Preaching Cohort with Wally Hostetter
The purpose of this cohort is to improve the pastor’s preaching by observing multiple messages, critiquing each message, and interacting with the Cohort pastor to make improvements in content and delivery.
Expert Guidance
The cohort's leader and speakers each have multiple advanced degrees and a combined 80 years of ministry experience and thousands of preaching and teaching engagements.
Blended Gatherings
The year-long cohort will meet as a group via Zoom as well as in-person. This blended approach provides flexibility as well as more engaged camaraderie.
Hands-On Practical
Great theology is wonderful, knowing how to use it well makes all the difference. You will learn but, even better, you will also get specific, actionable feedback on your own sermons to help you preach in your context.
Segment Descriptions
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Rejuvenate Retreat with Barnabas Ministries
Hermeneutics will inform your sermons but crafting them to capture an audience is crucial! Even the most experienced communicators can benefit from time intentionally set aside to refresh and refine their skills.
AT THIS WORKSHOP, WE WILL DISCUSS:
- Finding the heart of the passage
- Getting in and out of a sermon, and making sense in between
- Breathing fresh air into the presentations
FACILITATOR: Dr. Don Denyes
- D. Min. in Preaching from Gordon Conwell Seminary
- Pastor of South Church in Lansing
- Former Professor of Homiletics - Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
Segment 1: Sermon construction, introduction, and closing a message
DURATION: 3 months
Summary: During the first three months following the retreat, the pastor will submit three rough draft manuscripts prior to the presentations of each message, one per month. The messages should be videoed so that the presenter is clearly seen from no more than 20 feet from his platform. The message critique will be discussed via Zoom between the pastor and Dr. Hostetter. Each message critique will build upon the last. The primary focus will be on sermon construction, introduction techniques, and closing a message. A written summary of the sermon critiques will be sent via email to the pastor at the conclusion of each review.
Segment 2: Techniques, illustrations, and body language.
DURATION: 3 months
Summary: The second three month cycle will focus on delivery techniques, sermon illustrations, and body language. No manuscripts will be required for the three messages. A video of each message will be made available to Dr. Hostetter followed by a written review via Zoom, with an interactive review of the message with the pastor. Progress from the previous three month cycle will be reviewed and goals will be set for the third, three month cycle of review.
Segment 3: Zoom Meetup: Reflections and lessons learned
Content to be discussed in cohort.
Segment 4: Specific areas of focus
DURATION: 3 months
Summary: The third three month cycle will focus on areas identified by the pastor and Dr. Hostetter as being in need of continued work. A study of audience adaptation, dealing with the “unusual” moments on the platform, and the concept of vulnerability will be the focus of these three months. The model will remain the same with the submission of a video of each of three sermons, a review by Dr. Hostetter, a Zoom meeting with the pastor, and the setting of goals for the remaining two month cycle.
In-Person observation
DURATION: 2 months
Summary: Dr. Hostetter will plan to visit the pastor to observe his preaching in person some time during the year. (If possible, a luncheon together will celebrate the relationship and the blessings of the Lord on the pastor.) During this segment, Dr. Hostetter will have a 1:1 Zoom call with each pastor to review the year and his observations.
Level-up your preaching and communication for the future of your church.
Many pastors stop investing in their growth after seminary; which leaves them stunted and stuck, using techniques they learned decades ago. This cohort provides expert guidance, a supportive group environment, and practical skills that can be applied immediately so that pastors can be more effective in preaching the Gospel and leading their church into the future.