Logos Evangelical Seminary
Compelling Preaching Center
Compelling Preaching Center
Equipping preachers to remain faithful to Scripture, engage their times, and touch lives through systematic preaching instruction, mentoring, and practical exercises that deepen biblical interpretation, spiritual formation, and pulpit communication.
Third Cohort · 2026–2027
Enrollment Open for the Third Cohort of the Compelling Preaching Center
Third Cohort
Third Cohort Courses
2026–2027
Enrollment is open for the Lay Preaching Certificate and Advanced Professional Preaching Certificate programs.
Complete Third Cohort Course Schedule
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Program Quick View
Third Cohort Course Details
Two training pathways are offered for lay and professionally trained preachers. Select a certificate program to explore its requirements and courses, then select an individual course for details.
01
CPC ADVANCED PREACHING · PHASE 3
Advanced Professional Preaching Certificate
Designed for preachers with theological training, this program deepens preaching ministry through advanced content, methods of communication, and connections to church ministry.
6 Courses
MS Teams
5:30–7:30 PM
Designed for preachers with theological training, this program fosters growth from the inside out, building upon seminary homiletics through deeper content, broader methods of delivery, and integration with church ministry.
In addition to classroom learning, training includes peer learning and practical preaching assessment to cultivate spiritual maturity, content, delivery, and pastoral application.
Who May Apply
Theologically trained professional preachers; current ministers and Logos alumni are welcome.
Program Structure
Certificate program offered three terms per year; each term lasts approximately two months.
Courses
2 prerequisites + 3 core courses + 1 elective.
Credits
Most courses carry 2 credits; CP103 and CP104 carry 3 credits each.
Format
All courses are taught online through MS Teams.
Tuition
Core/elective courses: $80 each; CP103 and CP104: $120 each.
Class Schedule
Tuesday or Thursday evenings, 5:30–7:30 PM (Pacific Time). CP103 meets only on Tuesdays; other courses generally offer a choice of Tuesday or Thursday.
Practicum
Join a five-person peer group for one year, meeting monthly for mutual spiritual and preaching support; receive peer and coach assessments for at least 10 sermons.
Important Notes
Applicants must hold an M.Div., M.A., or higher degree.
CP103 and CP104 are each 3-credit, 12-week courses.
Students who completed two semesters of homiletics in seminary may waive CP103 and CP104.
Advanced Professional Preaching Courses
Select a Course for Full Details
CP201
Spiritual Formation of the Preacher
2 Credits
How a preacher’s spiritual life affects sermon quality
How preachers can remain spiritually vibrant and continually renewed
How preaching can address the deeper spiritual needs of listeners
Class Schedule
Choose either the Tuesday or Thursday section.
CP301
Advanced Preaching Methods
2 Credits
Preaching approaches beyond traditional expository preaching
Cultural factors in preaching
Learning from compelling preachers past and present
Class Schedule
Choose either the Tuesday or Thursday section.
Teaching team: Rev. Dao-De Chen, Rev. Ai-Guang Chen, and Rev. Guang-Xin Lin
CP401
Pulpit Communication and Design
2 Credits
Discover diverse communication techniques and develop a layered preaching style
Learn to arrange and use pulpit space with stage presence and purposeful movement
Practice vocal expression, gestures, movement, and props for powerful yet natural preaching
Class Schedule
Choose either the Tuesday or Thursday section.
CP503
Preaching and Church Planting
2 Credits
Communicate leadership and church-planting vision through preaching
Use preaching to foster leadership development and discipleship
Practice kingdom-centered pastoral ministry and urban missions through preaching
Class Schedule
Choose either the Tuesday or Thursday section.
CP103
Inductive Bible Study and Hermeneutics
Prerequisite · 3 Credits
Build an exegetical foundation for effective preaching
Study the grammar and literary structure of biblical passages
Apply biblical truth to preach messages that touch hearts
Class Schedule
Tuesday section only.
Note: Students who completed two semesters of homiletics in seminary may qualify for a waiver.
CP104
Foundations of Expository Preaching
Prerequisite · 3 Credits
Essential elements of effective expository preaching
How to analyze a passage and develop a sermon outline
How to write an effective sermon manuscript
Course Information
3-credit / 12-week prerequisite course.
Note: Students who completed two semesters of homiletics in seminary may qualify for a waiver.
