How's My Preaching? Check In and Level Up

 

In this cohort experience, participants will find a supportive community to talk about some preaching essentials and do some self-assessment. You’ll be able to check your preaching against some basic tenets of good preaching, consider whether you fall into some common preaching pitfalls, and think (or think again) about how to map out your sermon preparation. Ready for some honest conversation? Join this cohort and level up your preaching this year.

 

Part 1: Is My Preaching Any Good? A Check-in with Some Preaching Basics

Part 2: Don’t Be That Preacher: Snarky Memes to Help You Avoid Preaching Pitfalls

Part 3: The Rhythm of Sermon Preparation

Facilitated by Rev. Karla J. Cooper EdD 

 

Karla J. Cooper is an ordained Itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been active in pastoral ministry for more than 23 years, currently serving as Presiding Elder of the Midwest Annual Conference South District. She is an associate professor of practice in the College of Education at Doane University. She is also a visiting lecturer at Kenya Methodist University and pastoral trainer for Bishop Catherine Mutua, presiding Bishop from the Kaaga Synod in Meru, Kenya. She has lectured at Madras Christian College in Chennai, India.

Cooper is a 2003 graduate of Eden Theological Seminary, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees

Cohort Content by Rev. Christopher Grundy, PhD

Christopher Grundy is Professor of Worship and Preaching at Eden Theological Seminary. He is ordained in the United Church of Christ and served in a small, rural congregation in Iowa and then an 800-member congregation in Kansas before earning a PhD. in liturgical studies. He has more than 20 years of experience teaching introductory and advanced preaching courses.

Dates: 6:30-8pm CT, on Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9, 2025

all cohort meetings will be online

Ministry Cohorts

Ministry Cohorts allow you to sample many theological themes, offering peer learning with your ministry context in mind. Scholars have chosen a specific lens on a particular topic and share their expertise through digital content you watch on your own time. Four monthly online meetings are interspersed, where you and your Cohort members gather for facilitated discussion with an experienced church leader.

Cohorts support lifelong learning and are for anyone- authorized clergy, chaplains, Christian educators, lay leaders and anyone interested in the topic. UCC members will recognize the Marks for Ministry woven throughout the cohorts, though anyone from any denomination, or no denomination, is welcome to attend.

Completion of this Ministry Cohort provides 9 contact hours of continuing education, subject to approval by the participant's credentialing body.