Summary

During this workshop, participants discover how diverse congregations have established and maintained pre-sermon dialogue groups.

Listen Online

Details

A vast majority of listeners attending U.S. churches have never talked with a pastor about a sermon. And, unfortunately, those listeners report by the thousands that though they expect spiritual growth as they listen to their preachers, it usually does not occur. Preachers who listen to their listeners as a regular part of sermon preparation can expect to change these patterns, increasing the spiritual impact of preaching for individuals, congregations, communities—and culture.

Recent Media Resources

Cultivating the Creative Life

What is creativity, and why do we still need to talk about it? Join Sandra McCracken in a conversation on faith, imagination, and creativity. 

August 5, 2025 | 1 min video
Preaching and Soul Care (For Preachers and Their Hearers)

In a world generically “spiritual,” how does a preacher tend to the highest calling of the pastoral life: the tending of souls?

July 29, 2025 | 1 min video