Courage to Preach: A Post-Master Certificate
A six-credit post-master's certificate program to enhance ministers' capacity to preach in response to the most pressing issues of our time.听
The program will train participants to read and interpret Scripture and use it as a foundational collection to preach on contemporary issues, such as racial, economic, and environmental justice. The program will teach methods for preaching and teaching diverse audiences. It is especially attuned to the various opportunities, contexts, and media that can be most effective for reaching young adults.
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Certificate Features:
- Hybrid certificate program that can be completed in one year (see program format below) with a small cohort听
- Critical and creative engagement with Scripture听
- Enhanced preaching and public speaking skills听
- Hands-on experience practicing preaching and developing justice-focused activities in different contexts
- Dynamic guest presenters who enliven each summer's theme
Past Presenters Have Included:
- Fr. James Martin, S.J.
- Kimberly Harris
- Kayla August
- Rabbi Or N. Rose
- Fr. Kenneth Himes, O.F.M.
- Joanna Arellano-Gonzalez
Cost
This certificate is a total of 6 credits � 2 credits per unit.听Our 2025 credit rate is $1,370/credit.听听Tuition is due each term, not all at once.
Given the ways that participation in this program will enrich ministry at participants' home institution, our hope is that employers will be able to subsidize the cost for participants. Scholarships are available, and applicants should indicate their level of need on the application form.
Certificate Dates
July 14�25, 2025
Schedule (subject to change)
9:00 a.m.�11:45 p.m. � Lecture, Presentation, Discussion
12:00 p.m.�1:30 p.m. � Lunch Break
1:30 p.m.�4:00 p.m. � Afternoon Practicum
Affordable on-campus housing is available during the duration of the program.
“ My hope is that Courage to Preach will inspire ministers and leaders to see themselves as preachers. The program will help participants build confidence and skills in biblical study, preaching, public speaking, and digital media. Each of the three courses in the program will be attentive to issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and ways that theological reflection can speak to these issues. Overall, I am very excited to lead this innovative and timely program! ”
Curriculum
The hybrid program is completed over one year with a combination of in person and online components. Participants begin in person during Summer A or Summer B. Summer A is held during even years, and Summer B is held during odd years. Summer A and B can be completed in any order. After completing a summer course, participants complete听 a project and online module during the academic year. Participants then return to complete the second summer course to earn the Courage to Preach certificate.
Summer A
Next Offered: 2026
Scripture, Preaching, and Public Speaking
This course focuses on studying, analyzing and preaching Scripture in ways that are attentive to issues of justice. Special attention will be given to prophetic literature, psalms, and gospels. This course helps participants hone practical and innovative preaching skills such as public speaking and use of music and art to enhance preaching.听
Themes will include:
- Biblical study
- Preaching on justice
- Public speaking
- Use of the arts
Academic Year
Offered each year
Preaching in Action
This course prepares students to develop and implement a preaching activity. It also explores effective preaching and communication in digital spaces.听
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Themes will include:
- Digital environments
- Print media
- Video creation
- Project planning and implementation
Summer B
Next Offered: 2025
Preaching to Diverse Communities
This course focuses on engaging diverse young adult communities in meaningful ways. Special attention will be given to connecting through prayer and reflection.听
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Themes will include:
- Young adults
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Prayer