As a Learning Church, preaching at Epiphany is a collaborative effort. Every Tuesday, the preaching team—clergy, various staff, and one rotating parishioner—meets for an hour in what we call the Sermon Review:
- 30 minutes to critique the sermon from the previous Sunday.
- 30 minutes to plan the sermon to be preached in twelve days.
The preacher assigned comes prepared with ideas for their sermon, and the team then asks: What’s interesting and challenging about this text? What’s going on at Epiphany? What’s going on in the world? Through group discernment and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, this is the heart of where Epiphany’s brand of Christianity is worked out.
A different parishioner joins each week—not just to observe, but to bring their own life and perspective into the text. As one participant put it: “It was a privilege to participate, and so interesting to see the thoughtful discussion and work that goes into making the wonderful sermons at Epiphany.” If you haven’t had the opportunity and would like to take part in one of these meetings, please reach out to Kelli Martin at kellimartinedits@gmail.com.
After these group reviews, and before a sermon is ever preached on Sunday, it’s tested out loud one more time: on the Tuesday or Wednesday before, the preacher delivers it from the pulpit to Epiphany’s Communications Director, who gives feedback on structure, tone, and thematic continuity with Epiphany’s “voice” over time.
And the process doesn’t end there! On Sunday, a final written draft goes to the Parish Life Minister, who prints copies for the back of the church for those who want to follow along or read again afterward, as well as to the A/V Minister, who uploads the text and video recording online. We also very regularly share clips of especially poignant messages on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. You can find the full Sermon Library, with an archive going back to 2012, at EpiphanySeattle.org/sermons.