Leadership Academy Preaching Institute
The Leadership Academy Preaching Institute (LAPI) is a hybrid continuing education program designed to cultivate compelling preaching that leads to congregational vitality. The program is not remedial; it is designed for preachers at any level who want to improve their preaching to their perceived “next” level. Read program background here: LAPI 2024 Conference Report
LAPI Certificate in Compelling Preaching
The 10-month certificate program runs February through November. As a LAPI fellow, your experience will include:
- In-person preaching summit
- Online cohorts of 10 preachers, each with a facilitator/coach
- Individual coaching and instruction (Zoom or in-person)
- Self-paced online classes, exclusive to LAPI fellows, offered through the Leadership Academy
- You engaging in a listener feedback group created in your preaching context
- A visit from a coach to your location with pre- and post-sermon consultation
Funded by a grant from the Eli Lilly Foundation’s Compelling Preaching Institute, this program will provide the value of over $4,000 in educational experiences for a $75 registration fee.
Here are the Blessings the LAPI Class of 2025 received from the program:
Apply to the LAPI Certificate Program
Invitation to try a workshop:
The Leadership Academy Preaching Institute (LAPI) offers free enrichment workshops, for lay and clergy preachers, as an introduction to the program. They are presented live, on Zoom, and are offered twice. Participants who attend a session, in its entirety, are eligible for .2 CEUs.
July 21, 2026 Workshop: "Preaching & Stewardship" taught by Rev. Rich Hendrickson
September 15, 2026 Workshop: "Thematic Integration of Worship & Word" taught by Rev. Lydia Muñoz
All workshops are offered via Zoom, either 1–3pm or 7–9pm. Interested? Email LAPI Coordinator Mary Cranwell, lapicoordinator@epagnj.org and indicate date and time of your choices. Only those registered will receive the Zoom link.
Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens
Director of Leadership Academy Preaching Institute
lapidirector@epagnj.org
Mary Cranwell
Program Coordinator, LAPI
lapicoordinator@epagnj.org