Preaching Among Friends
A preaching foundations Course
for lay preachers & Deacons
Practical. Spiritual. Online.
6 weeks (plus Orientation). January 18 – March 5, 2026. 6-7:30 pm.
Participant Experiences
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I enrolled in the course so I could give our overworked Pastor a break once in a while, but I am getting so much more out of it than that. It has strengthened my own faith.
Michael Dunker
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This is an amazing course. I went in feeling like I wasn't sure I could preach, and left feeling I have all the tools and resources I need to craft a solid sermon.
Melanie Chavez
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We learned new concepts and techniques that will make better sermons and save precious time in designing them. What I learned not only will make a better preacher of me, but also brings an increased appreciation of the sermons I listen to.
John Grein
Equip your lay preachers to claim their voice to preach, craft clear sermons of Good News, and establish Foundational sermon prep skills— With Respect for their limited time.
“It provides a disciplined approach that is far more efficient than anything I’ve done on my own.”
Lay Preachers Face Unique Challenges
Lay preachers face a challenge most ordained preachers don’t: the lay preacher’s congregation knows them!
Moreover, lay preachers may or may not have a foundation in biblical exegesis, public speaking or writing; may not preach regularly; and may hold a "day job” limiting the time available for sermon prep.
This course grows the confidence, skills, & tools of lay preachers.
“The online materials were wonderful. I've taken a lot of grad school courses and found these materials to be some of the most organized of any of my classes.”
Participants will learn to:
Claim Their Preaching Voice
Understand and embrace their unique voice as a beloved child of God who was asked to preach.
Craft Effective Sermons
Apply biblical exegesis to sermon prep to craft a clear message of Good News they believe and can’t wait to preach
Establish a Sustainable Practice
Practice a sermon prep process that draws them closer to God on a schedule that respects their personal life
Course Content
Sunday, January 18: Orientation
Sunday, January 25: Who Says You Can Preach?
Sunday, February 1: Reading the Text
Sunday, February 1: Studying the Text
Sunday, February 1: Discerning a Word (Part 1)
Sunday, February 1: Discerning a Word (Part 2)
Sunday – Thursday, March 1-5 (daily): Crafting a Sermon in Real Time
All sessions recorded.
Course Rhythm
Meets Sunday nights from 6–7:30 pm Central
Orientation: January 18, 2026
Weekly Live Sessions: Jan. 25–Feb. 22
Start-to-Finish Week: March 1-5
Meets daily, Sunday-Thursday, to craft a sermon in real time—start to finish
RegisTer Your Lay Preachers & Deacons Today
$475
