Episcopal Preaching Foundation hosts inaugural Lay Preacher Conference, draws nearly 70 participants

The Episcopal Preaching Foundation (EPF) held its first-ever Lay Preacher Conference in October, bringing together nearly 70 lay preachers from across the Episcopal Church for an inspiring weekend of connection, learning, and encouragement. The virtual gathering marked a milestone in the Preaching Foundation’s mission to strengthen and support preaching ministries across the Church—this time focusing on the vital and growing role of lay preachers.

As more lay leaders are empowered to share in the Church’s preaching responsibilities, the conference served as both a celebration and a catalyst. Participants engaged in workshops, plenary sessions, and worship, guided by nationally recognized leaders including the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers and the Very Rev. Hershey Mallette Stephens.

“It was heartwarming to experience first-hand the capability, dedication, and readiness to serve, of these lay preachers, many of whom were meeting their peers for the first time,” said Peter Wild, Executive Director of the Episcopal Preaching Foundation. “The consensus of this first-ever churchwide gathering of lay preachers was clear: Episcopal lay preachers are hungry for dedicated educational, advocacy, and networking resources, not unlike those available to ordained clergy. This conference was a first step toward actualizing these resources.”

Building on the success of this inaugural event, the Preaching Foundation plans to offer new educational resources, peer networks, and ongoing support for lay preaching ministries across the Episcopal Church. As part of this commitment, the Preaching Foundation is spearheading the creation of an Episcopal Lay Preaching Network. This organization will be a dedicated place for lay preachers to find community, grow in their preaching, and support one another in the call of lay preaching. Learn more about the organization and sign up to be on the email list.

“There is so much talent, passion, and potential among lay preachers in the Episcopal Church, and yet opportunities to support and advocate for them have been too few and far between,” said Jason Franklin, a lay preacher from Georgia who’s helping to create the Episcopal Lay Preaching Network. “That’s why I’m so excited to see the effort to fill that gap through gatherings like this one and through the formation of a new network to carry the momentum forward.”

The Rev. Jo Nygard Owens, EPF’s Program Coordinator for Lay Preacher Training, reflected on the powerful sense of community and hope that emerged from the gathering.

“Anyone who is feeling cynical about ministry only needs to spend time with a lay preacher to be renewed in their faith. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined nearly 70 lay preachers for this online gathering, but I was blown away. The energy of those gathered was palpable even through a Zoom window,” Owens said.

“In sharing about the lay preaching ministry she began in Boston, Stephanie Spellers energized all who heard her speak. Not only that, but she also confirmed the calling of all who were gathered and sent them out renewed to preach the Good News,” said Owens. “Further, through her words and examples, Hershey Mallette Stephens brought the art of storytelling alive and gave us tools to use in our own preaching. I imagine there will be vivid illustrations in the sermons of everyone who heard her!”

The conference affirmed the Preaching Foundation’s commitment to extending its long-standing work in clergy preaching formation. The Preaching Foundation already offers a robust Lay Preacher Training program, which offers formation and curriculum delivered via diocesan trainers in participating dioceses. After completion of a train-the-trainer course, the trainers identify and work with cohorts of up to six lay preachers-in-training over a 12-month period. Learn about the program here.

For more information about the Episcopal Preaching Foundation and its initiatives, visit https://www.preachingfoundation.org/.