Letter from the Dean

Thank you for visiting the ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program web site!

As Saint Paul writes, "I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers" (Ephesians 1:16). Although we may not have met, I do give thanks for you and your ministry of preaching the Gospel. I do not cease to give thanks for the faithfulness with which dedicated pastors and preachers approach their calling to proclaim Jesus Christ. I do not cease to give thanks that pastors and preachers take their calling and vocation so seriously that they seek to grow in their preaching. With these dedicated pastors in mind, I am delighted to tell you a bit about the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS).

Each summer 80-100 preachers from across the denominational spectrum and, increasingly, from around the world gather in Chicago for a three week residency of courses, camaraderie, worship, hard work and serious fun. Participants are joined by some of the leading teachers of preaching in the nation. Elsewhere on this web site you can find out who is teaching in our program. Outstanding voices in homiletics tell us they teach in our program because our participants are energetic and engaging.

Participants leave Chicago with specific goals for their preaching. Working with a group from their ministry setting, they spend the next year carrying out a preaching project that is integral to their ministry setting's life and mission, so that doctoral work is grounded in and not an addendum to their ministry. In fact, many participants report that the best part of their experience is the way this program invigorates their congregation.

This website is loaded with information about our program. If you seek personal, spiritual and professional renewal, collegial relationships that are not competitive, an ecumenical context in which to learn, and ways to expand your homiletic toolbox, I invite you to consider our program. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

Thanks so much for proclaiming the Gospel and equipping the saints for the sake of the world!

Peace,

The Rev. Craig A. Satterlee, Ph.D.
Dean of the Program

Craig A. Satterlee is professor of homiletics at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and Dean of the ACTS D.Min. in Preaching Program. He is the author of numerous books on preaching and worship. Dr. Satterlee's current research interest is the role of preaching and stewardship. Visit his website at www.craigasatterlee.com.