
Welcome to the Lay Preaching: Called to Preach. This course is specially designed for lay preachers and aims to guide you through the thoughtful process of preaching – from becoming a preacher to creating and presenting sermons to evaluating sermons. By the end of the course you will have reflected upon all aspects of the preaching process, and be prepared to preach in your local congregation. Here you will find support, resources and encouragement as you learn to preach and hone your skills.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this workshop, participants will
- Develop a sense of self as a preacher
- Explore the Bible for personal devotion and engage it for the craft of preaching
- Discern the context where one preaches and understand the needs of the hearers
- Confidently speak about God publicly
- Reflect on all aspects of the preaching process
About Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis

Sarah Travis is the Associate Professor, Ewart Chair in the Practice of Ministry and Faith Formation at Knox College and has been teaching at Knox since 2012.
Sarah is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and currently serves as part-time minister at Norval Presbyterian Church. Her primary areas of research and teaching are preaching, worship and the practice of ministry. From decolonizing worship practices to trauma-informed preaching, Sarah has published several books aimed at facilitating a conversation among Christians about topics that matter for the church today. She is a 2023 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Teacher-Scholar Grant recipient, exploring how playful theologies can enhance the worship and self-identity of very small congregations.
About Ministry Forum
Ministry Forum is a space where faith, community, and leadership converge. We are a vibrant and inclusive online platform hosted by Knox College, University of Toronto, dedicated to serving current and aspiring Christian ministry leaders. Our community is as diverse as the ministries we represent, encompassing students, alumni, pastors, psychotherapists, chaplains, and those passionate about spreading the Good News in whatever ministry context they find themselves.
Our identity is rooted in the belief that ministry is not a solitary journey; it's a collective effort. We are a fellowship that values authenticity, fosters connections, and celebrates diversity. Here, you'll find a safe space to explore, share, and grow in your faith, leadership, and ministry.
Our mission is to empower ministry leaders to thrive. We do this by curating valuable resources, facilitating thought-provoking discussions, and offering spaces to gather both online and in person. Through recommended reading, podcasts, the curation of lifelong learning opportunities, and much more, we hope to provide our community with a wealth of insights to enhance their ministry.