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By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged
MALIBU, Calif. — Fun and sun in Southern California.
Pizza and drinks on the beach.
Thirty-one active and aspiring Christian preachers experienced these tangible benefits during a recent three-day gathering organized by Pepperdine University.
But the real goals of the meeting — part of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a $171 million national endeavor funded by Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. — went deeper.
“Ministry is incredibly difficult,” said Kevin Huddleston, lead minister for The Church at 1548 Heights in Houston. “I have had so many friends who have stepped out in recent years due to the political turmoil and the growing move toward Christian nationalism in the church.”
The Texan traveled nearly 1,600 miles for the conference, enjoying how-to sessions on the content, crafting and delivery of sermons as well as one-on-one coaching and fellowship with other men — and women — of God.
“I sometimes ask myself why in the world I would step back into congregational ministry at such a time as this,” said Huddleston, who just returned after seven years with a faith-based nonprofit. “I am hopeful that the Compelling Preaching Initiative will help me be fresh in ministry and faithful to the calling to proclaim God’s word.”
Joshua Jackson left a lead minister role in the Nashville, Tennessee, area in December.
He echoed Huddleston, saying he hoped to gain tools to preach more effectively.
“Ministry is extremely challenging right now due to sociopolitical issues and isolation,” Jackson said. “The cohort model can be a safe place to help ministers develop and maintain community.”
This column appears in the online magazine Religion Unplugged.
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