Certificate in Transformational Preaching
Azusa Pacific University’s Certificate in Transformational Preaching is a 12-month professional development opportunity for educating preachers, ministers, and lay leaders to be equipped in their preaching.
The Certificate in Transformational Preaching offers a unique blend of historical insight, theological depth, and practical ministry training and dialogue; enriching the lives of those called to preach and empowering them to proclaim the gospel with clarity, courage, and conviction.
Certificate Program Overview
Program Structure:
The certificate includes three courses offered over 12 months interspersed with periods of mentorship, preaching practice, feedback and reflection. One 4-hour class per week is the anticipated time commitment per course.
- Course 1: Theology and Exegesis of Preaching (6-week course) Forming a deeper theological understanding of the sermon and the preaching event and training in user-friendly exegetical method
- Course 2: Sacred Preparation: The Soul of the Preacher (8-week course) Discovering how sermon preparation and praxis can become a space of personal worship, where you not only speak of Jesus but meet him afresh in the text and in your own soul
- Course 3: Preaching Style and Structure in Diverse Contexts (8-week course) Cultivating intercultural competence in preaching by discerning cultural, ethnic, and ecclesial difference
Program Format & Key Features:
- Three Courses: A focused preaching curriculum delivered in three dynamic, 6-8 week modules over 12-months.
- Hybrid Format: Flexible learning with a blend of online and in-person components designed for working professionals
- Class Size: Join an intimate learning community of 7–10 participants per course for deeper connection and collaboration.
- Program Cost: $500 per course ($1,500 for Three Courses)
- Flexible Commitment: Enroll in one course at a time or sign up for the full series—your pace, your path.
- Mentorship and Personalized Feedback: Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to have individualized mentorship by homiletics professors and Azusa Pacific University’s Preacher-in-Residence.
Admissions Criteria:
- Relevant ministry experience and letter of application
- If lay person, recommendation from a pastor or ministry supervisor is required
- Certificate Award Requires Completion of All Three Courses
Description
This certificate will uniquely feature direct engagement with a Preacher-In-Residence, who will offer course instruction, mentorship, and individualized feedback alongside a faculty member in homiletics.
Certificate Course Descriptions
Theology and Exegesis of Preaching (6-week course)
Instructor: Dr. Paul Boles
Format: Hybrid, Synchronous (Half Online, Half In-Person)
Sacred Preparation: The Soul of the Preacher
Dr. Cheryl Fletcher, Preacher-In-Residence
at Azusa Pacific University
Format: Hybrid, Synchronous (Half Online, Half In-Person)
Preaching Style and Structure in Diverse Contexts
Instructor: Dr. Kevin Young
Format: Hybrid, Synchronous (Half Online, Half In-Person)
Course Description: This course equips students with practical skills in verbal and non-verbal presence while also cultivating a nuanced understanding of their audience’s cultural and contextual realities. Framed by God’s Word, students will gain confidence in their preaching by finding their unique preaching voice and will refine their ability to connect with listeners.