CTS Mixed Methods Preaching Conference 2026

About the Conference

The Mixed Methods Preaching Conference gathers preachers, ministry leaders, scholars, and students for 3.5 days of immersive engagement with the craft and calling of preaching. Through preaching labs, plenary lectures, and evening worship, participants will encounter the full range of what it means to stand in the pulpit with faithfulness, creativity, and conviction.

Sponsored by Christian Theological Seminary through the LEI Compelling Preaching Initiative, this conference is for those who take preaching seriously — and those who are curious about preaching — and want to grow.

Conference Theme

Just Preachers, Just Preaching explores the life of the preacher which informs the message of the preacher. Not only is the sermon method important for preachers and listeners, but so are the values and theological commitments of the preacher.

This year we explore the person of the preacher, the proclamation, and the promises in the preaching — as we learn from just preachers, just preaching.

Who Should Attend

The Mixed Methods Preaching Conference welcomes all who are connected to the ministry of preaching:

• Clergy and preachers seeking renewal, reflection, and continuing education
• Ministry leaders and theological educators
• Seminary and doctoral students
• Listeners of preaching who want to engage with what makes preaching compelling

We especially invite institutions, congregations, and denominational bodies to sponsor their clergy and ministry staff for an immersive continuing education experience in preaching. Contact MMPC@cts.edu for CEU group rates and institutional sponsorship inquiries.

Preaching Labs

Each participant is placed in one lab for the duration of the conference based on their first and second choice selections at registration. Lab assignments are first-come, first-served. Each lab is capped at 15 participants.

Available Labs:

• Artificial Intelligence and the Anointing: Tools, Theology, and Guardrails for Preachers
• Preaching on the Fly: The Art of Homiletical Improvisation
• Marginalized Bodies: A New Approach to Preaching about Disability
• Womanist Preaching for Desperate Times
• Preaching from an Authentic Center: Leaning into the Prophetic

Lab placement confirmations will be sent by September 1, 2026.

Meals & Amenities

Registration includes:

• Breakfast daily (Monday–Thursday)
• Lunch daily (Monday–Wednesday)
• Thursday box lunch — by prior selection only
• Snacks and refreshments throughout each conference day
• Conference swag bag (early and general registration only)

CEU Documentation

Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) issued by Christian Theological Seminary. CEUs may be considered for technical professional development or spiritual formation. Add the CEU option ($50) at registration and select your track:

CEU Documentation

Institutions sponsoring eight (8) or more participants for CEU documentation are invited to contact the planning team for a discounted group rate. Please reach out at MMPC@cts.edu.

Travel

Nearest Airport: Indianapolis International Airport (IND), approximately 20 miles from the venue. Rental cars, rideshare services (Uber, Lyft), and taxi services are available at IND.

Hotel block information coming soon.

Listener Research Initiative

As part of the LEI Compelling Preaching Initiative, the Mixed Methods Preaching Conference is committed to hearing from those who listen to preaching. We believe the listening experience is central to understanding what makes preaching compelling — or what keeps it from being so.

Throughout the conference, listeners of preaching will have several opportunities to share their experience and perspective:

• Data collection conversations with conference team members (3 short questions)
• QR code access to a brief digital survey available throughout the conference
• A dedicated data collection booth on-site

Your voice as a listener matters. We look forward to learning from you.

Key Dates

• Full refunds will be issued for cancellations submitted on or before September 19, 2026. Requests must be submitted in writing to MMPC@cts.edu.
• After September 19, 2026, registration fees are non-refundable. Registrations may be transferred to another participant by submitting a written request to MMPC@cts.edu prior to the start of the conference, including the name and contact information of the replacement participant.
• In the event the conference is cancelled by Christian Theological Seminary, registrants will receive a full refund of all registration fees paid.
• The $50 CEU documentation add-on fee is non-refundable once the conference has begun.

Photo & Video Policy

Photography and video recording will occur during conference sessions for institutional and promotional purposes. By registering, participants consent to the possibility of being photographed or recorded. Participants who wish to limit their appearance in photography or video are responsible for advising on-site photographers and videographers directly. Christian Theological Seminary cannot guarantee that a participant will not appear in conference photos or video footage.

Code of Conduct

The Mixed Methods Preaching Conference is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants. All attendees, speakers, and guests are expected to engage with one another with dignity and respect. Behavior that is disruptive, discriminatory, or harassing in any form will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the conference without refund.