Christian Theological Seminary sets 2026 preaching conference in Indianapolis

By AI, Created 4:55 AM UTC, May 26, 2026, /AGP/ – Christian Theological Seminary will host the 2026 Mixed Methods Preaching Conference, “Just Preachers, Just Preaching,” Oct. 19-22 at Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis. The event will mix plenary talks, preaching labs and worship while also collecting listener feedback as part of CTS’s Compelling Preaching Initiative.

Why it matters: - The conference is designed to shape how preaching is taught and practiced by focusing on both the preacher’s craft and the preacher’s life, values and theology. - CTS is also using the event to gather listener input, which could influence how the seminary studies and supports compelling preaching. - Continuing education units will be available for clergy and ministry staff.

What happened: - Christian Theological Seminary announced the 2026 Mixed Methods Preaching Conference, “Just Preachers, Just Preaching.” - The conference will run Monday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. - Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis will host the event. - The conference is supported by a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant through the Compelling Preaching Initiative. - Dr. Courtney Buggs, assistant professor of homiletics and director of the PhD program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at CTS, is serving as convener for the first year.

The details: - The conference will bring together preachers, ministry leaders, scholars, students and listeners of preaching. - The schedule includes morning plenary lectures and presentations, afternoon preaching laboratory sessions and evening worship services open to the broader community. - The theme, “Just Preachers, Just Preaching,” centers on the idea that preaching is shaped by method and technique as well as the preacher’s character and commitments. - CTS describes the conference as an immersive three-and-a-half-day experience focused on learning, reflection, worship and practical engagement. - Preaching Lab topics include “Artificial Intelligence and the Anointing: Tools, Theology, and Guardrails for Preachers,” “Preaching on the Fly: The Art of Homiletical Improvisation,” “Marginalized Bodies: A New Approach to Preaching about Disability” and “Womanist Preaching for Desperate Times.” - Each lab will be limited in size to encourage deeper discussion and interaction. - The conference will continue CTS’s Compelling Preaching Initiative by including perspectives from sermon listeners. - Participants will be able to contribute through surveys, conversations and dedicated engagement spaces. - The conference welcomes clergy and preachers seeking renewal and continuing education, ministry leaders and theological educators, seminary and doctoral students, and people interested in the practice and impact of preaching. - CTS will offer CEUs through the conference. - Institutions, congregations and denominational bodies are encouraged to support participation as part of continuing education and professional formation. - Additional information is available here.

Between the lines: - The conference reflects a broader emphasis on preaching as both a theological act and a human practice shaped by identity, formation and context. - The listener research piece suggests CTS wants to move beyond speaker-centered training and measure what audiences experience as compelling preaching. - The inclusion of AI, disability and womanist preaching labs signals an effort to connect homiletics to current pastoral and social questions.

What’s next: - CTS will continue preparing for the October 2026 conference. - Preachers, educators, students and ministry groups can plan to register and seek CEU participation once conference details are finalized. - Listener research and lab discussions are expected to inform CTS’s Compelling Preaching Initiative after the event.

The bottom line: - CTS is turning its 2026 preaching conference into both a training event and a research-informed conversation about what makes preaching effective, faithful and compelling.