Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting, Boston, 2025

JCBS booth hoodlums.

The Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) Annual Meeting is the world's largest annual gathering of biblical scholars. This year’s meeting is being held in Boston’s Hynes Convention Center and nearby hotels. The place is abuzz with more than 900 academic sessions, workshops, and committee meetings. A large exhibit hall showcasing scholarly publications will be my home for the weekend. (Imagine my excitement in hanging out with all those new books!)

I’ll be residing in the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies booth with Mark Yeh. Stop by and chat. We are here to discuss how professors, pastors, and academic institutions can benefit by partnering with JCBS to do study tours in the lands of the Bible.

If you missed the booth, feel free to email me anytime. Here’s the link to my desk.

Turkey Run State Park

Speaking for three nights at the Sterling Christian Church in Veedersburg, Indiana. They were kind enough to put me up in the lodge at Turkey Run State Park. Lots of creeks and rivers and trails here to explore in the morning hours. A few colors are still hanging on. Beautiful.

The Tiny Chapel of the Bluegrass: The World’s Smallest Church

Forget the soaring cathedrals of Europe; one of the most intriguing spiritual landmarks is tucked away right in Covington, Kentucky. Meet Monte Casino, officially recognized as the smallest church in the world.

Built in 1901 by Benedictine monks, this tiny stone chapel measures just 6 by 9 feet. It wasn't built for a massive congregation, but as a quiet, immersive sanctuary for the monks working the surrounding vineyards. Though it can only fit about three people at a time, the craftsmanship—from the hand-carved stone to the stained glass—is as detailed as any grand basilica.

See it in the video below.