For tuition, package discounts, and enrollment limits, see “Courses Open for Registration” below.
02
CPC PREACHING · PHASE 3
Lay Preaching Certificate
Designed for lay leaders without formal theological training who already preach or have been recommended and mentored by church pastors, this program builds a solid foundation in preaching.
3 Required Courses
MS Teams
5:30–7:30 PM
Designed for lay leaders without formal theological training who already preach or are being prepared for preaching ministry through pastoral recommendation and mentoring, this program establishes a solid foundation and effective preaching methods.
In addition to coursework, peer groups and sermon feedback help students apply classroom learning to church preaching and ministry.
Who May Apply
Preachers without formal theological training; lay church leaders are welcome.
Program Structure
Certificate program offered three terms per year; each term lasts approximately two months.
Courses
3 required courses.
Credits
Each course carries 2 or 3 credits.
Format
All courses are taught online through MS Teams.
Tuition
2-credit courses cost $160; CP103 and CP104 are 3-credit courses.
Class Schedule
Tuesday or Thursday evenings, 5:30–7:30 PM (Pacific Time). Two-credit courses last approximately 8 weeks; three-credit courses approximately 12 weeks.
Practicum
Join a five-person peer group for one year, meeting monthly for mutual spiritual and preaching support; receive peer and coach feedback on at least 4 sermons.
Important Notes
Pastoral recommendation required; applicants without a recommendation must explain why.
CP103 and CP104 are each 3-credit, 12-week courses.
CP103 and CP104 are essential foundational requirements of the Lay Preaching Certificate.
Lay Preaching Courses
Select a Course for Full Details
CP103
Inductive Bible Study and Hermeneutics
Required · 3 Credits
Build an exegetical foundation for effective preaching
Study the grammar and literary structure of biblical passages
Apply biblical truth to preach messages that touch hearts
Class Schedule
Tuesday section only.
This is a 3-credit, 12-week course.
CP104
Foundations of Expository Preaching
Required · 3 Credits
Essential elements of effective expository preaching
How to analyze a passage and develop a sermon outline
How to write an effective sermon manuscript
Class Schedule
Choose either the Tuesday or Thursday section.
This is a 3-credit, 12-week course.
CP201
Spiritual Formation of the Preacher
Required · 2 Credits
How Spiritual Life Influences Preaching
How preachers can remain spiritually vibrant and continually renewed
How preaching can address the deeper spiritual needs of listeners
Class Schedule
Choose either the Tuesday or Thursday section.
For eligibility, the three-course package discount, and enrollment limits, see “Courses Open for Registration” below.
Instructors
Faculty
Select an Instructor to View Their Biography
Rev. Ai-Guang Chen
Rev. Ai-Guang Chen earned a degree in computer science from the University of Houston. Following God’s call, he earned a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He previously pastored a Chinese church in Carrollton, Texas. His research interests include theological methodology, postmodernism and Christian faith, theology and philosophy, ethics, reason and faith. He teaches systematic theology, ethics, preaching, theological methodology, and church history.
Rev. Tzu-Lun Tsai
Rev. Tzu-Lun Tsai earned a Ph.D. in preaching from Drew University in 2008. She served as Associate Professor of Homiletics at Taiwan Theological College and Seminary (2008–2025) and as its president (2019–2025). With 17 years of teaching experience, she has worked to strengthen preaching education in Taiwan and Southeast Asian Chinese seminaries and renew church pulpits. Through research, publications, courses, and lectures, she equips pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders in preaching theory and practice. She authored Contemporary Christian Preaching (Campus Evangelical Fellowship Press, 2011).
Rev. Ji-Yang Wu
Rev. Ji-Yang Wu graduated in civil engineering from the University of Cincinnati and worked as an engineering manager for 14 years. After receiving God’s call, he earned an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Asbury Theological Seminary. He served as a pastor of a Cincinnati Chinese church for over 30 years and has taught part-time at Logos Evangelical Seminary and other theological schools. He has two sons, one daughter, and four grandchildren.
Rev. Yong-Jian Lin
Born in Hong Kong, Rev. Yong-Jian Lin graduated in computer science from the University of Houston before entering Dallas Theological Seminary for theological studies. After graduating in 1982, he served at Houston Chinese Church. He earned a D.Min. in 1991 and was sent to plant a church in 1997. He founded a Chinese church dedicated to spiritual growth and community outreach. He and his wife, Ning-Hua Lu, married in 1981 and have a daughter and a son.
