Inspiring Future Preachers through Preaching Excellence Program (PEP) in 2025
The Episcopal Preaching Foundation's Preaching Excellence Program (PEP) Celebrates Its 37th Year
The Episcopal Preaching Foundation's Preaching Excellence Program (PEP) marked its 37th anniversary in May 2025, continuing its mission to nurture aspiring Episcopal preachers since 1987.
Held at the Diocese of Virginia's Roslyn Retreat Center in Richmond, VA, PEP Week 2025 brought together 45 aspiring preachers from 13 different centers of learning, spanning from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska.
Bishop Gayle Harris of the Diocese of Virginia welcomed the attendees with an address, setting the tone for the week-long conference. The event featured presentations and workshops offered by prominent preachers and scholars, aiming to equip participants with the skills needed to navigate preaching challenges in the contemporary world.
Prominent figures within the Episcopal community were among the presenters and workshop leaders. The Rev. Sen. Kimberly Jackson of Atlanta, GA, and the Rev. Micah Jackson, past President of Bexley Seminary, shared their insights and experiences throughout the week. Notably, Rev. Dr. Mark C. Lee, the current president of Bexley Seminary, delivered a lecture, while Rev. Micah Jackson delivered a sermon in a stand-up comedy format during one of the twice-daily worship services.
The program's design encourages collaboration and growth among participants. Small preaching groups were formed, where participants delivered sermons and received appreciative feedback under the guidance of a trained facilitator. This environment fostered new friendships, as participants built connections with future clergy pursuing parallel study tracks in other seminaries and environments.
The Preaching Excellence Program nominates its attendees, who are chosen based on their preaching potential, by their deans. The program is considered a rite of passage for aspiring Episcopal preachers, with two current and recent presiding bishops being alumni.
To make the program accessible to all, the Episcopal Preaching Foundation subsidizes 80% of the cost of travel, program, and board for PEP attendees, removing any major financial obstacles to participation.
PEP Week 2025 was a week filled with learning, growth, and camaraderie, as aspiring preachers were exposed to a wide range of sermon styles during the worship services, modeled by faculty members. As the program continues to evolve and grow, it remains a vital resource for the Episcopal community, nurturing the next generation of preachers.
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