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Preaching Excellence
Program (PEP)

Since 1988, the Episcopal Preaching Foundation has worked with deans and homiletics professors from around the Church to identify and nominate for invitation seminarians and those in formation initiatives to participate in a weeklong experience designed to enhance and inspire great preaching.

The select group of 50-60 individuals spends an all-expenses-paid week honing their preaching skills led by a faculty of distinguished homiletics professors, highly regarded parish preachers, and nationally recognized guest lecturers.

At the heart of the conference are small preaching groups mentored by faculty members during which participants deliver prepared sermons and receive appreciative feedback. Groups bond, risk, encourage, grow, and learn!

Preaching Foundation founder A. Gary Shilling writes, “For me personally, attending the Preaching Excellence Conferences (PEP) has been thrilling. I’m not an emotional person, but I am always moved when I see some 70 participants and clergy in community, dedicated to the mission of excellent preaching! After the first conference, I came home and told my wife that maybe for the first time, I thought I had definitely seen the Holy Spirit at work.”

The Preaching Foundation underwrites the cost of registration, travel, and accommodations, except for $300, which is paid in equal parts by the student, their seminary, and their diocese.

View videos from Preaching Excellence Programs

Preaching Excellence Program 2023

May 29 – June 2, 2023
Roslyn Retreat Center
Richmond, Virginia

View photo gallery

“Joyful and earnest—like a shot of spiritual adrenalin”

Courtney Taylor receiving her award from EPF’s Dean of Faculty Stephen Smith

Affirmation in Virginia – My PEP Experience