The annual meeting of participants in the Compelling Preaching Initiative serves as a vital hub for a large, ecumenical network of leaders committed to revitalizing the art of preaching in the 21st century.

Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has grown rapidly, now encompassing over 140 grantee organizations (including seminaries, denominations, and nonprofits). Because these organizations are diverse—ranging from Catholic and Orthodox to Evangelical and Pentecostal traditions—the annual meetings act as a “connective tissue” for the movement.

Nature of the Meetings

The meetings are designed and facilitated by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, which serves as the “Coordination Program” for the entire initiative. The gatherings focus on three primary objectives:

• Mutual Learning: Grantees share what is working (and what isn’t) in their specific contexts. For example, some programs focus on digital preaching technologies, while others focus on preaching to diverse or younger audiences.

• Expert Engagement: The Endowment convenes leading homileticians (experts in the theology and practice of preaching) to provide plenary sessions and workshops, offering participants access to top-tier research and pedagogical tools.

• Addressing Isolation: A significant goal of the initiative is to reduce the “silo” effect. Many pastors and educators feel isolated; these meetings create a community of practice where leaders can find peer support and collaborative partners.

How Long They Have Been Going On

The initiative is relatively young but highly active:

• 2022: The program launched with an initial “invitational” round of over 30 grants.

• 2023–2024: Two major national competitive rounds followed, bringing the total number of participating institutions to 142.

• Duration: As of 2026, the annual gatherings have been occurring for four years.

While the individual grant cycles typically last up to five years, the annual meetings are expected to continue as a core component of the “Compelling Preaching Coordination Program” to ensure that the insights gained by one group benefit the entire network.