JACKSON, Miss. — Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) Jackson is pleased to announce the 2025 Hughes Lecture Series, featuring Jonathan Leeman, editorial director of 9Marks and respected theologian, speaker, and author. The lectures will take place on February 18-19, 2025, on the RTS Jackson campus, offering a rich time of theological reflection and engagement for students, faculty, and the broader Jackson community.
This year’s lecture series, titled Church, State, and a Christian’s Dual Citizenship, will explore the biblical framework for understanding the interplay between the church, government, and a believer’s responsibilities in both spheres. Over the course of three lectures—What Authority Does God Give to Governments?, Are Liberalism and Theonomy Our Only Options?, and What Earthly Responsibilities Does God Give to Heavenly Citizens?—attendees will have the opportunity to engage deeply with Jonathan Leeman’s insights on theology, ministry, and the church during both the lectures and the accompanying lunch and Q&A sessions.
Event Schedule:
Tuesday, February 18
- 11 a.m. – Lecture #1 – What Authority Does God Give to Governments?
- 12 p.m. – Lunch and Q&A
- 1 p.m. – Lecture #2 – Are Liberalism and Theonomy Our Only Options?
Wednesday, February 19
- 11 a.m. – Chapel – Lecture #3 – What Earthly Responsibilities Does God Give to Heavenly Citizens?
- 12 p.m. – Lunch and Q&A
Leeman brings a wealth of experience in both theology and communication. After completing undergraduate and graduate degrees in political science, he worked as an editor for an international economics magazine in Washington, D.C., before discerning a call to ministry. Since then, he has earned a Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. in theology, served as an interim pastor, and now edits the 9Marks Journal and book series while teaching at several seminaries, including RTS.
RTS Academic Dean Dr. Guy Waters said, “The Hughes Lectures make faithful scholarship of the Bible and theology available to students preparing for gospel ministry. Dr. Jonathan Leeman is a respected scholar and pastor who has helped the church to think biblically about the church and, in particular, the church in the public square. For these reasons, he is an ideal Hughes lecturer, and I am looking forward to his ministry to the RTS Jackson community.”
The first 50 registrants for the Hughes Lecture Series will receive a complimentary copy of Leeman’s book, The Word-Centered Church, a practical guide for pastors and church leaders on cultivating a Scripture-focused ministry.
The Hughes Lecture Series is free and open to the public. Visit rts.edu/hughesjackson for more information and to register.