Jo Nygard Owens tapped to lead Sermon Roundtable, Lay Preacher Training programs

Two of the hallmark programs of the Episcopal Preaching Foundation will have new synergy under the leadership of the Rev. Jo Nygard Owens. Owens will serve as National Coordinator for both the Sermon Roundtable and the Lay Preaching Training programs, building upon a synergy of these two dynamic initiatives.

The Sermon Roundtable is a pilot program funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment that brings together clergy and congregants in a structured process of sermon feedback and mutual exchange. The Lay Preacher Training program provides formation and curriculum for diocesan trainers, who then work with lay preachers-in-training to study scripture, theology, exegesis strategies, and practical homiletics.

Owens began this summer as the National Coordinator for the Sermon Roundtable and takes the reins of the Lay Preacher Training program from the Rev. John Ohmer, who is transitioning back into full-time parish ministry.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to share these two outstanding programs with dioceses and churches around the country,” said Owens. “As the cultural landscape continues to shift, these programs strengthen the preaching of clergy and laity, ensuring that the good news of the gospel is proclaimed, bringing hope in our hurting world.”

Prior to joining the staff at the Preaching Foundation, Owens served as the Pastor for Digital Ministry at Washington National Cathedral, where she tended to the far-flung flock of digital worshippers from around the world. Her work at the Cathedral included launching and hosting the Cathedral’s bi-weekly podcast, Crossroads, and creating a digital community of more than 700 worldwide participants. Owens is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Her husband, the Very Rev. Bernard James Owens IV, is an Episcopal priest and dean of Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio. They live in Cleveland with their two school-aged children.

“Both of these growing programs equip lay leaders to contribute to the preaching life of their parishes,” said Peter Wild, executive director of the Preaching Foundation. “With Jo’s many gifts, we expect she’ll find new opportunities for connection and collaboration across the two programs. We’re excited to see these initiatives continue to expand and meet the growing need for lay formation and preaching.”

Learn more about these two programs and other offerings by visiting www.preachingfoundation.org.