2024 Highlight

Launching

  1. Purpose: The establishment of the WMU Voices of Faith Center aims to improve the preaching skills of pastors and provide a platform for sharing academic and practical materials with a diverse audience, including those from different cultural, generational, racial, and social backgrounds.
  1. Content:
    • Voices of Faith Website: Launched in October 2024, the website details all materials and activities related to the Voices of Faith Project. It offers resources such as preaching case studies, academic papers, short papers, and articles from Preaching Magazine, all of which are accessible to anyone interested in theology and preaching practices.
    • Voices of Faith Newsletter: The monthly newsletter delivers content covered on the website, including the project’s progress, feedback from preachers, and key outcomes.
    • Opportunities for Pastors: The VOF Center serves as an open forum where preachers can engage with the project and participate in enriching discussions, fostering both spiritual and theological growth.
  1. Impact:
    • The website and newsletter provide preachers with academic support and practical resources, enhancing their preaching abilities and offering vital tools for sermon preparation and delivery.
    • The sharing of experiences and feedback among preachers contributes to the overall improvement of sermon quality and the advancement of the project.

Research

  1. Purpose: To lay a solid academic foundation on preaching theology, biblical interpretation, audience analysis, preaching style, and delivery, and to deliver these academic outcomes to preachers to enhance their preaching abilities.
  1. Content:
    • Publication of Short Papers: Four short papers were published to highlight the importance of preaching training and effective preaching methods. These papers address preaching theology, biblical interpretation, and preaching styles.
      • Professor Kim Kang-San’s paper discusses the current state of preaching theology in Korean immigrant churches in the U.S. and offers a theological response to the marginalized self.
      • Professor Nam Jong-Seong explores the history of preaching and biblical interpretation, introducing the concept of “reframing” for sermon preparation.
      • Professor Jeong Jae-Hyun emphasizes the need for preaching that connects with the context and audience’s life.
      • Professor Cho Seong-Woo studies the impact of different sermon styles, including the “Four Pages of the Sermon” and plot-driven sermons.
  1. Impact:
    • The published papers serve as valuable resources for preachers, deepening their theological understanding and improving their preaching skills.
    • The research contributes to the reconstruction of Korean church preaching theology and helps preachers adapt their messages to contemporary society and diverse audiences.

Conference

  1. Purpose: To provide systematic training in sermon preparation, biblical interpretation, audience analysis, and effective delivery, helping preachers understand and communicate God’s word clearly to bring about change in the lives of their congregations.
  1. Content:
    • Korean Conference: From July 29 to 30, 2024, a One-Point Expository Preaching Conference was held at HanGil Church, attended by approximately 35 pastors. Topics covered included the structure of effective sermons, sermon delivery techniques, and the power of one-point expository preaching with dramatic impact.
    • Latino Conference: On November 16, 2024, over 80 participants, including 60 Latino pastors and 20 volunteers, gathered for a preaching conference at WMU. Presentations included topics such as cultural context in preaching and the importance of biblical text study.
  1. Impact:
    • Conference attendees gained a deep understanding of the importance of biblical study and sermon application. They also recognized the need for further training in these areas.
    • The conferences provided a platform for preachers to learn from each other and refine their preaching strategies.

Workshop

  1. Purpose: To offer practical and innovative training for preachers, enhancing their preaching skills and enabling them to have a deeper impact on the lives of their congregations.
  1. Content:
    • Korean Workshop: From September to October 2024, a group of seven pastors attended weekly workshops over eight weeks, focusing on topics such as biblical exegesis, sermon styles, audience analysis, and sermon delivery. The workshop also included practical discussions on setting sermon goals, mapping out the sermon, and engaging the audience.
    • Korean Retreat: In December 2024, a retreat was held as an extension of the workshop, where pastors and their families gathered for deep reflection and growth in their preaching skills. Keynote speaker Rev. Young Gil Kim shared insights on ministry and preaching, further enhancing the participants’ understanding of sermon delivery and theology.
  1. Impact:
    • 100% of participants found the workshop highly beneficial in studying sermon styles, with 83.3% also reporting significant improvements in applying sermon content and analyzing audiences.
    • The workshop and retreat provided both theoretical and practical tools for preachers, enhancing their ability to deliver impactful sermons and apply their learnings in ministry.