Compelling Preaching

Now 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. The Rev. Dr. Amy Butler compels preachers today to tell the story of God’s redemptive work in the world – without simplifying it into a Hallmark movie. Watch Butler's keynote speech at the Compelling Preaching Conference on February 15, 2024 at Holman United Methodist Church.

Listen to an interfaith panel discussing the art of preaching, moderated by CRCC's Najuma Smith and featuring Rev. Brandon Harris, Rabbi Susan Goldberg, and Shaykh Fouad Elgohari.

Listen to a panel discussing the craft of preaching, including advice on producing weekly sermons, moderated by CRCC's Najuma Smith and featuring Rev. Dr. Sonja Dawson, Rev. Dr. Amy Butler and Rector Mike Kinman.

Christian supremacy holds appeal in an era of declining religious affiliation, Dr. Matthew D. Taylor shared in his keynote speech at CRCC’s Compelling Preaching Across Divides conference. Its adherent believe not only that the United States is a Christian country, but also that their interpretation of Christianity should reign supreme. Taylor argued that Christians must resist the pull of power, pointing to Jesus’ example as a Jew in the Roman empire, as presented in the Gospel of Mark.

This panel follow ups on the keynote presentation from scholar Matthew D. Taylor on Christian supremacy. Three members of our Compelling Preaching cohort join Taylor to discuss how they are responding to the divisions within their congregations and the threat of Christian supremacy. Watch for conversations on how we treat others and whether unity is even desired at this time. Panelists: Matthew D. Taylor Pastor Franklin Garcia, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University Rev. Dr. Grace Park, Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church Pastor Precious Williams, Center of Hope Church Moderator: Rev. Dr. Brandon Harris, USC Office of Religious and Spiritual Life

CRCC Affiliate Ken Chitwood hosted a zoom session on best practices for using generative AI tools as a preacher — how to think about artificial intelligence, write prompts, verify information and other key skills. Chitwood, an academic, journalist and preacher, presented this session as a fellow practitioner who has used AI as a faith leader and writer.

Artificial Intelligence can make our everyday lives easier and speed along innovation. It also looms as a sci-fi threat that can be weaponized against people, endanger livelihoods, squash human creativity and exacerbate divisions. Join us for a conversation about what it means to be human in an age of rapidly transforming technologies. Ken Chitwood was joined by scholars studying different sides of Artificial Intelligence: Darby Vickers, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, University of San Diego Stephen Aguilar, Associate Professor of Education, USC Rossier Ulf Hermjakob, Senior Research Scientist, USC Information Sciences Institute

Whether it’s conflicts in other countries, political divides closer to home, or arguments between family members and friends, tension is part and parcel to life in the modern world. How can people of any faith or none contribute to peace in a world of violence and polarization? Drawing on his reporting and research across the globe, scholar, journalist and theologian Ken Chitwood shares practical and conceptual tools to help the community attend to some of the most contentious issues of our time.

The reality of climate change is becoming evident in weather patterns and natural disasters. Listen to a conversation with Bekah Estrada of California Interfaith Power & Light about how we can care for the environment while adapting to a hotter world.