Beginning in mid-January a second round of Preaching Cohorts will begin. These groups of 3-4 clergy meet together to help one another become better preachers. We watch and evaluate one another's sermons and give constructive input on what went well, and areas in which the preacher could improve. Each person sets their own goals and areas in which they wish to grow. Since not one of us is Peter, who had 3,000 people convert after hearing one of his sermons, we all have areas in which we can grow. 

Anyone interested in joining this year can reach out to Rev. Teresa Whetsal at pastorteresaw@gmail.com.

Here are some comments from past participants: 

I have found the preaching cohort to be extremely fruitful, not only for my preaching but for my spiritual life, too. As I have received feedback for my own preaching, I have been able to change and grow as a preacher as I've learned new ways to write and preach a sermon. The cohort has given me confidence in my preaching as I better trust myself and the process of preparing and delivering a sermon because of the support I have received. Additionally, I have really enjoyed worshiping with my colleagues as I've watched and evaluated their sermons. They have inspired me to dig deeper and have given me space to learn more about preaching and scripture just through their preaching and the conversations we have. I am so grateful for this experience and I hope to continue to learn and grow in my preaching, with the help of others! —Rev. Valerie Hummel LaBounty

Thank you so much for organizing this group. It has changed me as a person, a pastor, a colleague and a preacher. I would have probably never sought this out on my own, but I have grown tremendously because of it. I also am closer to several pastors I didn’t know as well before this opportunity.   —Rev. Kimberly Hastings