What others have to say about the Academy for Missional Preaching
Learn what the experience is really like: Hear from previous participants in the Academy
In an email to her group after returning home from the first Academy, the Rev. Erin Thomas writes:
“THANK YOU for your invaluable input on my sermon. I made almost all the changes that you recommended and preached it the Sunday I returned. I was glad I did it right away as the energy from the Academy was very present.
What most struck me was that the response from the congregation was very different than previous sermons. One older member said, “You have given me a lot to think about — much food for thought.” Another said, “I’ve been here forever, and you told me a lot about our church I didn’t know!” (referencing my stories about our homeless meals). Others had additional comments, but overall they were a lot more engaged and specific than the usual 'that was a good sermon' …”
And, I felt completely different about my preaching. I felt more focused, more confident and more aligned with the purpose of preaching the Kingdom of God. And, I had my sermon finished on Saturday (a first for me). So, there is hope!
It was a joy to be with all of you and to enjoy God’s amazing Creation all around us, including hikes, meteor showers, bears, owls and chipmunks. And great worship.
Blessings!”
From anonymous evaluations:
“Teresa did a fabulous job holding it all together. Awesome leader! She oversaw the big picture and always had the interest and time to visit with all of us.”
“The worship was moving and meaningful — especially the closing service. Thank you for great worship I didn’t have to lead.”
“The preaching group’s feedback was great with good words of encouragement. The quality of the sermon coaching was A+.”
“I was challenged but affirmed — and shown how to get the effects I was going for in my sermon.”
“The group preaching and feedback time was exceptional. Each person felt strongly supported, encouraged and challenged to grow in their preaching. You were available to discuss and talk and process our learning curves. And you had a difficult task of reaching out to a wide variety of experience, knowledge and skill both in preaching and in missional understandings.”
“Thanks for putting a high value on taking care of us.”
“It was great! (I feel like a gushy 7th grader!) The content, teaching, colleagues, focus, worship, spare time reflection and recreation — all good!”
“Thank you for the free time in the schedule. I arrived weary and am leaving refreshed and reinvigorated for ministry.”
“I’ve never been to a continuing ed event in which everyone’s engaged in what we’re learning in their own settings. This has been exciting!”
“Even if I hadn’t had continuing education funds to pay for this, I’d have paid to come out of my own pocket.”
How could this event have been improved? “Sorry — no help here. It was superb.”
“Thanks again for your leadership with this Academy. It was an encouraging, instructive time that will continue to shape ministry here at [the church I serve]. I was blessed by being included in this!”
“What a wonderful gift this week has been to me. Thank you to the Office of Theology and Worship for the design and making it happen.”
