Compelling Preaching
The Compelling Preaching Initiative
The Compelling Preaching Initiative aims to equip pastors with the necessary skills for healthy sermon development and dynamic, inclusive preaching. This will be achieved through the establishment of preaching guilds, fostering partnerships with congregants or colleagues, and the provision of a network of coaching support and spiritual development. We are thrilled to announce the formation of cohorts in 2024!
Primary Objective
The primary aim of this initiative, led by the Evangelical Covenant Church with support from the Lilly Endowment, is to cultivate practices among aspiring and active preachers that encourage effective proclamation of the gospel to diverse audiences. We aspire to empower pastors who can infuse congregational preaching with vitality and relevance.
FOSTERING CONGREGATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Through the formation of small congregational groups, pastors and their congregants will discern and fully embody their unique voices. A key aspect will be the cultivation of informed listenership and the promotion of active listening skills. These groups will facilitate healthy self- and congregational critique while exploring innovative approaches to engage more people in the sermon development process. This inclusive approach will ensure that a variety of personality traits and voices contribute to the creation of compelling preaching.
As one of our planning partners aptly remarked, “Preaching is too important not to be done in community.” This shift towards communal engagement will profoundly impact the pastor’s preparation process.
THE SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION OF PREACHING
Beyond the development of hermeneutical skills, the spiritual life of a preacher is foundational to healthy ministry. It is believed that the authenticity and power of Christian preaching stem from a vibrant connection with God through spiritual practices. As expressed by one of the pastors involved in this initiative, “I study myself fully. I pray myself up. I pour myself out.”
INTEGRATION OF INWARD REFLECTION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Throughout the cohort, pastors will engage in inward reflection to better understand their own voices. This self-awareness will enable them to craft sermons that resonate with the diverse members of their congregation. Considerations will include selecting texts that speak to the community, viewing texts through diverse lenses, embracing cultural diversity, catering to various age groups, and addressing current needs.
Preaching at its best arises from the conviction that God speaks timely and compelling good news through the life and words of preachers.
Program Components
COHORT RETREATS
Fall and Spring retreats are being planned. There will also be virtual models. All will include trauma-informed and cross-cultural preaching practices as well as spiritual direction and coaching throughout the year. Bring a sermon to begin practicing the preaching project model with trusted colleagues.
PREACHING PROJECT
Learn the roundtable pulpit method that includes diverse members of your congregation, professionally facilitated, to ensure the message is reaching all members. This model is designed to help meet current needs as well as address where the congregation needs to move to ensure its future.
FESTIVAL OF PREACHING
Be inspired by some of the leading preachers in the Covenant. This annual event will include a wide variety of preaching styles, backgrounds, and congregational missions.
THE COHORT COMMITMENT
Each cohort will start with a retreat. Both in-person and virtual models will be utilized to make this program more accessible. At the opening retreat, pastors will explore:
- Sermon methodology with an exemplar preacher
- Spiritual formation for preaching
- The movement from text to sermon
- Perspectives on gender in preaching
- Trauma-informed preaching
- An exercise modeling the congregational experience with their peers
Throughout the cohort, pastors will participate in ongoing
- Spiritual direction
- Baseline data instruments like the Enneagram and Intercultural Development Inventory conducted with a therapist
- The preaching project model with a facilitator
- Networking with their cohort group
Cohorts may have a particular focus, such as women in ministry or bi-vocational pastors, or be open to all interested in honing their craft. We welcome your input as we design and refine the program offerings.
Join a Cohort in 2024!
We are thrilled to announce the formation of cohorts in 2024! If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Marti Burger.
