This program is no longer available as a free-standing certification program. It is anticipated that it will be integrated into Vanderbilt’s new DMin program in Homiletics (forthcoming)
Who should become a certified preaching coach?
Similar to programs in CPE supervision or spiritual direction, this program is not for everyone. Because we are certifying you professionally to “hang a shingle,” thereby taking responsibility for partnering in an important aspect of another person’s vocation, the program is rigorous, involving extensive reading, coursework, training in professional ethics, supervised practice, and evaluation.We assume, therefore, that if you want to become a certified preaching coach you are:
Professionally motivated– you desire to add homiletic coaching to your resumé and want to engage in either a fee-based individual practice with clients, or will use this training in an organized educational setting (seminary, continuing education program, denominational program, etc.)
Vocationally motivated– you have a profound respect for preaching, have experienced both the joys and struggles of the preacher, and experience a calling or desire to assist others to become better practitioners.
Theologically motivated– you believe in the centrality of preaching to the life of Christian faith and the development and maintenance of the Church.
Collaborative – you have a personality and leadership/ teaching style that values learning from the insights and feedback of others.
How is the program structured?
The program takes one year. Here is an outline of what is involved:
Program Structure:
Colloquy 1: Coaches-in-training will gather at Vanderbilt Divinity School for five days of training in leading homiletic peer-groups..
Colloquy 2: Coaches-in-training will attend a five-day on-site course where they will learn the rudiments of careful sermon analysis and individual coaching..
Colloquy 3: Coaches return to Vanderbilt Divinity School for a final colloquy and graduation.