Have you felt a call to preach the Good News? Do you long to deepen your understanding of Scripture, theology, and the history of our Church—while also learning to proclaim the Word with clarity and conviction? We invite you to speak to your priest or senior warden (in the absence of the rector, vicar, or priest-in-charge) about the Lay Preaching Cohort at the Diocese of Southwest Florida.
The Lay Preacher Formation Cohort is a 10-month intensive training program beginning in September 2026, led by The Rev. Rick Effinger and a team of preaching instructors. Hosted at DaySpring Episcopal Camp and Conference Center, the cohort will meet one Saturday per month from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an option to spend the night at DaySpring.
The calendar follows the School for Ministry(SfM) weekend of classes, and Lay preachers will be formed alongside the priests and deacons pursuing local formation through SfM. The cost for the program will be $400, not including overnight housing at DaySpring.
Participants will journey together in community, growing as interpreters and proclaimers of the Gospel, grounded in the Episcopal tradition.
Letters of recommendation from the Rector, Vicar, or Priest-in-Charge are due by May 22, 2026.
Please send your letters to the Rev. Scott Nonken, Dean, School for Ministry, at [email protected]. Space is limited.
Be formed. Be empowered. Be a voice in the pulpit.