The Episcopal Dioceses of El Camino Real, Northern California and San Diego are accepting applications for the 2026 English language cohort to prepare individuals to apply for a Lay Preaching license (the Spanish language cohort will begin recruiting in January). We are seeking adult learners of all ages and educational backgrounds who are actively involved in ministry in their congregations and demonstrate gifts in lay leadership. Participants must be members of a congregation within one of our three partner dioceses.

 

Who is this for? Lay members of our congregations with gifts for preaching and leadership in ministry.

 

What will we study? Biblical exegesis and preaching theory and practice.

 

Where will we meet? On Zoom

 

When will we meet? Once each month on the fourth Thursday from 5 - 9 p.m. 

 

How long is the course? 11 Months beginning in February.

 

What else will I need to do? Prepare for each Zoom session by watching video lectures and completing assigned reading and written reflections before we meet.

 

How much time will the preparation take? Every student is different but at about 4 - 8 hours per month.

 

What will it cost? $600 and scholarships will be available. Congregations will be encouraged to partner in supporting their students if needed. The intention is for this to be an affordable opportunity for any students who show the gifts for lay preaching and leadership.

 

Will everyone who applies be admitted?  We have space for about 20 Lay Preaching students from across all three dioceses each year. Preference is given to parishes who have not had attendees before and we can only accommodate one participant per parish each year. Final decisions about who to admit are made by your Bishops. We encourage you to talk with your Rector/Vicar/Priest in charge right away to see how many people from your congregation are applying or are already licensed.

 

Is there anything else? The course will culminate in an in-person preaching retreat in April of 2027.

 

Application Process:

1. Fill out the online application below.

2. Let your Rector/Vicar/Priest in Charge know that a request for them to fill out the recommendation form will be coming in their email box. 

 

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