Preaching Institute

Cohorts

Our Approach To Learning

As part of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Institute, the Preaching Institute has created a curriculum combining theology, academic excellence, the essential building blocks of a great talk, seasoned preachers as coaches, regular feedback, and what a sermon requires—to be both hospitable and compelling.

Comprehensive Development of Preaching through…

  • Ongoing Coaching and Mentorship provided by highly skilled exemplar preachers. Participants receive personalized, insightful feedback tailored to refine preaching practice and elevate communication skills.
  • Feeback loop where participants receive insight, suggestions, and constructive criticism on delivered sermons. 
  • Preaching labs serve as invaluable tools for preachers to develop skills, experiment with new ideas, collaborate with peers, and gain practical experience— all of which contribute to growth and effectiveness as communicators.  

Cohort-based learning where preachers embark on a journey of growth, collaboration, and transformation in a supportive environment of encouragement and accountability. 

  • 9 month cohort
  • 8- 15 participants
  • 9 (2 hour) virtual monthly sessions
  • Coaching by our exemplar pastors, educators, and communicators
  • Total Cost $1,500 

October 2026 Cohorts

Senior Pastors / Registration Below

Designed for senior pastors, this cohort combines hands-on coaching with proven insight to help leaders strengthen their pastoral voice, plan out their preaching, and lead faithfully from the pulpit.

 Pastor Emory Berry             Executive Pastor 

Lead Pastor/Founder of The Favor Church of Atlanta

Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates   
Senior Pastor

Progressive Baptist Church & Salem Baptist Church Chicago

Preaching from the 2nd Chair / Registration Below

Designed to help staff pastors and associate ministers cultivate their unique voice while advancing the church’s vision and faithfully supporting senior leadership from the pulpit.

G. Tyler Burns                                  Lead Pastor 

Rise City Church | Pensacola, FL

Steve Carter                                         Lead Pastor

Christ Church | Oak Brook, IL

Preaching with Power & Passion (Women) / Registration below

Designed to equip women preachers to fully develop and powerfully steward their unique gifts, while overcoming barriers to walk confidently in their calling

Jenni Wong Clayville
Pastor 

NoVA Community Church | Annandale, VA

Dr. Anna Morgan
Pastor

Word of Life Church | Springfield, VA

Christine Caine                             Speaker, Evangelist, Activist

The Prophet In The Pulpet / Registration Below

Designed to equip preachers to build sermons that courageously proclaim the gospel in the face of injustice while faithfully illuminating scriptures, themes of justice and righteousness.

 Pastor David Swanson             Executive Pastor 

Lead Pastor/Founder of New Community Covenant Church Chicago

Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates   
Senior Pastor

Progressive Baptist Church & Salem Baptist Church Chicago

Psychology of Preaching / Registration Below

Infused with insights from both preachers and a mental health therapist, Psychology of Preaching equips preachers to explore the human experience of themselves, their congregations, and the biblical characters they proclaim.

 

Jackie Glass.                   Speaker, Teacher, Author, Counselor

 

 

Christine Caine                           Speaker, Evangelist, Activist

Spring 2027 Cohorts

High Capacity Preachers

For high capacity preachers serving both the local church and the global body of Christ. This cohort equips participants to steward itinerant ministry, demanding travel, and personal health with wisdom.

Steve Carter                                         Lead Pastor

Christ Church | Oak Brook, IL

Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates   
Senior Pastor

Progressive Baptist Church & Salem Baptist Church Chicago

Christine Caine                             Speaker, Evangelist, Activist

Preaching with Power & Passion (Women)

Designed to equip women preachers to fully develop and powerfully steward their unique gifts, while overcoming barriers to walk confidently in their calling.

 

Dr. Sarita Lyons          Speaker, Teacher, Author, Counselor

Epiphany Fellowship Church | Philadelphia, PA

 

Christine Caine                           Speaker, Evangelist, Activist

Preaching with Precision

Designed to provide hands-on coaching for preachers seeking to deepen their biblical study and sharpen their delivery for greater clarity and impact.

 

Rev. Sheleta E. Fomby
Pastor 

Mt. Calvary A.M.E Church | East Towson, Maryland

 

Dr. Lee P. Washington  
Retired AME Pastor, itinerant preacher and author

Cohort Interest form...