The program
Members of the Compelling Preaching cohort, representing the diversity of Christianity, learn about social issues and receive media, op-ed and social media training to help them “preach” in public forums.
They also form working groups, building a network of support for preachers across Southern California. These efforts aim to re-centering the importance of preaching for congregations and in public life.
Application to the program are now closed, but we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to learn about future opportunities.
Continue to scroll down to learn more and get resources on compelling preaching.
Compelling Preaching Cohort Retreat
The cohort began with a retreat to understand one’s own leadership journey.
Compelling Preaching Cohort
Compelling Preaching Conference
CRCC hosted a conference featuring the Rev. Dr. Amy Butler and panels on the art and craft of preaching
Media Workshops
“The story we tell becomes the world we live in.” – The OpEd Project
The Compelling Preaching cohort participated in the OpEd Project, a media readiness training and a social media conversation.
Compelling Preaching Across Divides
CRCC brought together more than 100 faith leaders for a conversation about responding to division and Christian nationalism.
Wellness workshop
CRCC hosted a session for faith leaders on how they can promote mental and physical health for themselves and for their community.
Learn
Think about the art and craft of preaching.
Learn about social issues that affect your community.
Be inspired by compelling sermons.
Below, you will find resources, sermons and program videos. We encourage you to explore and learn.
How Faith Leaders Can Use Media
Faith leaders can exercise their moral voices publicly and preach on critical issues beyond the walls of the congregation by engaging in media work. Find resources and discussions.
The Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray Archive
The Murray Archive project makes Pastor Murray’s prophetic social witness available to a new generation of activists, pastors and scholars. Dozens of videos of sermons on notable Los Angeles events and ordinary Sundays are available on YouTube, and 450 in the USC Digital Library. Be inspired.
Examples of Compelling Preaching
Find examples of Compelling Preaching in the form of both traditional sermons preached from the pulpit and public sermons offered outside of congregational spaces. Explore sermons.
Joy Comes in the Morning
This workbook compiles 14 sermons from historic events and ordinary Sundays by the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles from 1977-2004.
The sermons characterize Rev. Murray’s distinctive combination of moral remonstrance, social critique and comfort for the afflicted. Reflection questions inspire readers to apply sacred truths to contemporary contexts.
Watch videos on Compelling Preaching
Find conversations on Compelling Preaching with scholars and practitioners, as well as videos of our programs about how faith leaders can address social issues in their preaching.
Tell it Slant
Rev. Dr. Amy Butler Compelling Preaching ConferenceNow is a moment of great uncertainty, polarization and societal changes. By telling stories well – and with complexity – preachers can provide guidance and solace during times of need, and awakens the soul to higher truths.
Wellness and Wellbeing: Caring for Self and Community
Dr. Kimiko Yamada and Bishop Byron L. Smith Sr. Compelling Preaching and Thriving Congregations SessionCompelling Preaching through Social Media – A Case for Connection
Rev. Terry W. Brooks Social MediaPublic Sermons
The USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture challenged members of its cohort to preach “public sermons” by writing opinion pieces, speaking at events, engaging on social media and with journalists. You can find examples of public sermons from our cohort members by scrolling through the arrow.
Compelling Preaching Working Groups
Before launching our Compelling Preaching initiative, CRCC heard from faith leaders that what they could use the most was a network of support to help them preach compellingly into a rapidly changing culture.
Each member of the Compelling Preaching cohort had the opportunity to create a “working group” of preachers who were interested in coming together to improve their skills as preachers, address social issues as faith leaders and generally support each other.
Click through the gallery to see some of the working groups.
