Ron Allen and Mary Alice Mulligan
September 2008-March 2009, Indianapolis
At the beginning of the 21st century, Ron Allen and Mary Alice Mulligan directed a significant study to discover traits in preaching which encourage congregational listening. Based on the results of that study, the Center for Congregations hosts a study opportunity for clergy/laity teams to consider preaching in their congregational contexts.
In the long-term learning event Better Preaching & Better Listening: Clergy and Laity Explore Preaching Together, lay participants will:
• reveal to the minister those qualities in preaching that engage and disengage them
• grasp more fully what goes into writing sermons
• learn better how to listen to sermons
Preachers will:
• improve preaching in the life of the congregation.
• recognize and utilize listeners as sources of learning about preaching
• become more aware of the profile of the congregation as a listening community
• become familiar with the listener study and to consider ways in which its literature and methods might be useful in the preacher’s own situation
About the Presenters
Ron Allen and Mary Alice Mulligan will facilitate this event. Allen is a professor of Preaching and New Testament at Christian Theological Seminary. He is co-author of One Gospel, Many Ears: Preaching for Different Listeners in the Congregation. Mulligan is interim senior pastor at Carmel Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is a member of the faculty of Christian Theological Seminary and ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Rev. Dr. Mulligan has served congregations in Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana.
When and Where
Better Preaching & Better Listening meets 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, September 19; Friday, November 7; Monday, February 2; and Monday, March 30 in the Indianapolis area. Specific location information will be available soon.The registration fee for the entire series is $100. Lunch, books, and snacks will be provided. Each participant will receive four books: Make the World Come Alive, Hearing the Sermon, Believing in Preaching, and Listening to Listeners.
How to Apply
This event is open to area congregational teams comprised of a clergy person and 2-5 lay members. Space is limited. The group requires a serious commitment; participants must be willing to engage fully in the group's activities, and to give as much as they receive. To apply for participation in Better Preaching & Better Listening, send a letter to Kara Faris at the Center (303 N. Alabama St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204). The letter should describe why you would like to be a part of the group; your commitment and ability to attend the sessions; and your ability to secure a team of 2-5 lay members to participate. The deadline for application is September 1. For more information, contact Kara at kfaris@centerforcongregations.org.
