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Chicago Course on Preaching

We believe that the proclamation of God’s Word is the most important task of the Church.

This means it matters very much how his people are trained to preach. Our aim is to develop men and women who are highly skilled in handling God’s Word and training others to do the same. Our desire is to see you shaped, in mind and soul, for God’s glory and the good of Christ’s body.

Start Your Application or learn more about The CCP Intensives for Men The CCP Intensives For Women

The Chicago Course on Preaching is a residential program that will deepen your abilities to read and preach the Bible. It is designed to delve into every aspect of expositional preaching, from exegesis to theological reflection to persuasion. Our goal is simple: provide the best practical, skill-based training in preaching found anywhere, taught by seasoned preachers from around the world.

During your time at the Course, you will spend as much time on instruction as on practice. Here, you will be prepared in multiple disciplines necessary for faithful preaching and teaching. This preparation includes:

  1. Gaining tools to interpret passages across all biblical genres
  2. Examining the means of effective communication and persuasion
  3. Instilling ministry convictions necessary to engage in a lifetime of expositional preaching and teaching
  4. Considering how the disciplines of Biblical and Systematic theology are utilized in preaching and teaching
  5. Studying and analyzing preachers throughout the history of the Church
  6. Delivering 244 worksheets and dozens of sermons to fellow students and instructors with substantial feedback. Note — You can see what our preaching lab is like by watching students go Under Fire.

For a look at the day to day schedule, check out the Curriculum Calendar for 2025/26.

In short answer, yes! We designed this program to serve:

  1. Those who are discerning whether expositional ministry is for them before entering into vocational ministry or doing formal theological training.
  2. Those who have finished formal theological training and desire further practice, training, and development in preaching before entering vocational ministry.
  3. Those presently in ministry who aspire to grow in their skills and understanding of expositional preaching and teaching.

The program is completely residential here in Chicago. There are no online options.

Students have two options available:

  1. Two-Year Track: Students are part-time from September to June (Mon-Tues year one, Thurs-Fri year two)
  2. One-Year Track: Students are full-time from September to June (Mon-Tues and Thurs-Fri in one year)

Note — If you live outside of the United States or are a full-time pastor, there may be other options available. Please contact the Director, Jeremy Meeks, for more information (jmeeks@simeontrust.org)

Our calendar follows the local academic year, and we are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis. Students can begin at the start of any term.

Absolutely. We encourage any and all who are interested to sit in for a day or two. This includes potential students, pastors who train others for ministry, or just curious lay people who are visiting Chicago.

This is by far the best way to understand what the Course is and determine if it may be right for you or others you know. We may even be able to provide housing for your visit.

Because the Chicago Course functions like a lab, any who are training others are invited to observe and learn to strengthen their teaching skills. At times, pastors bring those giving them feedback on their preaching to the Course to observe how we do so in the preaching labs.

Come join us! We love having visitors.

There are four steps in the application process:

The Course is located on the South Side of Chicago in Hyde Park, at 57th and Blackstone.

The Course is directed by Jeremy Meeks and K. Edward Copeland. They also serve as the primary instructors. Other instructors include David R. Helm, Kevin Walker, Ben Panner, Dave Cartwright, Walter Carter III, Derek Buikema, R. Kent Hughes, Michael Lawrence, Mike Bullmore, Paul House, Scott Hafemann, and others.

  • Full-time student – $8,000/year (One Year)
  • Half-time student – $4,000/year (Two Years)

The Chicago Course on Preaching owns a few apartments that students can rent. We do not have enough for all students. Due to the shortage, we prioritize single men. The best way to secure housing is to apply early. Many students find their own housing near the Course or their placement church. This is a rather simple process as the Course is located close to the University of Chicago and thus there are many rental options. For more information contact Jeremy Meeks (jmeeks@simeontrust.org)

If you are coming from a local church committed to your training, you can serve in the context of your church. If you are coming from outside of Chicago, we will help you get connected with one of our Church Placement Partners.

If you represent a church interested in serving as one of our church placement sites, take a look at our Guidelines for Church Placement.

Absolutely. Contact our Director, Jeremy Meeks (jmeeks@simeontrust.org), and request a meeting to discuss any details about the Chicago Course on Preaching.