Dr. Sam Reimer - 2026 Keynote Speaker
Introducing Dr. Reimer
We are excited that Dr. Sam Reimer will be our conference speaker providing 3 plenary addresses. Dr. Reimer is a beloved sociology professor who has taught at Crandall University since 1996. He grew up in Japan as the son of missionary parents. He attended Briercrest College, University of Waterloo (BA Honors), and University of Notre Dame (MA and PhD in sociology). The focal point of Sam’s research has been the sociology of religion, notably evangelicalism in Canada, Britain, and the U.S. Dr. Reimer builds relationships with students that promote student transformation—intellectually, socially, and spiritually.
Dr. Reimer’s most recent publication Caught in the Current: British and Canadian Evangelicals in an Age of Self-Spirituality (2023) explores how and why Western evangelicals are changing. Dr. Reimer also recently received a $55,000 USD research grant from the Louisville Institute to support his current and upcoming research. Dr. Reimer will collaborate with the Canadian Institute for Empirical Church Research at Wycliffe College, on a project that aims to produce the first nationally representative data on churches in Canada, offering new insight into congregational life across the country.
CACSD Conference Plenary Sessions
Plenary Session I: “The inward turn: How the modern zeitgeist is (mis)shaping young adults”
We will look at the most important religious change in the last century, the move to internal authority, and how it leads to self-spirituality.
Plenary Session II: “Algorithms and young adults: Mental health, intellectual development, spiritual formation and flourishing”
We will look at the effects of online life—particularly social media and AI—on student flourishing, and what that means for discipleship.
Plenary Session III: “Looking for the authentic self: Emerging Adults and their quest to find themselves”
We will explore emerging adulthood, identity formation, and its connection to spiritual formation.
Get to know Dr. Reimer
Below are a few videos of Dr. Reimer sharing about his research and passions. Take a listen to get a sense of what the plenary sessions might hold.