Center for Compelling Preaching
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Resourcing, recharging, supporting and activating preachers in this digital and divided culture
Point University received a Lilly Endowment grant to participate in its Compelling Preaching Initiative to “cultivate practices among aspiring and active preachers that can help them proclaim the gospel to diverse audiences in engaging and effective ways.”
The current realities in our culture raise important questions about preaching:
- How can preachers communicate the gospel in ways that are more compelling and accessible for contemporary hearers?
- How can preachers and aspiring preachers best be supported, inspired, and developed?
- How might preaching effectively navigate the current cultural divisions and speak into them?
- How do preachers reach those who aren’t going to walk into their worship services?
- Are there methods and modes of preaching that preachers can experiment with and use to reach their contemporary hearers?
How Point’s Center for Compelling Preaching is addressing these needs:
- We are currently offering Preaching Peer Groups with preaching mentors.
- As a part of these groups, we are offering “Preaching Retreats,” brining in seasoned experts for training during the mornings of the retreats.
- We will have Preaching Seminars and Conferences that address different aspects of preaching.
Preaching Peer Groups
Church Partnership
Through Preaching Peer Groups, we are:
Simplifying sermon prep, using new modes of preaching and new media in this digital culture, iImproving together and supporting each other and navigating the needs and pitfalls in the culture.
One year practicum includes:
Monthly virtual small group gatherings with a preaching mentor/leader, two in-person retreats with all participants of Preaching Peer Groups, collaborative learning community and free access to Point’s ministry seminars and conferences.
Eligibility
Full and part-time preachers, lay leaders wanting to develop preaching skills and university students studying to enter full-time ministry.
About Lilly Endowment
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation based in Indianapolis. The Endowment was created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons – Eli and J.K. Jr. – through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. (see lillyendowment.org)
Why Lilly Endowment created the “Compelling Preaching Initiative:” Lilly Endowment has received reports from pastors and church leaders about significant challenges facing preachers. They note that the COVID-19 pandemic required many preachers to learn new preaching practices for proclaiming the gospel through digital technologies and social media. At the same time, preachers report increasing difficulty in preaching to communities divided by political and cultural polarizations.
