Mission Series

The Mission Series has brought speakers of faith who have delivered messages of hope and challenge to Wilson Hall students and who have drawn hundreds of visitors from around the state to our campus. In the fall of 2009, a family approached Wilson Hall with the idea of doing something for the community with a particular focus on young people. The family was interested in something that would impact the lives of our young people for the better and for their future. From that meeting was born the idea of bringing in a well-known, inspirational speaker who might offer to the local population a message of encouragement, a challenge to leadership, an invitation for the greater good. As a reflection of the desires of this community-minded family, the event was named the Wilson Hall Mission Series.

Ortlund Visits for Mission Series

Best-selling Christian author Dane Ortlund was the keynote speaker for the Mission Series on October 2 for two programs in the Nash Student Center, one for students in grades 6-12 during an assembly and one for the public in the evening. The event was open to the public free of charge. 

Pastor Ortlund is the author of several books, including Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. He is also an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series. He earned a Ph.D. from Wheaton College and is the senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. 

During the student and faculty program, Pastor Ortlund focused on his book which is a look into the heart of Christ. Prior to the program, he met with the Class of ‘25 during a reception in the Lilavivat Lobby where he autographed copies of his book that were given to the students. For the evening program open to the public, he spoke about the quality of life now with the promise of heaven to come.

Mission Series Speakers

2024 - Pastor Dane Ortlund: Best-selling Christian author of books such as Gentle & Lowly

2022 & 2023 - Tim Tebow: Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow Foundation founder, best-selling author, and sports commentator

2021 - Max Lucado: Best-selling Christian author of over 200 books and pastor

2017 & 2019 - Bob Goff: Christian philanthropist, author, attorney and professor

2018 - Sadie Robertson: Christian actress (Duck Dynasty), businesswoman, podcaster, and author

2016 - Taya Kyle: Author & military veteran's family activist. Known as the widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle portrayed in the film American Sniper

2015 - Eric Metaxas: Christian apologist, author, and co-creator of Veggie Tales

2014 - Dr. Ravi Zacharias: World-renowned Christian apologist

2013 - Dr. Ben Carson: Former Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, pioneering neurosurgeon, and author

2012 - Sara Hill: Christian speaker and youth leader portrayed in the film Soul Surfer

2011 - Ron Hall: Author of Same Kind of Different as Me

2010 - Herman Boone: Coach portrayed in film Remember the Titans