Bay Area Academy of Responsible Preaching (BAARP)

Our program serves diverse individuals answering their call to preach effectively:

• Novice preachers seeking strong foundations in homiletics
• Experienced ministers looking to sharpen their preaching skills
• Community leaders who need to communicate with authority and purpose
• Individuals passionate about addressing today's challenges through biblical preaching
• Those seeking affordable, accessible theological education focused on preaching

The Certificate in Preaching is a comprehensive one-year program offering 24 units of credit divided into:

• Four quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer)
• One intensive intersession
• Practical application and mentorship

Quarter 1 (Fall)

• Introduction to Biblical Exegesis
• Preaching Sermons that Matter

Quarter 2 (Winter)

• Preaching on Liberation
• Preaching that Reaches the Next Generation

Intersession

• Preaching Intensive

Quarter 3 (Spring)

• Elective 1
• Elective 2

Quarter 4 (Summer)

• Elective 3

Electives/Lectures

• The Psychology of Preaching
• Theology of Preaching
• Preaching Eulogies That Live and Other Special Occasions
• Preaching and Pastoral Care
• Social Justice Preaching

Our program believes that preaching should be responsible in:

• What is preached (biblical exegesis)
• How it is preached (homiletics)
• To whom it is preached (inclusive community)
• Whom has called us to preach (theology)

This approach leads to preaching that addresses contemporary challenges while remaining grounded in the historical and theological traditions of the Christian church.

Our program delivers both scholarly depth and practical application through courses taught by faculty who are both accomplished scholars and practicing preachers. The curriculum bridges academic theory with pulpit practice, focusing on theological understanding alongside contemporary relevance.

Upon completion of the Certificate in Preaching, you will be able to:

• Develop and deliver sermons with biblical integrity and contemporary relevance
• Apply responsible exegetical methods to scripture interpretation
• Address complex social and theological issues with confidence and clarity
• Reach diverse audiences across generational and cultural lines
• Connect scholarly understanding with the practical demands of preaching
• Transform personal passion into structured, impactful sermons