This page is for cohort members of the Compelling Preaching Project.
Welcome to the Compelling Preaching Cohort!
The Compelling Preaching program will have 10 sessions from May 2024 to May 2025, generally the third Monday of the month. We will send out calendar invites and email reminders via Mailchimp, our email newsletter platform.
We expect your attendance at all 10 sessions, though we understand that life circumstances arise. Please email crcc@usc.edu if you cannot attend a session. Missing more than two sessions will jeopardize your participation in the cohort and opportunity to lead a working group.
CRCC leads multiple programs for faith leaders. We invite you to participate in events that will benefit you and your communities.
Economics was the #1 issue of interest to Compelling Preaching cohort applicants. Through CRCC’s Economic Empowerment series, you will learn how to lead conversations and PREACH about faith and finances in your congregations. You can share the webinars with your communities so that all can benefit. You can get resources and find and share program information at https://crcc.usc.edu/wealth.
Join us for “Elevate Your Financial Future” with George. B. Thompson of Faithful Central Bible Church.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
10 am – Join us in-person or brunch and networking
11 am PDT – Program begins; Zoom option available for community members to participate online
The #2 issue of interest is Racism in America, which we will cover in September. #3 was AI/Technology, which we will discuss in July.
Program Dates
Compelling Preaching Cohort Retreat
Monday, May 20, 2024 (all day)
University of Southern California
At our retreat, you will:
- Connect with your fellow cohort members
- Explore how you lead
- Discuss your ideas for working groups (proposal to form working groups will be due in September)
How Then Shall We Live: Artificial Intelligence and Humanity
Monday, July 15, 2024 (evening)
First Lutheran Venice
Enjoy a beach day and then join us for dinner and a public event on Artificial Intelligence in society. CRCC Affiliated Scholar Ken Chitwood (who is a faith leader, journalist and academic) will share his perspective on public ministry over dinner, then lead a conversation about how AI affects the way we live together.
This is the final session of a three-part series that Ken is hosting as interim pastor at First Lutheran Venice. You are welcome, but not required, to attend the first two sessions in May and June (more information to come).
Breaking Barriers: Addressing Racism in America through Preaching
Monday, September 16, 2024 (daytime)
University of Southern California
A panel of speakers representing different racial groups will present research about how race affects both societal structures and individuals’ lives within these structures. This will be an opportunity to discuss how faith leaders can address racism in their congregations and society.
Compelling Preaching Office Hours
Monday, October 21, 2024 (daytime)
Zoom/In-person at CRCC
We are reserving October as an open time to help each other work through challenges and share new insights.
Compelling Preaching Working Group Kick-Off
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 (all day)
University of Southern California
For this full-day conference, you will invite members of your working groups to gather together. We will have the opportunity to learn more about preaching on controversial issues and speaking across divides.
2025 dates to come
Five sessions from January through May will include media, oped and social media trainings.