In today’s culture, where many may feel distant from God, we are called to proclaim that Jesus is real, alive, and at work in their lives today and forever. That’s why I am deeply excited about the opportunity to bring the Certificate in Preaching Excellence (CPX) to the Alabama-West Florida Conference in partnership with Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Preaching the Good News is at the heart of who we are as United Methodists, and this program will be a meaningful investment in the ongoing growth and effectiveness of our pastors.
-Bishop L. Jonathan Holston
Certificate in Preaching Excellence (CPX)
for The Alabama-West Florida Conference
The Alabama-West Florida Conference is partnering with Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence to bring an 18-month continuing education opportunity to clergy of the AWF Conference of The United Methodist Church. The Certificate in Preaching Excellence (CPX) is a series of non-credit classes designed to elevate preaching skills for pastors with experience and formal training (MDiv or completion of Advanced Course of Study required for registration). The certificate is awarded upon successfully completing four of the five CPX classes and three one-on-one coaching sessions by PhD-trained individuals who have a lifetime of experience in preaching. Participants will be honored at Annual Conference 2027.
Kickoff Event with Bishop Holston - January 26-27, 2026
Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, Mobile, AL
Banquet at The Original Oyster House and overnight accommodations included with registration.
Experiential Preaching with Dr. O. Wesley Allen, Jr. (12:30 pm on January 26)
“Where Your Treasure is, There will Your Heart be also”: Preaching Matters of the Heart in the Gospel of Matthew with Dr. Abraham Smith (8:30 am on January 27)
April 27, 2026, at 10:00 am
First United Methodist Church, Montgomery, AL
Humor Us! The Positive Power of Humor in the Pulpit with Dr. Alyce McKenzie
October 19, 2026, at 1:00 pm
Virtual Class
Preaching as Performance/Embodiment with Dr. Nancy Lammers Gross
January 11, 2027, at 10:00 am
First United Methodist Church, Dothan, AL
Topic and teacher will be announced at a later date.
Registration for the Certificate in Preaching Excellence is $400 and will cover four (or five) courses, three coaching sessions, meals, materials, and overnight accommodations for the kickoff on January 26-27, 2026. Through the generous support of the Bishop's Fund for Preaching held at the Alabama-West Florida Foundation, participants who complete all requirements for the Certificate in Preaching Excellence will be reimbursed their entire registration fee.
If you have any questions about the CPX, please contact Dr. Jeff Wilson at jeff@awfumc.org.
More About the Instructors
Testimonials About the Program
As one for whom my Perkins education invited me to a life-long journey of learning, I have delighted in being part of the current group of fellow learners in the CPX courses. The sessions have reminded me of the critical importance of the place of story in preaching and in contextualizing the texts with the current social and political setting. I have enjoyed the faculty and the chance to interact with colleagues in ministry from around the world in these online classes.
-Bob Wallace, CPX Participant
The Certificate in Preaching Excellence has renewed my confidence and helped me think more deeply about my sermons and preparation. The courses encouraged me to use imagination and creativity, and to consider more carefully how and when to weave in personal stories. After a year away from preaching, I am especially grateful for how this experience has equipped and inspired me.
-Samantha Aupperlee, CPX Participant
The CPX courses have been an incredible opportunity for me to connect with notable scholars and practitioners. These interactions have significantly contributed to honing my craft, enhancing my confidence and creativity in preaching.
-Josh Kingcade, CPX Participant
The Center for Preaching Excellence courses reinvigorated my preaching, giving me an opportunity to not only learn from well-respected faculty in the field but also connect with colleagues from around the world. It gave me space to gather new ideas and put those ideas into practice so I could go back to sermon preparation feeling rejuvenated.
-Kaylee Vida, CPX Participant
A lot has changed in my preaching over the years. My involvement in CPX happened rather unexpectedly, though I am grateful to be part of the learning community provided. The classes have given me a space to bring my own goals into deeper reflection, highlighting many true-to-life challenges of preaching, offering wisdom without being prescriptive. The experience has helped to refine my unique preaching voice alongside other leaders and to experience more deeply the cumulative impact of preaching to the same community week after week, one sermon at a time.
-Andrew Heil, CPX Participant