The Preaching Lab
Practical training for faithful preachers

Preach the Word.
Reach the Heart.

Great preaching doesn't require a big platform. It takes a faithful commitment to Scripture and a clear process for communicating it. Join a four-week workshop built for those who want to sharpen their skills preaching God's Word.

Explore the founding cohort See what you'll learn ↓
Four live workshopsPersonal feedbackOnly 4–6 pastors
The Preaching Lab emblem featuring an open Bible and rays of light
Faithful exposition. Clear communication. Practical application.
FOUNDING COHORT • TARGETING JANUARY 2027Four weeks · Live online · $149 one-time tuition · Dates to be confirmed
Built for the pastor in the trenches

Sunday comes around every week.

You love God's Word. You love your people. But in the middle of work, family, hospital visits, counseling, and ministry, sermon preparation can feel overwhelming.

You don't need another intimidating academic lecture or a formula for sounding like someone else. You need a practical approach you can return to week after week.

✓ Find the central message of the text.
✓ Build sermons that are clear and connected.
✓ Make application concrete and biblical.
✓ Communicate with confidence and conviction.
“The goal isn't to make you preach like someone else. It's to help you preach God's Word more faithfully and clearly to the people He's entrusted to you.”
The four-week journey

A better process for your next sermon.

Bring a passage you're preparing to preach. Across four interactive workshops, you'll work through the process of moving from biblical text to a faithful, compelling sermon.

WEEK 01

Find the Big Idea

Study the context, follow the author's argument, and identify the central theological message of your passage.

Takeaway: Big Idea Worksheet
WEEK 02

Build a Sermon That Flows

Shape a clear introduction, text-driven points, natural transitions, and a conclusion that serves the message.

Takeaway: Sermon Blueprint
WEEK 03

Make Application Connect

Move from explanation to specific, gospel-shaped responses. Use illustrations that illuminate rather than distract.

Takeaway: Application Builder
WEEK 04

Preach with Conviction

Strengthen delivery, clarity, pacing, and pastoral tone. Leave with an actionable plan for continued growth.

Takeaway: Preaching Growth Plan
More than another webinar

Tools you'll actually use on Monday.

Designed for busy pastors: work on the sermon you're already preparing instead of adding another heavy course to your calendar.

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Four live, 75-minute sessions

Practical teaching, real discussion, and time to apply each concept.

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Participant workbook

Reusable worksheets and a repeatable weekly sermon-building framework.

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Personal outline evaluation

One private, constructive written evaluation of your sermon outline.

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Session recordings

Review the teaching portions if you need to revisit an idea.

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A real sermon by the end

Work on an upcoming passage and leave with a developed sermon outline.

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Fellowship with other pastors

A small group learning together—not an anonymous online class.

Dr. Josh Schmidt headshot
Meet your instructor

Dr. Josh Schmidt

Senior Pastor · Doctor of Ministry in Christian Leadership

I know what it's like to prepare sermons week after week while shepherding a congregation, leading a ministry, and caring for a family.

The Preaching Lab exists to come alongside pastors with practical tools to help them communicate the Word of God faithfully and effectively. I'm not interested in teaching you to sound like me. I want to help you become a clearer, more confident preacher of the Word.

“The Word is sufficient. Our calling is to handle it faithfully.”

A small investment in a weekly calling

Better tools. More confidence. Same gospel.

We are keeping the first cohort intentionally small so every pastor can ask questions, participate, and receive meaningful feedback.

Whether you are preaching every Sunday or preparing for a new ministry assignment, this workshop is designed to strengthen your process—not manufacture a personality.

This is training, not a guarantee of church growth, ministry outcomes, or improved attendance.

The Preaching Lab: Foundations

Founding cohort

4–6 pastors
$149 / one-time

Proposed January 2027 cohort. Dates and enrollment are not yet finalized.

✓ 4 interactive weekly sessions
✓ Downloadable sermon preparation workbook
✓ Four practical assignments
✓ One private outline evaluation
✓ Teaching session recordings
Request enrollment details →

No payment will be collected on this preview website.

Questions pastors ask

Frequently asked questions

No. This is a practical workshop for pastors and ministry leaders with varying educational backgrounds. Come ready to learn and practice.
No. The approach assumes a high view of Scripture and a commitment to biblical, Christ-centered preaching. Pastors from other evangelical traditions who share those convictions are welcome.
Plan on approximately an hour each week beyond the live session. The assignments use an upcoming sermon, so much of the effort integrates with preparation you're already doing.
You'll have an opportunity to practice a brief introduction in a supportive environment. Private written feedback is provided on one outline. The aim is constructive growth, not public criticism.
Teaching portions will be recorded for enrolled participants. Live attendance is strongly encouraged because interaction is a central part of the workshop.
Not yet. January 2027 is the target launch window. Exact dates, time zone, and registration details will be confirmed before any payments are accepted.