The year 2025 has marked a remarkable season of growth, innovation, and spiritual fruitfulness for the McPherson Preaching Institute (MPI). Rooted in the legacy of Sister Aimee Semple McPherson and committed to empowering Pentecostal preaching for the Church today, MPI has continued to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and equip pastors, leaders, and students to step boldly into the power of God. Through the three Cs of our Compelling Preaching Grant, Community, Conference, and Content, MPI aims to make a wider impact on students, pastors, and the Church.

“What excites me most about MPI is the heart to resource and equip leaders and emerging leaders, while creating a trusted space where the voices of renowned leaders are shared, stewarded, and preserved, so their wisdom continues to shape lives and advance the Kingdom for generations to come”, says Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University

COMMUNITY

One of the most exciting developments this year was the launch of new micro-certificate offerings designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s ministry leaders. MPI introduced focused micro-certificates in Women and Ministry Leadership and The Art of Preaching, providing accessible, theologically rich, and practically grounded formation for those serving in diverse ministry contexts. Alongside these programs, MPI hosted its very first online webinar, extending its reach beyond physical walls and creating new opportunities for learning, connection, and spiritual growth.

At the heart of MPI’s mission is mentoring the next generation of preachers, and 2025 proved to be a banner year for this calling. More than a dozen ministry students were mentored in preaching, receiving intentional coaching, theological formation, and real-world ministry experience. In partnership with outstanding Foursquare pastors and churches throughout the region, these students were invited to preach from the pulpit, an invaluable affirmation of calling and a formative step in their development as faithful proclaimers of the gospel.

Dr. Tim Lee, Chair of Theology & Ministry at LPU and MPI Mentor, shares, “The Mentorship program goes far beyond teaching about preaching and gives students a chance to gain meaningful time in the pulpit while gleaning the wisdom of those who have been preaching for years.”

CONTENT

This year also marked a significant contribution Pentecostal pastoral resources with the launch of two micro-certificates in Women in Leadership and Art of Preaching, preaching Quick Talks, mini-lectures, and more. MPI successfully digitized dozens of sermons by Sister Aimee Semple McPherson, ensuring that her voice, theology, and Spirit-empowered preaching continue to shape future generations. These historic sermons will be added to the MPI Ministry Toolkit in 2026, offering pastors, leaders, and students unprecedented access to one of Pentecostalism’s most influential preachers. One of the most influential partnerships was the signing of an MOU partnership with Foursquare Scholars Fellowship to allow the MPI Ministry Toolkit to be a part of the Foursquare Scholars Fellowship members, as well as FSF’s scholarly journal Quadrum to be available on the Ministry Toolkit as a resource.

The Ministry Toolkit itself has continued to grow in both depth and reach and is has undergone a comprehensive upgrade to better serve the community. The updated toolkit is enhanced with new resources, improved functionality, and the Sister Aimee Semple McPherson sermon archive and is available now at mcphersonpreaching.org.

Dean of the School of Theology & Ministry and Director of MPI, Dr. Jeff Tolle, writes “MPI advanced on multiple fronts in 2025. We hosted our second annual preaching conference, we trained new young adult preachers, and we continued expanding our online toolkit to resource pastors. During our conference, I was touched by the visible impact I saw on people’s faces as they responded to the messages by Bishop Ulmer. As MPI has been setting the foundation and moving towards expansion, we continue to realize that the need is great and that the Lord has positioned us to be a valuable resource to our Pentecostal community. Our best days are ahead!”.

CONFERENCE

A defining highlight of the year was the Second Annual MPI Preaching Conference, which welcomed hundreds of pastors and leaders for a powerful gathering centered on preaching, leadership, and faithful public witness. Hosted alongside Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, Dr. Melissa Archer, and Debra Fileta, MA, LPC, the conference offered rich teaching, meaningful dialogue, and Spirit-filled encouragement. Building on this momentum, MPI has already announced the date and theme for next year’s conference: Saturday, October 17, titled “The Pulpit and the Public Square.” Mark your calendars and save the date for what promises to be another impactful conference.

Through the continued growth of its online ministry, the successful expansion of its mentoring program, the launch of new educational pathways, and the hosting of transformative conferences, MPI remains steadfast in its mission to empower and engage pastors, leaders, and students in Pentecostal preaching.

“Seeing the doors MPI has opened for young leaders, the value it’s brought to our seasoned leaders, and the impact the Church has experienced through the voices of Pentecostal preaching has been priceless. The Lord is using MPI in such a special way even now and I’m thrilled to see how this institute will continue to grow and bless our Foursquare family and beyond” says Meagan Lord, MA, MPI Program Coordinator.

As the McPherson Preaching Institute continues to grow in the legacy of Sister Aimee Semple McPherson who boldly proclaiming the gospel and trusted in the power of God, that the successes of 2025 stand as both a celebration and a promise. With deep gratitude for what God has already done and great expectation for what lies ahead, MPI looks forward with faith and anticipation to the years to come.