TRAINING FOR LAY PREACHERS - The Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan

Two-part program prepares participants for licensure

We have heard consistent interest in training for licensed lay preachers, especially with so many of our congregations in transition and so many exercising vibrant ministry without a full-time parish priest. To that end, we will again offer our formation program for licensed lay preachers in 2023-24. The courses take place alongside the classes for the Academy for Vocational Leadership, sometimes online via Zoom and sometimes in-person at the St. Francis Center in Dewitt.

To complete the training and receive a preaching license, participants must complete two classes: Bible (ten months) and Homiletics (seven months). These can be completed by participating in both courses over one year, or by taking Bible the first year and Homeletics the second. Participants will join Academy students for worship in addition to meals and breaks.

If you feel a call to be a preacher, please speak to your priest or senior warden and, with their approval, complete the application and submit it before June 15.

Questions about this offering? Please contact the Rev. Canon Tracie Little, Canon for the Southern Collaborative and Coach for Formation, at 810-300-9177 or tlittle@eastmich.org.