International Sermon Studies Association

The International Sermon Studies Association is a multidisciplinary and interfaith organization, bringing scholars and practitioners together to discuss sermon texts and the art of preaching from a variety of academic and religious perspectives.

The association was formed out of the Center for Sermon Studies, founded in 2014, as a service to Marshall University faculty and students, members of faith communities in the tri-state area, and researchers around the world.

For more information:
Dr. William Skiles
Associate Professor of History
1000 Regent University Dr., RH 321i
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
wskiles@regent.edu

Board Members

Executive Committee

Keith Francis, Arete Education and Event Services

Andy Reed, Brigham Young University

William Skiles, Regent University

Advisory Board

Rachel Cope, Brigham Young University

Robert Ellison, Marshall University

Mark Fulk, Buffalo State University

Paul Kerry, Brigham Young University

Patricia McKee, The Universalist Church of West Hartford

Conferences

The International Sermon Studies Association hosts two conferences in 2026, both themed “Preaching at the Milestones.” Call for paper proposals are now open.

Registration links are not yet available, please check back later.

International Conference — Berlin, Germany

July 2–4, 2026 | Berlin, Germany

Call for Papers Deadline: May 31, 2026

The 2026 international conference explores how preachers across faith traditions — Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam — observe or commemorate significant dates in civic and religious history. The theme draws on milestones such as the 25th anniversary of September 11, the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, and others.

Proposals are welcomed for single papers, complete panels, workshops, and interactive training sessions. Papers in German are especially welcome given the conference location. Junior and first-time presenters are encouraged to apply.

Proposals should include a title, a 250–350 word abstract, and a biographical overview with contact information. Panel proposals should include the above for each presenter plus a panel title and moderator contact.

Submit proposals to arete@arete-excellence.com

Download the Call for Papers (PDF)

Registration: Links are not available yet, please check back later.

North America Conference — Walnut Creek, California

September 17–19, 2026 | Renaissance Hotel, Walnut Creek, California

Call for Papers Deadline: July 31, 2026

The 2026 North American conference shares the “Preaching at the Milestones” theme, welcoming proposals that explore how preachers across faith traditions mark significant civic and religious anniversaries. Topics can be grounded in any faith tradition, time period, or geographical location. Junior and first-time presenters are especially encouraged.

Proposals are welcomed for single papers, complete panels, and workshops/interactive training sessions.

Submit proposals to arete@arete-excellence.com

Download the Call for Papers (PDF)

Registration: Links are not available yet, please check back later.

Journal

Sermon Studies is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that published its first article in January 2017. It is operated under the auspices of the Center for Sermon Studies and the Marshall University Library, and is powered by Digital Commons, the software that is used for some 300 other peer-reviewed journals hosted by universities around the world. It will employ the model of continuous publication, where articles are published immediately upon final acceptance and aggregated into online issues semi-annually or quarterly.

Please visit the Sermon Studies website for additional information about its aims and scope, editorial policies, and submission guidelines.

Become a Member

Interested in becoming members of the organization?

Joining the International Sermon Studies Association offers a unique opportunity to engage with a global community of scholars, pastors, and students passionate about the study and delivery of sermons. Through collaborative research, enriching dialogue, and access to valuable resources, members are empowered to deepen their understanding of homiletics across diverse cultural and theological contexts.

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