The Pre-Summit Preaching Workshop is an opportunity for those who preach to engage in Scripture and carry it into the present day in a deep and meaningful way. It will be led by Anna Carter Florence and Jake Myers, professors of preaching at homiletics at Columbia Theological Seminary, and sponsored by the Columbia Theological Seminary Preachers Studio for Renewal. 

The Preachers Studio for Renewal workshop will be held on the ACU campus in Abilene, specifically in the Packer Forum located on the top floor of the Brown Library. 

The Preachers Studio for Renewal workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, and it will conclude at 3:30 p.m on Wednesday, October 16. It is scheduled to not conflict with any of the other Summit offerings such as the Community of Women Ministers dinner at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, or Summit proper, which begins at 7:00 p.m. that evening with check-in opening at 6:00 p.m.

In a nutshell, anyone who preaches. Whether you preach weekly in a congregation or operate more as a guest preacher, this workshop is for you. However, due to the nature of the workshop, it will be limited to 30 participants.

As the Summit team continues to listen to the needs of ministers, churches, and other church leaders, we are always considering the best way to meet those needs. After this Summit concludes, we will reflect on how well we were able to do that and then make a decision about future years. It is also important to note that decisions are also affected by the availability of guests such as Anna Carter Florence and Jake Myers. Just know that with each year, we prayerfully consider how to be a support and encouragement to each of our Summit guests.

No, it will not. The Preachers Studio for Renewal workshop is intended to be a relational, discussion-oriented workshop, and as a whole those are far more difficult to record and rarely provide a good listening experience later, even if the recording quality is good. More importantly, we want participants to feel comfortable speaking candidly without the concern that their thoughts will be preserved for all time. 

Yes, if you are not able to participate in Summit but would still like to participate in the workshop, click on the registration link, and select the ticket option for “Pre-Summit Preaching Workshop.” Please note that registration only for the workshop does not include a copy of Anna Carter Florence’s book, A Is for Alabaster. 

The CTS-PSR's sponsorship covers all the costs of the studio facilitators, including their travel, but it does not cover the cost of meals. As a result, in considering how to most effectively maximize participants’ time together, we made the decision to provide group meals. Therefore, the registration cost covers breakfast and lunch on Wednesday in the World Famous Bean as well as refreshments throughout Tuesday evening and Wednesday.

One of the reasons we chose to utilize the World Famous Bean for breakfast and lunch is their ability to accommodate dietary restrictions. They post a daily menu and have a wide range of prepared meals, including gluten free, as well as salad options.

Yes! Registration is now required. Why? For two main reasons. First, it will help Dr. Carter Florence and Dr. Myers prepare well for the size of their group, and second, there are a limited number of spots available for this workshop. Registration opens August 5 and closes October 1. You can register for the workshop only, for both Summit and the workshop, or for only Summit.

We don’t want the cost to keep anyone from participating; therefore, we have scholarships available. If you find the registration price prohibitive, please email us for a discount code.

Registration opens August 5 and closes October 1. Cost for the Preachers Studio for Renewal is $20. Summit registration costs are based on early registration ($35) and regular registration ($55) pricing. We are not able to take additional registrations after October 1. See table below.

Click here for a listing of several hotels near campus. Please check with hotels directly for details and rates, including discounts for ACU-affiliated guests.