Dr. Frank Thomas is one of the leading voices in African American homiletics and a significant figure in the Disciples tradition’s engagement with preaching as both a scholarly discipline and an ecclesial practice. His work at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) in Indianapolis, where he teaches homiletics and directs the Compelling Preaching Initiative, has shaped how a generation of preachers understands what preaching is and what it can do. He is also the host of the Legacy Preaching Series, an ongoing collection of conversations with renowned preachers on the craft and theology of proclamation.

This sermon represents both a model of preaching and an opportunity to encounter the practice of one of the tradition’s most distinguished homileticians. Disciples ministers at any stage of their preaching formation will find watching Dr. Thomas instructive.

Dr. Thomas teaches homiletics and is the director of the Compelling Preaching Initiative at Christian Theological Seminary.

Recorded at the 2024 Disciples Preaching Retreat

You might also find helpful:

• Legacy Preaching Series — A collection of video interviews on compelling preaching with renowned preachers, hosted by Dr. Thomas and produced by the Compelling Preaching Initiative at CTS.
• Sermon: Rev. Bekah Krevens — A fellow 2024 Disciples Preaching Retreat sermon from the pastor of Foothills Christian Church in Phoenix.
• Sermon: Rev. Jorge Cotto — A 2024 retreat sermon from a pastor and new church planting coach in Coral Gables, Florida.
• Preacher Panel Discussion: Disciples Preaching Retreat 2025 — Featured preachers discuss manuscript preaching, scripture engagement, and AI in a candid behind-the-scenes conversation.