Our Programs

Certificate in Preaching Excellence (CPX)

The Certificate in Preaching Excellence (CPX) provides a series of non-credit classes designed to elevate preaching skills for pastors with experience and formal training (MDiv or equivalent). The certificate is awarded upon successfully completing four virtual CPX classes and three one-on-one coaching sessions. (Preachers are welcome to take any of the classes without pursuing the certificate, but the coaching sessions are only available to those who have completed all coursework required for the certificate.)

Four online classes (3.5 hours each) will be offered per year. They do not need to be taken sequentially or all in one year. After the completion of four classes, participants will register for three one-on-one coaching sessions with an expert homiletician. Each class earns participants .33 CEUs. 3 classes=1 CEU. 4 classes=1.33 CEU’s.

Cost of the certificate:

Registration for full certificate coming soon.

Upcoming Classes:2025

Note: All classes run from 10:00 am-1:30 pm Central Time

April 2, 2025: "Novel Preaching: What Preachers Can Learn from Creative Writers"

Preachers face the daunting task of coming up with inspiring, profound, biblical sermons week in and week out. Sometimes, we feel like the well of inspiration has gone dry, and we don’t know where to look for a re-fill. This workshop trains preachers to take a page out of novelists’ playbook and practice the fine art of noticing what is right in front of our eyes: the characters, patterns, and plots of scripture (textscape), our inner lives (inscape) and life around us (landscape), weaving them into sermons that connect Bible and life in engaging, transforming ways.

This class is taught by Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship, Perkins School of Theology, Co-director of the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence at SMU, based on her 2010 book, Novel Preaching.

Register Here

September 9, 2025: "Preaching the Parables"

This class will explore the difficult task of preaching the parables of Jesus. This workshop will explore a theological approach to proclaiming the kingdom of God for contemporary congregations by reading the parables in the literary context of the different Gospels.

This class is taught by Dr. Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Candler School of Theology at Emory, based on his 2024 book, Proclaiming the Parables: Preaching and Teaching the Kingdom of God.

October 21, 2025: "Preaching and Trauma"

How can preachers address issues of collective and individual trauma from the pulpit? This class utilizes insights from scripture, psychology, and trauma studies to equip preachers to address ongoing and catastrophic experiences of individual and corporate trauma in their pulpit ministries.

This class is taught by Dr. Joni S. Sancken, Butler Chair of Homiletics and Biblical Interpretation, Vancouver School of Theology, Vancouver, British Columbia, based on her books, Words That Heal: Preaching Hope to Wounded Souls (2019) and All Our Griefs to Bear: Responding With Resilience After Collective Trauma (2022).

The Preacher's Toolbox

A Workshop on the Craft of Preaching
Specifically Designed for Local Pastors

The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence at SMU offers one-day workshops for pastors who preach without being seminary trained. The goal is to provide a set of exegetical and homiletical skills, along with theological reflection on the purpose of preaching to raise the effectiveness of their sermons to the next level.

Download informative flyer HERE. 

Topics covered:

Costs involved:

Contact:

Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence
5915 Bishop Blvd. Kirby Hall, Room 109
Dallas, TX 75205
preaching@smu.edu
214-768-7153

© SMU Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence

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