Applied Biblical Studies Conference - Steubenville Conferences

Encounter Christ in His Word

In a world full of questions, we need God’s unchanging wisdom. At the Applied Biblical Studies Conference, you’ll prayfully study God’s Word, allowing him to speak anew to your heart. Through Scripture, you can find the clarity, peace, and purpose only Christ can bring.

Connect, Belong, and Grow Together

At the Applied Biblical Studies Conference, you’ll join a vibrant community where you can build lasting friendships and experience the joy of Catholic fellowship on Franciscan University’s campus in Steubenville, Ohio.

Evening Socials – Unwind and connect with others in a relaxed, joyful setting.
Shared Mealtimes – Enjoy great conversations over great food.
Special Events – Enjoy unique moments that make each conference unforgettable.

You belong here.

Meet the Team

John Paul Von Arx

John Paul Von Arx seeks to share his faith and love for country music in venues all across America and has been performing professionally for the last nine years.

Dr. Scott Hahn

Dr. Scott Hahn is the "Fr. Michael Scanlan Professor for Biblical Theology at Franciscan University". He is the founder and president of the St. Paul Center, an apostolate dedicated to teaching Catholics to read Scripture from the heart of the Church. Dr. Hahn has been married to Kimberly for 44 years. They have 6 children and 22 grandchildren. They also have one son ordained to the Diocese of Steubenville, Fr. Jeremiah Hahn. The author and editor of over 50 popular and academic books, Dr. Hahn's works include bestselling titles: Rome Sweet Home and The Lamb's Supper. His most recent title is Catholics in Exile; Biblical Wisdom for our Journey Home (Emmaus Road, 2023).

Kimberly Hahn

Kimberly Hahn wed Scott in 1979. They met at Grove City College, where she earned a B.A. in Communication Arts. While Scott studied to be a pastor, Kimberly earned an MA in Theological Studies in 1982. They have 6 children and 22 grandchildren. Kimberly became a Catholic in 1990 in Joliet, Illinois, after a difficult struggle during the four years following Scott’s entrance into the Catholic Church. Together they wrote Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism. Kimberly also wrote Life-Giving Love: Embracing God’s Beautiful Design for Marriage, and a four-volume series on marriage and family life: Chosen and Cherished, Graced and Gifted, Beloved and Blessed, and Legacy of Love. Her podcast “Beloved and Blessed” reaches tens of thousands weekly.

Dr. John Bergsma

Dr. John Bergsma is Professor of Theology at Franciscan University and served as a Protestant pastor for four years before entering the Catholic Church in 2001. Dr. Bergsma holds a PhD in theology from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls. He has authored over twenty books on Scripture and the Catholic faith, including Bible Basics for Catholics, Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls, and A Catholic Introduction to the Bible . He speaks regularly on Catholic radio and at conferences and parishes nationally and internationally. He and his wife, Dawn, reside with their children in the Steubenville area.

Jeff Morrow

Shane Owens

An alumnus of Franciscan University (MA Theology, 2013), Dr. Shane Owens returned to the Ohio Valley in 2023 as an assistant professor of theology. Owens has taught classes at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Baton Rouge, LA), the Dominican House of Studies (Washington, DC), and the Catholic University of America, where he completed his doctorate in historical theology. The theological exegesis and ecclesiology of St. Augustine of Hippo is the primary focus of his scholarship. He has a forthcoming book with Emmaus Road Publishing on the spirituality of Augustine’s Confessions entitled, Return to the Heart. Owens met his wife, Esther (née Power, BA 2014, MA 2015) at Franciscan. Together, they raise two children in the Steubenville area.

William Wright

Daniel Garland

Clement Harrold

Clement Harrold graduated top of his class from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2021 with a triple major in Theology, Philosophy, and Classics, and a minor in German. He is the author of the small book Journey Through Lent: Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings , published by Emmaus Road Press, and his writings have appeared in Crisis Magazine , Washington Examiner , and First Things . He is currently pursuing his master's degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame.

Father Pablo Gadenz

Father Charles Samson

Fr. Samson was ordained in 2013 for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Fr. Samson teaches Scripture, Greek, Hebrew, and archaeology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. Father has lived and studied in Rome and the Holy Land, and he has served in parishes and campus ministry. Father loves teaching, marriage prep, playing ultimate frisbee, board games, and anything of Star Wars or J.R.R. Tolkien! Father's passion is facilitating, in the minds and hearts of his flock, an encounter with Jesus, through prayer that is enhanced by the study of the word of God as it has been lived in the Church.

Registration

Regular: $235
Young Adult (18-35): $145
Religious/Deacons: $145
Priests: Free registration

Add-ons

Housing Options: $120-$310/person
Meal Plan: $91/person
See registration page for more details.

Testimonials

“Every time I’ve come into one of these conferences, I’ve always had something on my heart, and it’s amazing to me how at each one of those conferences Jesus has addressed what was on my heart…and helped to heal me of many of those things or discern directions I should go in my life.”

Matt D.

“The speakers were brilliant in their knowledge, shared their enthusiasm and love of the faith and inspired us to continue growing and learning. I plan to return year after year and to spread the word about the conference. I wish all Catholics could attend.”

Karen B.

“Attending the Applied Biblical Studies Conference blessed me with a deeper and richer prayer life. It gave me a renewed vigor for studying the faith and the Bible, and I left with a greater knowledge and understanding of my calling as the Bride of Christ.”

Tiffany O.

Ambassadors Media Kit

FAQs

When does registration open?

You can register for an Adult Conference on December 04, 2024.

Can teenagers come to an adult conference?

Yes, teenagers between 13 and 17 years old are welcome to attend our Adult Conferences when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. However, please note the following:

Housing: Teens are not permitted to stay in on-campus housing and must arrange separate housing accommodations with their parent/guardian off-campus. If you need recommendations for off-campus housing, feel free to contact us.
Liability Waiver: A completed Adult Conference Youth Liability Form must be brought to check-in.
Discounted Rate: We offer a discounted registration rate for teenagers. To take advantage of this discount, please contact us before registering:

Phone: (740) 283-6315
Email: conferences@franciscan.edu

We’re happy to help ensure your teen’s participation is a meaningful and seamless experience!