The Clergy Cohort is a group of preachers from small churches who gather online and in-person over two years to cultivate more faith-full preaching.
Clergy Cohorts
Each Zoom meeting begins with discussion time as the full cohort, followed by focused small group time with an assigned preaching coach. The discussions follow themes that were identified during interviews at the very beginning of the Faithful Preaching Project grant. Within the small group time, one preacher is invited to lead a spiritual practice and another preacher gives a sermon and receive instant feedback from the group.
The clergy cohort meets for 3-day retreat each semester of the two years together. These are times of renewal and reflection, inspiration and relaxation. We are grateful to be able to host these retreats at Mo-Ranch Presbyterian Assembly in Hunt, TX or at the Austin Seminary campus.
How the Cohort Works
Clergy Cohort Participant Testimonial
"My participation the Faithful Preaching Project has enriched both my preaching life and my walk of faith in several ways. The coaching has helped me to put more of myself, particularly my emotion, into my preaching which has enhanced the perception of the congregation that I am confident in my belief in what I am saying. Parishioners now routinely say they can tell how much I am enjoying my time in the pulpit and how that helps them connect with what I am saying about the text and having it come alive. Coaching has also been valuable in relating to the different perspective which my parishioners have and helping preach into all of those perspectives." - Kevin Henderson
Applications
The Clergy Cohort 2024-2026 has been formed and is in session. A new cohort will be formed in Spring 2026.
We will be seeking applicants from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico.