Inaugural Preaching Cohort
Good preaching matters.
Preaching is among the most important responsibilities entrusted to clergy. It demands theological depth, careful attention to Scripture, a rich understanding of the liturgy, and the ability to communicate the Gospel with clarity and conviction.
Altar & Field's Preaching Cohort offers preachers the opportunity to examine their voice, strengthen their craft, and learn with fellow preachers under the guidance of two exceptional preachers.
Led by the Rev. Dr. Kevin Morris and the Rev. Dr. Porter C. Taylor, the cohort brings together more than four decades of combined preaching experience. Each brings his own style and approach to the pulpit, but they share a deep conviction that preaching is fundamentally an act of Gospel proclamation, which demands serious attention to both theological substance and homiletical craft. They also share a genuine desire to cultivate the gifts of other preachers.
Meet the Coaches
Cohort Experience & Structure
Over six months, participants will gather monthly for guided discussion, theological reflection, practical instruction, and constructive engagement with the work of preaching.
The cohort is designed for clergy, seminarians, and lay licensed preachers who want to take their preaching seriously, whether they are new to the field or have been preaching for decades.
Rather than offering a single method or formula, the program invites participants to consider the theological foundations of preaching while developing the practical skills necessary for faithful and effective proclamation.
While there are two simultaneous cohorts (one on Tuesdays and one on Thursdays), each cohort will be led by both Fr. Kevin and Fr. Porter. Participants will spend the first three months with one coach before switching to the other for the final three months, allow them to benefit from each coach’s approach to preaching.
Six 90-minute Sessions | January–June 2027
SESSIONS
Session 1: The Task of Christian Proclamation
What makes preaching distinctly Christian? We'll examine the theological foundations of proclamation, the relationship between Scripture and sermon, and the preacher's responsibility to proclaim Jesus Christ rather than merely offer moral instruction or practical advice.
Session 2: Preaching the Lectionary
How do we preach faithfully from the texts appointed by the Church? This session considers the opportunities and challenges of lectionary preaching, including the relationship between the readings, the use of typology, and the task of proclaiming Christ through Scripture.
Session 3: Preaching as a Liturgical Act
A sermon does not exist in isolation. We'll explore the place of preaching within the Church's worship and consider how the sermon relates to the prayers, hymns, readings, and liturgical season. How can preaching contribute to a coherent liturgical whole?
Session 4: Preaching to the Ear
A sermon is written to be heard. This session focuses on the physical and rhetorical craft of preaching, including cadence, volume, pacing, enunciation, projection, verbal habits, and the effective use of the preacher's voice.
Session 5: The Craft of Sermon Preparation
From the opening sentence to the final word, every choice matters. We'll examine sermon structure, manuscripts, introductions, conclusions, and the relationship between exegesis and composition, considering both effective practices and common pitfalls.
Session 6: Preaching for Particular Occasions
Preaching at weddings, funerals, Christmas, and Holy Week presents particular theological and pastoral demands.
Optional Session 7: Growing Through Feedback
Participants will receive feedback from the coaches with their submissions, but this optional session offers the opportunity for feedback from other participants in the group. (Date TBD)
A detailed curriculum, including any assigned readings and preparation, will be provided to registered participants closer to the cohort's start date.
INVESTMENT
Founding StandardParticipation in the six-month preaching cohort, including monthly sessions, guided discussions, and the cohort curriculum.
$750Coaching UpgradeTwo additional private 45-minute Zoom consultations, one with each instructor. This upgrade is capped at 3 participants.
$995Newly Ordained/SeminarianReduced founding-cohort tuition for seminarians and clergy ordained less than two years.
$500
