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 8-week courses offered over 12 months interspersed with periods of mentorship, preaching practice, feedback and reflection. Each course integrates historical theology, biblical studies, homiletic theory, and contextual application. Four hours, once per week, for eight weeks is the anticipated time commitment per course.
- Course 1: Theology and History of Preaching
- Course 2: Sacred Preparation: The Soul of the Preacher
- Course 3: Preaching Style and Structure in Diverse Contexts
Program Format & Key Features:
- Three 8-Week Courses: A focused preaching curriculum delivered in three dynamic, 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 History of Preaching
Instructor: Dr. Paul Boles
Format: Hybrid, Synchronous (Half Online, Half In-Person)
Course Description: This course both encourages and challenges students through critical engagement with the history of preaching in the Christian tradition. Historical texts (both theory and historical sermons) from central theologians/preachers are read and analyzed for insights into how the history of preaching might help us envision and reassess contemporary preaching practices and assumptions. Students will learn from historical preachers and put their learning into practice by critiquing and reshaping their own preaching in light of historic practices. The course includes the presentation of two sermons for peer and professional feedback and evaluation.
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)