How do you account for transformation in the sermon writing process?

“Transformation is an outcome most preachers desire, but is only realized when it begins in themselves first. Stephanie’s approach is not simply another model to be learned, it is an experience to be lived. She embodies a life that has been enlivened by the scriptures that will invite you to do the same.”

Austin Penn, Senior Pastor at Community Covenant Church, Osage City, KS

“Stephanie led us through her formational experience of preparing sermons. Through lectio divina, we were guided on how to craft sermons through reflective questions. This invites us into a posture of listening rather than producing. This was a life-giving practice for me and the cohort. ”

Claire Nicholson McClun, ECC Ordained Minister 

Stephanie crafts engaging story-form sermons that solidly connect biblical theology with the lived experience of the congregation. Her deep yet practical style is a rare gift that leaves you expecting transformation.

Anthony Clerkin, Senior Pastor at Hope Covenant Church, El Dorado, KS

Not just information, Stephanie’s approach to preaching deals with the whole process of preaching which should be transformational for both speaker and listener. And to experience this in a cohort just confirmed the strength of the process.

Lynn Black, Associate Pastor at Countryside Covenant Church, McPherson, KS

4-Fold Approach

“Accounting for transformation in sermon writing and preparation doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing or stressful. It’s my desire that each of us as pastors develop a process that feeds our soul. Because the power of the gospel is not in how we process it, but in how it processes us.”

-Stephanie Nelson, Transformative Preaching

” Stephanie has much to offer anyone who is honing their craft of preaching. She does an excellent job of logically and creatively approaching the art of preaching. The text will come alive, and you will find that not only will you prepare an engaging sermon that is tailored for your context but in the process, you will be transformed.”

Patty Thompson, Director of Leadership and Prayer, Midwest Conference and retired pastor

“Pastor Stephanie shares from a deep well of experience preaching to a variety of audiences. Her authentic approach to the craft of preaching will deepen your connection with God and improve your skills. She is a beautiful example of pastoral ministry that flows from her personal walk with God paired with a deep theological understanding of preaching.” 

Mary Peterson, Senior Pastor at Providence Church, Nederland, TX

Transformative Preaching is a six-week course, involving 1 _^1/2 hour sessions that meet online.

Week One: What is Transformative Preaching?

In our first session, I’ll take us through understanding what transformation looks like when we are the one who transforms. Laying a foundation for what change is, for both the preacher and the congregation member, develops healthy expectations for yourself and your congregation


Week Two: Transformation for the Preacher
Week Two explores how making some a few simple changes in your own sermon prep can lay the foundation for your own heart to be changed.

Week Three: The Sermon Framework (Part 1)
In the 3rd session, we begin to unpack the sermon framework that I’ve developed that helps keep us on track as we study and preparation, as well as helping you narrow the focus on the point the Holy Spirit wants you to proclaim for your church. We’ll explore the first two parts of this four-part framework.

Week Four: The Sermon Framework (Part 2)
Week Four focuses on last two parts of the sermon framework, and we dive deep into the ways the framework begins the transformation process for the congregation.

Week Five: Using Your Story
As preachers, we understand the power of story; Jesus first modeled that for us. But how can we use our own stories as part of the transformation process? Connection. During week five, we’ll unpack what the power of connection does to aid in transformation – both for us and for our congregations.

Week Six: On the Balcony
Week Six brings together all the pieces we’ve learned to to see the big picture – getting off the dance floor and up on the balcony to see a bird’s eye view of what we’ve put together. I’ll also teach one of the best trick: finding the right sermon illustration. This sometimes feels like it can take forever, so I’ll teach you a simple trick to cut down on what often feels like an endless search.

Each weekly meeting will have a time for Q & A at the end of the session, so I can help you process and unpack what you’ve learned, and assess where you are at in understanding the process. I’ve designed this time to give you as many tools as I can, and then want to leave room for that time to be for you as the learner and your specific needs as a preacher.

In addition to the weekly meetings, each participant is offered two one-on-one session with me, where the agenda is yours to help you in the process anything you want from the course.

In addition, there is bonus content available, which includes:

— Helping you create a sermon writing schedule.

— How to pick a passage and develop a sermon series (and how transformation plays a part in this).

— Discussion group on Stephanie’s favorite excerpts/chapters from different books on pastoring and preaching.

Bonus content is available for a cost of $50.

“I’ve been in church for over 50 years, and I never understood what I was missing until I heard Stephanie preach the gospel.”

Nancy Hofmann, congregation member