Lay Preacher Training Initiative
A groundbreaking lay leadership program
Ministry is shared among bishops, priests, deacons, and lay people in the Episcopal Church. The changing contexts of many of our congregations have encouraged the discovery of gifts for preaching among laity in our Church.
Funded by a generous grant from Trinity Episcopal Church, Wall Street, the Lay Preacher Training Initiative is a two-year local formation experience designed to prepare effective, confident, and passionate preachers in the lay order of our Church.
Under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Stephen Smith, this program partners with six pilot dioceses that have identified and raised up lay preachers. The Preaching Foundation envisions the broadening of partnerships and offering of formation as the gift of laity living into their baptismal covenant through the ministry of preaching.
Videos of the Lay Preacher Training Initiative
Lay Preacher Conference for Southern Ohio and Idaho-February 2023
Hear about the Role of Lay Preaching
from Canon Karen Olson
Missioner for Ministry, Episcopal Church of Minnesota
The Lay Preacher Training Initiative is about lay preachers claiming their voice and authority to share their gifts.
Proclaiming the Word from the Lay Ministry Perspective
THE CEEP NETWORK
Panelists: Stephen Smith, D. Min.; Larry Holben; Brian Prior, Susanna Singer, Ph.D.; Deborah Stokes-Wayne
The Life of a Lay Preacher
Deborah Stokes-Wayne
Lay Preacher, Diocese of Southern Ohio
Each order of ministry brings a unique perspective to the pulpit: bishop, priest, deacon, and lay preacher. Invaluable in thinly resourced dioceses and congregations, the lay preacher can add a powerful community-based dimension to the Sunday message in stronger parishes, extending the range and relevance of the Sunday message.
Yes … Us
Freida Herron
Lay Preacher, Diocese of East Tennessee
Sermon on Acts 9:10
In the Details
Dr. Salem Saloom
Lay Preacher, Diocese of Central Gulf Coast
Sermon on John 6:41-51