Previewing Harbor 2025
Unveiling some of the most exciting things about this year’s Harbor at Pepperdine
Harbor—the Pepperdine Bible Lectures, is the flagship event for Churches of Christ, and is now in its 82nd year. I’ve attended Harbor as long as I can remember.
As far as I know, I’ve never missed.
Not once.
In all seriousness, I have loved EVERY year. I can remember the years that left a permanent mark on my life—like the year on Job. Or Psalms. Or Luke. Or…the list goes on and on. I was blessed to be close friends with Jerry Rushford during my time at Pepperdine and watched with amazement as he sculpted the program into what seemed like the perfect event. Rick Gibson and Mike Cope planned the next 12 years, and added their special sauces—renaming and rebranding the event, while exposing our fellowship to fresh voices, and offering new opportunities for replenishment. As a preacher who would often come to Harbor in a state of physical weariness and a sense of relative isolation within our fellowship (I ministered in the San Diego area), I received new blessings during their leadership of Harbor.
Thank you, Jerry.
Thank you, Rick.
Thank you, Mike.
It is now my privilege to offer a preview of Harbor 2025. My hands are one set of three who have helped shape the content of the event. Harbor 2025 is a hybrid year—I hope in the best sense. My friend Mike Cope has transitioned to work with Pepperdine’s landmark Lily Grant to help rural Churches of Christ thrive in the generation ahead. What a terrific endeavor—a treasure for Churches of Christ.
Mike chose the theme, keynotes, structure of the event, and a few classes. Jeff Walling and I have co-directed from there. This year will be both different than any previous year, and, we hope, the same as every other year in many good ways.
What is the same?
Malibu in May
United Voice Worship
New worship leaders and new music
Incredible Preaching
New voices (some listed below)
Dessert and coffee in the cafeteria each night
More than 100 sessions to choose from
Vendors, receptions, reunions, lots and lots of fellowship!
Here are a few new things for this year:
HARBOR SERVES. On Friday afternoon, after the morning keynote address in Firestone Fieldhouse, Harbor attendees are invited to serve the communities around Pepperdine through organized service projects both on and off the Pepperdine campus. This is a first for Harbor, and we are incredibly excited to beta test this. All service experiences are free and tailored to the moment by Pepperdine’s Hub for Spiritual Life.
An old friend, Jerome Williams, will lead worship with Won by One at afternoon keynote sessions in Smothers Theater. It will be his first time attending Harbor or leading on the Pepperdine campus. Word on the street is you might hear him with United Voice at some point.
If you are a fan of great books, we have two of the finest scholars in the field for you. Karen Swallow Prior and Jessica Hooten Wilson will both be presenting.
Paul Sohn is a Pepperdine alumnus and award-winning author who leads the Center for Faith and Work at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York. He is known for his work on vocation, particularly in helping young adults find and develop their vocational calling.
Ministry workshops on nearly all major ministry areas will take place in the afternoons. We view it as a holy duty to equip Christians for ministry. The presenters are not only learned, they are practiced, with a venerable track-record of effective ministry.
Waves Worship is a worship collective comprised of Pepperdine students, staff, and alumni that write, record and release new worship music (you can find their first three single releases on your favorite music streaming platform). On Thursday night in Stauffer Chapel, you can experience a heart-felt night of instrumental worship and preview of several new worship songs birthed right here in Malibu.
For my part, I will deliver the final keynote address in Firestone Fieldhouse on Friday morning on Jesus’ parable of the sheep and goats. I will also teach a two-day class at 8:30am on Wednesday and Thursday in Stauffer Chapel, entitled, Dancing on Eggshells: 6 Truths the Tomorrow’s Church Must Recommit to Today. I hope it will stir those in attendance in the best ways possible. COME JOIN US!
There are TONS of new things this year along with all the things you’ve come to love about Harbor.
Come join us! Support this treasure of an event. Learn, grow, be inspired. Be refreshed. Challenged. Transformed. Laugh. Rest. Connect with old friends and make new friends.
All things are ALMOST ready. Come to the feast, May 6-9 in Malibu.
Come join us in Malibu in just ten days! Get more information here! The Harbor app is also available in the App Store.