Christian Theological Seminary to host Jon Meacham for leadership conversation

Christian Theological Seminary will host Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham on Oct. 13 in Indianapolis for a public conversation about leadership, faith and democracy. The event also marks the public introduction of CTS’s RISE UP campaign as the seminary seeks to expand its work on leadership, healing, equity and generosity.

Why it matters: - Christian Theological Seminary is using the event to connect public leadership, faith and democracy with its broader mission. - The conversation is designed to draw the wider community into a discussion about moral courage and principled leadership. - The program also serves as the public introduction of RISE UP: A Campaign for Human Flourishing, the seminary’s comprehensive fundraising and mission campaign.

What happened: - Christian Theological Seminary will welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian and bestselling author Jon Meacham on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. - The public conversation will take place in Shelton Auditorium on the Butler University South Campus in Indianapolis. - The event will focus on the question, “Who will lead us forward?” - The discussion will be moderated by the Honorable Myra C. Selby, former chair of the CTS Board of Trustees.

The details: - Meacham will discuss moral courage and principled leadership at the intersection of faith, democracy and justice. - The conversation will draw on Meacham’s study of American history and public life to consider what the nation’s past can teach about current challenges. - David M. Mellott, president of Christian Theological Seminary, said the evening is meant to invite reflection on the leadership the world needs and the role individuals can play in building a more just, compassionate and hopeful future. - Meacham’s books include And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels and American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House. - Meacham also served as canon historian of Washington National Cathedral and is a distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University. - Christian Theological Seminary said registration information and additional event details are available through the event link. - CTS is a fully accredited ecumenical graduate school with historic roots in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). - CTS offers master’s and doctoral programs through its School of Theology and School of Counseling. - CTS provides accessible mental health services through the Counseling Center. - CTS also works on systemic social justice issues through the Faith & Action Project. - The seminary says it has prepared leaders for more than a century to respond to the needs of the church and the wider community. - RISE UP will advance CTS’s work through four pillars: Faithful Leadership, Healing and Wholeness, Equity and Justice, and Sustaining Generosity. - The source text includes social media links for CTS on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.

Between the lines: - The event positions CTS as a convening place for civic and moral conversation, not just a graduate school. - Pairing Meacham’s scholarship with the campaign launch suggests CTS wants to turn public attention into support for its long-term institutional goals. - The focus on faith, justice and democracy reflects the seminary’s effort to frame leadership as both spiritual and civic work.

What's next: - CTS will hold the public conversation on Oct. 13 and share more registration and event details ahead of the program. - The seminary is expected to use the event to introduce RISE UP to attendees and broader supporters. - The conversation may help set the tone for CTS’s campaign messaging around leadership, wholeness, justice and generosity.