Praxis at Nazarene Theological Seminary

06/04/2026

Forgiveness is central to Christian preaching, but it must be handled with care.

This workshop will help pastors think carefully about how sermons on forgiveness are heard by those carrying trauma, abuse and deep wounds.

Through theology, Scripture, and practical examples, this session offers wise pastoral guidance for preaching to those who have been sinned against.

Don’t miss this Preachers’ Conference workshop by Rev. Dr. Diane Leclerc, a theologian, preacher, and longtime professor whose work includes theology, holiness, and pastoral care shaped by real conversations with those who have experienced religious harm.

Learn more → www.nts.edu/preach

05/28/2026

Dr. Lamar Hardwick blessed the NTS community at the 2025 Preachers' Conference with his wisdom, insights, and homiletical skill. He was a gifted preacher of the Word and will be deeply missed.

With sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Lamar Hardwick, also known as the Autism Pastor, after a difficult journey with cancer. Dr. Hardwick was a champion of disability ministry, respected preacher and pastor to many. We ask that members of our community hold his wife and her family in our prayers. May God's grace forever shine on the legacy of Dr. Hardwick who graced us with his wisdom and passion.

05/28/2026

What does healing look like when someone has been pushed to the edges of community?

At Preachers’ Conference 2026, Dr. Brad Strawn will preach from Mark 5:1–20 in a message titled The Howling Man, exploring what this powerful story reveals about trauma, belonging and the church’s role in healing.

Drawing from his work at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he teaches at the intersection of psychology and theology, Strawn will invite us to consider why Jesus restores people not only to wholeness, but back into community.

05/24/2026

A prayer for Pentecost Sunday: O Saviour of the world, God of Gods, light of light, you who are the brightness of your Father’s glory, the express image of his person; you who have destroyed the power of the devil, who have overcome death, “who sits at the right hand of the Father”; you will speedily come down in your Father’s glory to judge all men according to their works.

Be my light and my peace; destroy the power of the devil in me, and make me a new creature. You who cast seven devils out of Mary Magdalene, cast out of my heart all corrupt affections. You who raised Lazarus from the dead, raise me from the death of sin. You who cleansed the lepers, healed the sick, and gave sight to the blind, heal the diseases of my soul; open my eyes, and fix them singly on the prize of my high calling, and cleanse my heart from every desire but that of advancing your glory. - John Wesley

05/21/2026

Pastors are carrying more than ever.

Communities are too.

Preachers’ Conference 2026 is designed to help ministry leaders respond with theological wisdom, emotional awareness and practical care.

Early registration is now open.

Reserve your place early and join us for two days of teaching, worship, preaching and practical ministry conversation.

Sept. 22–23.



Nazarene Theological Seminary

05/14/2026

How do we preach difficult texts faithfully when people in our congregations are carrying deep wounds?

This workshop will explore how trauma studies can illuminate biblical interpretation and help pastors teach sensitive passages with greater care.

Led by Dr. Brad Kelle and Dr. Jenny Matheny, this workshop brings together two respected biblical scholars whose work helps the church read Scripture with greater care in complex times.

Dr. Kelle, professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, writes extensively on trauma, moral injury, violence and biblical interpretation. Dr. Matheny, associate professor at Truett Seminary at Baylor University, is known for her work in Old Testament theology and creating thoughtful spaces for theological dialogue and formation.

Using narrative and poetry as examples, this session offers practical wisdom for preaching Scripture in ways that acknowledge pain without losing hope.

Learn more → www.nts.edu/preach

05/13/2026

The Season after Pentecost begins May 25, 2026.

This long season invites the church into steady discipleship, growth, and Spirit-formed witness.

To watch the full Preaching Pentecost video with Rev. Megan Pardue, Rev. Danny Quanstrom, and Dr. Timothy Brooks, subscribe to Praxis Studio: ntspraxis.org/subscribe

05/12/2026

The Christian faith does not avoid trauma.

It begins in the wounds of Christ.

At Preachers’ Conference 2026, we will explore how the church can become a place of deeper understanding, wiser preaching and safer care for people carrying visible and invisible wounds.

This conversation is not theoretical. It is pastoral, practical and urgently needed.

Join us Sept. 22–23.

Registration is now open.



Nazarene Theological Seminary

05/07/2026

What does faithful ministry look like when people carry wounds we cannot always see?

At Preachers’ Conference 2026, our keynote speaker, Dr. David Wang, will help frame this year’s theme, Trauma-Informed Ministry: Preaching Care in Our Churches & Communities, through theology, psychology and pastoral wisdom.

A professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, licensed psychologist and pastor, Wang’s work focuses on trauma, clergy mental health and the formation of emotionally healthy leaders.

His keynote begins with a profound truth: even after resurrection, the wounds of Christ remain visible.

At this year’s conference, he will help us explore how Christ’s death and resurrection shape a trauma-informed vision for ministry today.



Nazarene Theological Seminary

04/30/2026

Practicing Paraclesis begins next week.

Three sessions designed to help pastors and church leaders cultivate practices of shared discernment, encouragement, and spiritual attentiveness in congregational life.

📅 May 6, 13, 20
⏰ 12 PM CDT
💻 Zoom Events

Register here → ntspraxis.org/paraclesis