Applications are now open for the 2026 Duke Divinity School Preaching Initiative.

The curriculum is comprised of nine sessions that will occur once a month beginning on March 12 and concluding on November 12. The March and November Sessions meet in person from 10 am – 3 pm. The April–October sessions meet virtually from 10:00 am to noon on the second Thursday of the month. Each virtual session will require advance reading and preparation and will entail approximately 120 minutes of lecture and discussion. 

In addition to the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Michael B. Brown, nationally known practitioners will join us several times throughout the year. Previous years’ guests have included Susan Sparks, Amy Butler, Karoline Lewis, Micah McCreary, Kevin Murriel, Corey Walker, and Lillian Daniel.

The program is available to clergy in the WNCC and NCC who wish to take their preaching to the next level. Space is limited. If you are interested in participating, please click on the following link to complete a short application by Friday, January 30.

2026 Preaching Initiative Application

Thanks to the generous support of The Parish Ministry Fund and The Duke Endowment, participants are not responsible for any of the expenses associated with the program.

If you have any questions, please contact Ken Spencer at ken.spencer@div.duke.edu.