The Robert Smith Jr. Preaching Institute

Preaching is ushering the hearer by the Word of God into the presence of Christ, the Son of God, through the power of the Spirit of God for the purpose of transformation.—Dr. Robert Smith, Jr.

The Robert Smith Jr. Preaching Institute at Beeson Divinity School exists to serve and strengthen the whole person in relation to God, the church, other preachers and the world for faithful proclamation of God’s Word. It seeks to do this by increasing knowledge and understanding as a preacher, deepening formation as a Christian and preacher, and strengthening competence and skill in the practice of preaching.

The Robert Smith Jr. Preaching Institute began in fall 2018 and is named in honor of longtime Beeson faculty member and renowned preacher Dr. Robert Smith Jr., the former Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity.

The Robert Smith Jr. Preaching Institute is funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.

The institute is part of a Christian, Protestant, evangelical and interdenominational divinity school that is founded upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the historic Christian faith. Beeson is committed to orthodoxy, the full inspiration and total truthfulness of Holy Scripture, and the theological principles characterized in the Protestant Reformation. The school is likewise interdenominational, welcoming and celebrating denominational diversity within our faculty and student body.

The institute is deeply committed to personal, face-to-face ministry and education. Therefore, it is intentional about serving pastors in person.

The institute takes a holistic approach, focusing simultaneously on both the person (preacher) and the work (preaching).

Focusing on the “way of the preacher” offers strength and encouragement to the whole person in relation to God, the church, peers and the world.—Dr. Mike Pasquarello

Spirit and Power Project

Preaching Conference

Upcoming Events

Program Manager, Spirit and Power Project

Brady Graves

bgraves1@samford.edu

205-726-2162

Programs Administrator

Victoria Graves

vbradfor@samford.edu

205-726-2337

Events

The Robert Smith Jr. Preaching Institute offers several events throughout the year aimed at improving the preaching of both students and members of the community.

Preaching Institute Event Archive

Spirit and Power Project Preaching Lunch and Learn with Reginald Calvert

February 19, 12:25 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.

Beeson Divinity School - N101

The Spirit and Power Preaching Project invites you to a Preaching Lunch and Learn workshop with Reginald Calvert of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Bessemer. Calvert (DMin '14) will speak about how the Holy Spirit empowers the preaching during both the sermon preparation process and the sermon delivery. Complimentary lunches are provided to all who register.

Reserve a Spot

Student-Led Worship Service

February 26, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Meadow Brook Baptist Church | 4984 Meadow Brook Road, Birmingham, AL 35242

Join us at Meadow Brook Baptist Church for a special student-led worship service! Beeson student John Mark Haase will preach.

Spirit and Power Project Preaching Lunch & Learn with David Eldridge

March 19, 12:25 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.

Beeson Divinity School - N101

The Spirit and Power Preaching Project invites you to a Preaching Lunch and Learn workshop with David Eldridge of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood. Eldridge (MDiv '04) will offer wisdom and guidance for aspiring and growing preachers. Complimentary lunches are provided to all who register.

Reserve a Spot

Student-Led Worship Service

April 2, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Brookwood Baptist Church | 3449 Overton Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223

Join our students for a special student-led worship service at Brookwood Baptist Church!

Student-Led Worship Service

April 23, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

FBC Birmingham | 2209 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209

Join our students for a special student-led worship service at FBC Birmingham!

2025 Beeson Preaching Conference

July 15, 3 p.m. – July 17, 12 p.m.

Beeson Divinity School

Join us for our 2025 Preaching Conference, featuring a keynote speaker, great preachers and various workshops!

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