by Lt. Colonel Darlene Harvey
Inspiring, uplifting, practical, God-ordained and fulfilling is how participants described the new Preaching Seminar offered through the Officer Resource and Development Department and Nazarene Bible College (NBC).
When officers in the territory requested more information regarding preaching seminars, ORD investigated possibilities. Salvation Army Continuing Education Program (SACEP) courses were evaluated and it was noted that there were not any offerings in preaching.
Dr. Rob DeGeorge remembered that Nazarene Bible College worked with the Western Territory to provide a preaching seminar to their officers. While NBC has been a strong partner of the Central Territory, with some officers pursuing degrees through this university and NBC providing SACEP classes for officers whose first language is Spanish, the Preaching Seminar would become a new initiative for the Central.
Promoted to officers in SACEP, the first seminar in January 2023 filled up in one week and had a waiting list. After working with the leaders for officer development throughout the territory, ORD decided to offer a second seminar in August. This seminar was promoted to SACEP and non-SACEP officers.
officer shares about life and ministry management.
Dr. Jim Russom, Dr. Tim McKeithen and Dr. Joe Warrington are not only instructors with NBC but pastors. They understand preaching weekly while balancing other pastoral responsibilities. Major Catherine Mount also taught a session on “Life and Ministry Management” to provide a Salvation Army perspective.
The model used for the seminar is a “one principle sermon” highlighted in Andy Stanley’s book, Communicating for a Change. Another text used was Dr. Dennis Kinlaw’s book, Preaching in the Spirit. Officers received instruction, prepared portions each day for class review, and wrote a sermon using the method they learned during the week. Divided into lab groups of seven, they were given encouragement and feedback from their peers and the instructor on their sermon. One group in January was devoted to Spanish-speaking officers so they could share in their first language.
“I am really excited to dive into this approach,” said Lt. Shannon Norcross, who also shared that the seminar was a practical and helpful tool. Auxiliary Captain Marie Lewis indicated she values how the method brings focus and connection to her sermons and will help streamline her preparation. Lt. Nate Woodard said scripture study and sermon prep are more alive for him now, while Lt. Samantha Tamayo shared the seminar was a great reminder of her calling as an officer to proclaim the gospel. Captain LeOtis Brooks said he appreciated the encouragement for officers to be themselves and find their voices as they preach.
Given such positive feedback, ORD hopes to continue to offer this seminar. Officers who are interested in participating should contact their leader for officer development.
