Preaching Rocks

Preaching the word of God faithfully, authentically, and effectively week after week is a daunting responsibility. Preachers need theological grounding as well as the skill of interpreting the scripture for a modern context. Preachers need to be able to draw on personal and collective experiences as well as other available resources in order to have a sermon that is engaging and interesting. Preaching also utilizes the skills of public speaking: organization; connecting with the audience; speaking without words; delivery style; use of humor; focusing on the topic; varying vocal pace, tone and volume.

Preaching Rocks is a workshop academy for sharpening skills in public speaking so that the good news of Jesus Christ is presented effectively. Persons who are new to the preaching experience, or those who are aware that their preaching isn’t to the level they would like it to be, and those who want to become the best preacher possible may be especially interested in this continuing education opportunity.

The leader for Preaching Rocks is the Rev. Dr. Lew Kaye-Skinner. Kaye-Skinner has been teaching public speaking since the mid-90s. He currently directs the Writing Center at Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln, Nebraska, and teaches courses in public speaking, communications, writing and religion. He is an elder in the Great Plains Conference and has been practicing public speaking since childhood.

This preaching academy will rely on consultation, coaching, and support for one another to increase individual skills in preaching and worship leadership. There will be 7-12 participants in the group. Each participant will complete a preliminary skills assessment after registering, and invite members of their congregation and their district superintendent to also complete the assessment. In addition, the academy will include:

Group gatherings will be held October 12, 2018, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The other dates are:
- October 13, 2018, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- November 9 2018, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- January 11, 2019, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- March 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- May 10, 2019, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Four individual conferences with Kaye-Skinner. Each will be 30-60 minutes, with the first one prior to the October 12 group gathering. Four more will be scheduled, approximately every other month.
Recordings of worship and preaching will be made monthly and provided to Kaye-Skinner ahead of each individual conference.
A congregational feedback group, recruited by the pastor and S/PPRC chair. The group will give monthly feedback, following a format provided by Kaye-Skinner, with a focus on improvement.
Participants will need to read the book "A Little Handbook for Preachers" by Mary Hulst.

Preaching Rocks group gatherings will be held at Trinity UMC (7130 Kentwell) in Lincoln, Nebraska. Individual conferences will be via Skype, GoToMeeting, or Google Hangouts. The cost for five group gatherings and five individual conferences is $450. Forty contact hours are received for participating in all group gatherings and five individual conferences.

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