Compelling Preaching Initiative Welcomes Cohort 2
On May 6, 2024, Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) eagerly welcomed Cohort 2 of the Compelling Preaching Initiative to campus for their inaugural in-person residency. Led by Program Director Dr. Frank Thomas, Cohort 2 engaged in their first course, “History of African American Preaching,” facilitated by Rev. Dr. Geno Gibson and Rev. Dr. Jennifer Carner, both esteemed recent graduates of the PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric.
The new cohort comprises 17 Exemplar preachers from across the country, each dedicated to honing their skills and deepening their understanding of the sacred art of preaching. Reflecting on the arrival of Cohort 2, Rev. Dr. Gibson expressed his excitement and optimism, stating, “It’s amazing. Cohort 1 was so wonderful, and now to see Cohort 2 – the brightness of their eyes, the expectation that they come with, and the vast knowledge of preaching they each have separately is coming together as a community. It’s very exciting.”
Similarly, Rev. Dr. Carner shared her enthusiasm for the new group, stating, “It was absolutely incredible to have them on campus and feel their excitement about the history of African American Preaching and the history of this great homiletical tradition that we belong to. I’m most looking forward to seeing them blossom and grow as scholar-practitioners. They’re a gifted group, and I’m glad to be working with them.”
The visit of Cohort 2 included a carefully curated agenda designed to foster learning, community-building, and spiritual enrichment. Activities ranged from syllabus reviews and group covenants to engaging lectures, discussions, and special worship gatherings. The program also featured special presentations and testimonials, including a stirring testimony from Dr. Carolyn Knight, a member of Cohort 1, who shared her transformative experience in the program.
The Compelling Preaching Initiative, launched by CTS in 2023 through generous support from the Lilly Endowment, aims to equip preachers with the skills, knowledge, and spiritual depth needed to deliver compelling sermons that resonate with congregations and communities in exciting, engaging, and effective new ways. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, mentorship, and practical training, participants deepen their understanding of preaching as a sacred vocation and hone their ability to communicate effectively and authentically.
Cohort 2’s arrival marks another milestone in the ongoing success of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, underscoring CTS’s commitment to nurturing and empowering preachers from diverse backgrounds and traditions. As the newest cohort embarks on their journey, they join a vibrant community of fellow preachers dedicated to proclaiming the transformative power of the Gospel.
For more information about the Compelling Preaching Initiative, including upcoming events such as the Mixed Methods Preaching Conference, application details, and testimonials from past participants, visit the Compelling Preaching Initiative page on our website. Explore ways to learn how you can be a part of this transformative program and join a community of passionate preachers dedicated to honing their craft and spreading the message of hope and redemption.
