A few years ago I was talking with a friend and colleague about preaching. He remarked how every Sunday morning preachers stood in pulpits across the country delivering sermons, while outside the doors of their churches people were dying – quite literally. What was the point?
Can the preaching moment even be redeemed?
It has been a question that has rattled around in my head ever since we received our Compelling Preaching grant from the Lilly Endowment. The stakes feel even higher today than they did a few years ago, if that is even possible. People’s lives hang in the balance across the globe and on our doorsteps. The clarity of who we are as leaders and how we use our agency in these days could not be more important.
So, we’ve leveraged our grant to meet the moment as best as we are able. This cohort is designed for preachers to explore who they are – as a leader who steps into the pulpit regularly – and how they use that position of power within their community to bring about the transformative work that leads to justice and liberation.
Can the preaching moment be redeemed? I honestly don’t know. But what I do know is it won’t come packaged in a finely crafted 3-point sermon. It will come because of the voices who dare to preach with truth and authenticity. Will you join us as we explore it together?
APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 15
All interested candidates should apply using the application form by October 15, 2025. Rolling acceptance will be available after that date, if space allows. Participants will be notified of their acceptance into the cohort by the end of October.
LEADERSHIP
This cohort is open to preachers in all denominations. Please help us spread the word by sharing widely with your friends and colleagues. If you have any questions, you are invited to email me directly at jen@nextchurch.net.
With Subborn Hope —
Jen James
Program and Operations Director
