Informational Session for the 2026 Lay Preaching Program
Saturday, April 11th at Procter Center
Lay preachers bring the Gospel into congregations, dioceses, and communities with faithfulness, creativity, and deep love for the church. Rooted in lived experience, they offer voices shaped by daily life, local context, and the call of the Holy Spirit. Whether lay or ordained, Episcopal preaching values robust formation and shared theological grounding for faithful and bold proclamation.
Our informational session will provide an overview of the diocesan Lay Preacher Program, a taste of what the course looks like, and an invitation to continue with the full year-long program. The informational session is required for all those planning to participate in the year-long course.
If you feel called to this ministry, speak with your rector or priest-in-charge (or if no seated clergy, the senior warden) to discuss your interest and potential participation. Participants who choose to go on through the program will need to apply and have their rector’s (or other authority) endorsement to continue.
About the Lay Preaching Program
In Southern Ohio, our primary formation for lay persons seeking a preaching license is our year-long diocesan Lay Preacher Training Program which offers comprehensive and in-depth training in the theory and practice of preaching to form effective, confident, and passionate licensed lay preachers for our church. The course, which utilizes curriculum from the Episcopal Preaching Foundation, includes regular study of scripture and theology, exegesis strategies, and practical homiletics. The cornerstone of the program is preaching to feedback, both to peers within the cohort and regularly in the student’s home congregation.
Beyond the required April Informational Session, the cohort will gather at All Saints Episcopal Church in Washington Court House on the second Saturday of each month from May 2026-February 2027. A final class in March 2027 will take place at Procter Center. The class will pivot to Zoom in instances of dangerous weather.
The cost to participate in the year-long program is $500, which does not include books for required reading. Participants in the course must apply and complete payment no later than May 1.
Questions about this event and program?
Please contact Mark Conrad, coordinator of the Diocesan Lay Preaching Program, at mconrad92@gmail.com or at 740-243-4933.
DATE & LOCATION
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Arrival at 10 am
Midday lunch
Departure by 4 pm
Procter Center
The Bishop Krumm Room
11235 St. Rt. 38 SE
London, OH 43140
proctercenter.org
REGISTRATION
Invitees: Adult lay persons curious about or sensing a call to the ministry of preaching
Info Session RSVP Deadline: April 1
(After the session, the full program application deadline is May 1.)
Cost: There is no cost to participate in the informational session.
The $500 course fee is due once the student commits to the year-long program and receives the endorsement of their rector (or priest-in-charge or senior warden).
