About Us
We ENVISION A WORLD where, despite our differences, STORY UNITES PEOPLE of various faiths and backgrounds THROUGH a shared sense of COMMUNITY and CONNECTION.
About
Calvin Center for Faith & Writing
In a world that feels increasingly divided—especially in religious and political spaces—our work, through the written word, seeks to find commonality, foster understanding, and create spaces that allow individuals to consider new viewpoints. We facilitate generous, thought-provoking, faithful engagement with stories, overcoming differences through shared experience as we pursue richer, more meaningful lives. To achieve this, we provide high-quality programming to various audiences, including the Festival of Faith & Writing, our podcast, speaker series, events, and K-12 initiatives.
Our Mission
is to celebrate a Reformed engagement with the written word, championing faithful, intelligent conversation about the intersections of religious belief and literature. In all its activities, the Center for Faith & Writing endeavors to create spaces where people from many faith traditions are welcomed warmly, listened to with respect and generosity, and inspired to deeper engagement with the common good.
Our Values
At the heart of the Calvin Center for Faith & Writing lies a commitment to hospitality and acceptance, where all are welcomed with openness and treated with respect. We strive for excellence in everything we do, ensuring accessibility for everyone. We prioritize learning with generosity and humility, fostering a vibrant community where ideas are freely shared and creativity flourishes.
Our Team
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Jennifer L. Holberg
Director
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Lauren Cooper
Associate Director
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Kelli Scholten
Program Manager
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Destinee Garde
Digital Communications
Faculty Fellows
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Craig Mattson
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Debra Rienstra
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Jane Zwart
Student Fellows
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Natasha Jayaputra
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Eleanor Engel
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Chantale Van Tassel
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Erin Hasler
Our Story
Thanks to a generous lead donation by Bob and Shelley Hudson, the Calvin Center for Faith & Writing (CCFW) was established in 2016 to run the biennial Festival of Faith & Writing and to launch long-dreamed-of initiatives.
Initially hosted by the English department at Calvin College (now Calvin University), the Festival of Faith & Writing creates space for meaningful discussion and shared discovery among people with different religious beliefs and practices. Over three days every other April, we bring diverse voices together to offer thoughtful reflection through lectures, readings, conversations, and more.
Since the first gathering inaugurated by the Calvin English department in 1990, our Festival has welcomed more than 15,000 attendees and hundreds of renowned writers to Calvin University.
As a center, we have capitalized on the rich heritage of the long-running Festival, expanding the conversations that often begin there into additional educational opportunities, deeper community engagement, and sustained scholarship for readers of all ages. Additionally, we bring departments and organizations together across campus and aim to be a strong literary partner in the West Michigan community and beyond.
FAQs
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The Center for Faith & Writing’s work is partially supported by our donor-funded endowment, which provides the foundation of our operational support year over year. All programming, including the Festival of Faith & Writing, is made possible through ticket sales, sponsorship support, and tax-deductible contributions from people like you. Learn More >
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Students can significantly contribute to the Center's mission by participating in various ways, including competitive fellowships that offer mentorship and research experiences and meaningful volunteer roles that support the Festival of Faith & Writing and other Center initiatives.
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Our Faculty Fellows are Calvin University professors who serve rotating, three-year terms on our Festival Planning Committee. Faculty also participate in the Festival of Faith & Writing by serving as introducers, moderators, and interviewers. The Center also produces resources, like the Festival for Faith & Writing, Digital Media, Student Fellowships, and Podcasts, that can be used for research and educational purposes.
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You can support the Center by contributing financially, volunteering, or attending our events. Your support ensures we can continue to fund student fellowships, host inspiring authors, and foster meaningful dialogue at the intersection of faith and literature.
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All of our upcoming events are listed on our website: