Life Pacific University is thrilled to announce the establishment of the McPherson Preaching Institute (MPI). MPI’s mission is to train preachers with a Pentecostal ethos, emphasizing relevance and contemporary insight, foster a comprehensive community that is intercultural, intergenerational, and interdenominational, empowering men and women to engage diverse audiences with authenticity and innovation.

LPU has chosen to name its preaching institute the McPherson Preaching Institute in honor of Sister Aimee Semple McPherson, a pioneer of Pentecostal evangelism known for her dynamic preaching style. By using her last name as the namesake, the institute aims to embody a broader perspective of Pentecostal preaching that transcends denominational boundaries. This approach allows for a focus on developing Pentecostal preaching resources while also engaging in broader conversations on doctrinally sound, culturally relevant, interdenominational, and evangelistic preaching.

“Aimee Semple McPherson was one of the most influential preachers in history. She thrived in the tension between being Spirit-Filled, culturally relevant, and Biblically sound. Naming this institute in her honor inspires us to walk in those same spaces while we honor her legacy and also look to a future where well-equipped preachers will be needed as much if not more than ever!”, says Dr. Tim Lee, the Chair of Theology and Ministry.

The creation of MPI comes on the heels of a significant grant received by LPU from Lilly Endowment, Inc. as part of their Compelling Preaching Initiative (link to article about receiving this grant). This grant, earmarked for the development of the McPherson Preaching Institute and the MPI Preaching Conference, reflects LPU’s commitment to cultivating compelling Pentecostal preachers in the modern world.

“The Preaching Institute is a core component for the formation of present and future preachers. We need more leaders mentored and equipped to communicate the Word of God in clear and powerful ways. We need preachers in pulpits and online communities, we need preachers in schools and all spheres of society. I am excited to for what this means for our students but also what this means for the Kingdom!” shares Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Life Pacific University, a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled institution founded in 1923, has long been dedicated to equipping individuals for evangelical and missionary roles within the Church and beyond. With the support of the Compelling Preaching Grant, LPU is poised to deepen its engagement in this mission, focusing specifically on the vital art of preaching.

Dr. Jeff Tolle, the Dean of Theology and Ministry, excitedly affirms, “The McPherson Preaching Institute will allow us to reach diverse audiences with accessible, high-quality resources from seasoned leaders in the Kingdom. We are thrilled for the opportunity to foster community and connections to empower current and future preachers in art of Gospel communication for the glory of God”

The Compelling Preaching Initiative at LPU is structured around three core activities: Community, Content, and Conferences. Through the establishment of the McPherson Preaching Institute, LPU aims to cultivate a vibrant community of mentors and mentees, fostering collaboration and growth among preachers. Simultaneously, the creation of a digital content hub, the Ministry Toolkit, will provide preachers with a wealth of resources ranging from articles and podcasts to instructional videos, empowering them to enhance their preaching skills.

Furthermore, the annual MPI Preaching Conference will serve as a focal point for training and inspiration, bringing together preachers from diverse backgrounds to sharpen their skills and deepen their understanding of Scripture-centered, culturally engaging preaching.

The inaugural MPI Preaching Conference is coming this October 26th. This year’s theme is Preaching for Unity with keynote speaker, Foursquare President Randy Remington. Register now!

Updates on MPI coming soon – stay tuned.

Learn more about LPU here.