About the Episcopal Lay Preaching Network
The Episcopal Lay Preaching Network exists to support, equip, and advocate for lay preachers serving across the Episcopal Church.
Lay preachers bring the Gospel into congregations, dioceses, and communities with faithfulness, creativity, and deep love for the Church. Often bi-vocational and rooted in lived experience, they offer voices shaped by daily life, local context, and the call of the Holy Spirit. Yet too often, lay preachers do this work without consistent support, shared formation, or a strong sense of connection to others who share their calling.
The Episcopal Lay Preaching Network was formed in response to that need.
We are a growing community of lay preachers committed to excellence in proclamation, grounded in Scripture, theology, and the rich liturgical tradition of the Episcopal Church. Through gatherings, training opportunities, shared resources, and ongoing conversation, we seek to strengthen lay preaching as a vital ministry of the Church.
Our work is rooted in three core commitments:
- Community — creating space for lay preachers to connect, learn from one another, and know they are not alone in this calling.
- Formation — offering education, reflection, and tools that deepen preaching skill, theological confidence, and spiritual grounding.
- Advocacy — lifting up the value of lay preaching and encouraging healthy, faithful practices across the Church.
The Network emerged from the momentum of the Gathering of Lay Preachers, where it became clear that there is both a hunger and a readiness for deeper connection among those called to proclaim. What began as a gathering has grown into a sustained effort to nurture lay preachers over the long term.
We believe lay preaching is not a substitute ministry, but a gift—one that reflects the diversity, wisdom, and lived faith of the Body of Christ. The Episcopal Lay Preaching Network exists to honor that gift and help it flourish.