2027 Speakers

Marianne Meye Thompson

Marianne Meye Thompson, Ph.D. (Duke) retired as the George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament in 2021, after teaching in the School of Theology for 36 years. She is the author of John: A Commentary (New Testament Library, 2015), 1–3 John (IVP New Testament Commentary, 2011), A Commentary on Colossians and Philemon (The Two Horizons Commentary, 2005), The God of the Gospel of John (2001), and The Promise of the Father (2000), and coauthor of Introducing the New Testament (2nd ed; 2025). She has also published numerous articles and reviews in scholarly journals. She is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA). She is married to John, a retired professor of historical theology. In her retirement, she still does some writing; enjoys traveling, especially to see her daughters and granddaughter and hunting wildflowers, especially in the western United States, with John; working on their native plant garden; and horseback riding (without John). 

Jim Singleton

Jim Singleton has been a Presbyterian pastor for nearly 40 years (Texas, Washington, and Colorado), a seminary professor (Gordon-Conwell, and now with Flourish Institute of Theology – the seminary of ECO). He mentors pastors with Leighton Ford Ministries. He is also part of a team that has launched an ECO congregation in Spokane. Jim is the son of a Presbyterian pastor, is married to a Presbyterian pastor, and has been a Presbyterian pastor (the hat trick). He is also a baseball lover and still coaches his 12-year-old grandson and a team of 11- to 12-year-olds. He is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary in Virginia and Boston University School of Theology. His research area is in the history of evangelism in the PCUS (Southern church) from 1861-1961. He has read General Assembly minutes for that 100-year period. 

Jesus and the Kingdom of God

In our time together, we will explore the following four questions:

    • What is the Kingdom of God?
    • What is the God of this kingdom like?
    • What law governs this kingdom and how are people to live in this kingdom?
    • What are the people of this kingdom and how are they known?

Transforming Discipleship Pathways

We will start with the Great Commission and the call to make disciples in Matthew 28. Next, we will explore how Paul understands the multiple strands of disciple-making in 2 Timothy 2. Then we will look at the early church’s broader catechetical process and finish by discussing Ephesians 4:11-12 and how the church equips the saints for the work of ministry.

Speaker Endorsements

“The West Coast Presbyterian Pastor’s Conference offers great opportunities for friendship with others who share the crazy journey of being a pastor in these peculiar and urgent times. Laughter and reflection are always in abundance in a warm, honest, and dynamic fellowship of men and women who seek to encourage each other as they love Jesus Christ, their families, their congregations, and their communities. I am so grateful for what WCPPC offers now and in the future!”

Mark Labberton, Author and President Emeritus at Fuller Theological Seminary

Speaker Endorsements

“In pastoral leadership one always seems to be “on.” The WCPPC provides an opportunity for you to turn the ministry switch off, temporarily. The stunning location together with the intentional daily rythmn of the conference offer nothing but refreshment. As a guest speaker, I walked away smiling. My own heart was warmed by this caring community.”

Rev. Dr. Donna Petter, Professor of Old Testament & Director of Hebrew Language Program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Speaker Endorsements

“As a former speaker, I can thoroughly recommend the West Coast Presbyterian Pastors Conference. It’s a wonderful event in a wonderful location at the Mt. Hermon Conference Center.”

Dr. Iain Provan, Author and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Regent College

Speaker Endorsements

“How refreshing it is to be with other pastors who really understand your life—who can listen, offer feedback, laugh, or cry all within the beauty of Mount Hermon. Add terrific teachers and speakers to this and you have the recipe for a wonderful time of investing in pastors for the hard and beautiful work they do.”

Rev. Dr. Mary S. Hulst, University Pastor at Calvin University

Speaker Endorsements

“I have had the privilege of speaking twice at the WCPPC over the past ten years or so. It has a unique quality to it as a conference for pastors. The setting is gorgeous (the redwoods), the pace is relaxed, the worship sublime, the conversations rich and deep, the input from speakers excellent. It is simply wonderful. Though speaking five times, I found it restful and renewing. I would highly recommend it.”

Gerald Sittser, Author and Professor Emeritus of Theology & Senior Fellow at Whitworth University