott.
Campolo is known as one of the most influential leaders in the Evangelical left, a major proponent of progressive thought and reform within the evangelical community. He is professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University, a former faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania, and the founder and president of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education.
Campolo is a commentator on religious, political, and social issues.
He has written more than 35 books, blogs regularly on his website, and is one of the founders of the Red Letter Christians movement, which combines Jesus and justice, with the belief to live out his “radical, counter-cultural teachings as set forth in Scripture,” read the Red Letter Christians website.
Scott has heard Campolo speak before, both at his wife’s church and at Tynedale University College and Seminary, where Campolo was brought in for a fundraiser.
“He’s unbelievably funny, and that you don’t expect. And then he hits you between the eyes with a profound comment,” said Scott.
Campolo will be speaking at the church on behalf of World Vision, with specific reference to Malawi.
“We asked about Malawi, because we have a micro-enterprise project there,” explained Scott, for which the Presbyterian church has raised more than $15,000.
He is hoping Campolo’s energetic and inspiring talk will spark new interest in the project, and in child sponsorship.
WANT TO ATTEND?
WHEN: Dec. 2
TIME: 11 a.m.
WHERE: St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2940 Sideroad 10, Bradford
COST: Free
