Prophet’s Chamber
Grand Rapids is home to some outstanding Christian agencies, especially publishers, notably Eerdmans, Baker, Zondervan, and Kregel. How might scholars from around the world tap into these resources?
Prophet’s Chamber is a visiting scholars program that offers the opportunity for Christian scholars to spend one-to-four months at Calvin University to continue work on their research. This program offers a residency at Calvin University to early-career theologians who need to finish a dissertation or a book.
Why is This Important?
Busy Christian leaders with multiple responsibilities are in need of time away to concentrate on a dissertation, study and write, or get traction on their next book.
Project Process
The Nagel Institute has partnered with a few local and outside funders (e.g. Langham Scholars) to identify and support these international scholars with interests in certain topical areas, like faith and science, or creation care, or world regions, like Africa or India. Nagel provides support for five to eight scholars per year with living assistance in Grand Rapids, giving access to Calvin University Hekman Library, introducing strategic ministries in West Michigan, and referring them to publishers and other contacts.
Along with a two-bedroom apartment, office within the Nagel Institute, and access to Hekman Library, the visiting scholar also receives a minimal stipend for daily expenses.
Project Goals
Launched in 2015, we already see nearly every scholar has met the goals within two-year of their visit: completed dissertations, articles, conference presentations, and a couple of books. The main objective of this program is to get visiting scholars and theologians to utilize the Prophet’s Chamber.