Rev. Ke-Qiang Wang
Rev. Ke-Qiang Wang’s educational journey includes a bachelor’s degree in law from Soochow University, a master’s degree in hospital administration from Tulane University, and an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary. He has pastored churches in Michigan and Seattle for nearly 20 years. Passionate about preaching, he wrote his Logos D.Min. dissertation on unleashing dramatic elements in preaching. With a special heart for younger generations, he brings knowledge, inspiration, and humor to an engaging course for preachers.
Rev. Qiu-Man Gong
Born in Taiwan, Rev. Qiu-Man Gong and her family planted two Chinese churches and a gospel outreach center in Michigan between 2013 and 2022. She is currently engaged in church planting in the greater Irvine area of Orange County, Southern California. Responding to God’s leading, she seeks to connect, encourage, and partner with Logos alumni in church planting and missions.
Rev. Kai Zhang
Rev. Kai Zhang founded River of Life Christian Church in Vancouver in 2009 and serves as senior pastor. He has extensive experience in pastoral leadership, church governance, and planting. Integrating pastoral counseling, inner healing, and spiritual formation, he is committed to the holistic well-being of believers and to restoring joy in struggling families alongside his wife. He serves at Logos Evangelical Seminary as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Director of the D.Min. Program, Director of the Center for Thriving Churches, and Director of Field Education.
Rev. Ying Wang
Originally from Taiwan, Rev. Ying Wang earned degrees in land economics at National Chengchi University and architecture at Tamkang University. She received an M.Div. from Logos Evangelical Seminary in 2010 and a Th.M. in 2022, with a thesis examining Holocaust theology through Elihu’s speeches in Job 32–37. She has pastored a Taiwanese evangelical church since 2010. She values creativity, sincerity, and applying biblical truth to contemporary life. She is married and has one son.
Rev. Dao-De Chen
Rev. Dao-De Chen is a third-generation Christian from Wenzhou, China, who grew up serving in the church. He earned an M.Div. from Singapore Bible College and returned to Wenzhou to serve in Christian publishing and youth ministry while promoting expository preaching training. His Logos D.Min. dissertation focused on sermon application. He currently pastors a Mandarin Baptist church in California’s San Gabriel Valley and raises three children with his wife.
Rev. Guang-Xin Lin
Rev. Guang-Xin Lin graduated from Wuhan University’s School of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering and operated a water-treatment engineering company for years. Called by God in 2006, he pursued an M.Div. in the United States. From 2009 to 2020 he served as administrative director and training center director at a Los Angeles church. In September 2020, he planted a new evangelical church and became its senior pastor. He is pursuing a D.Min. at Logos, researching discipleship among postmodern younger generations in North American Chinese churches.
Dr. Jin-Ling Tsai
Originally from Taiwan, Dr. Jin-Ling Tsai earned a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has taught Old Testament at theological schools in Taipei and North America and served in church education ministries. She currently teaches as an adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and other seminaries. Her publications include commentaries on Esther and Zechariah.
Minister Kui Zhou / Teaching Assistant
Minister Kui Zhou came to faith during college and was called to full-time ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ in 2008. He led evangelism and leadership development teams on campuses and in workplaces. He founded a church in 2013 and participated in missions and theological education. He studied at Dallas Theological Seminary and Singapore Bible College and is pursuing a D.Min. at Logos Evangelical Seminary. He and his wife have three sons and one daughter.
*The Center periodically invites gifted and experienced preachers to join its teaching team.*
Director
Center Director
Leading the Compelling Preaching Center in preaching education, pastoral continuing education, and renewal of Chinese church pulpits.
Rev. Qiu-Man Gong
Rev. Maria Kung
Director, Compelling Preaching Center
Director of Compelling Preaching Center
Director Profile
Born in Taiwan, Rev. Qiu-Man Gong studied journalism and worked as an editor and reporter. She became a Christian in 1986 and, with her husband’s encouragement, recognized God’s call to full-time ministry in 2007. She enrolled at Logos that year and graduated with an M.Div. in 2012. She then joined the staff of her home church, FECC, and participated in its first church-planting initiative.
From 2013 to 2022, responding to God’s leading and the commissioning of their home church, her family relocated to Michigan to plant churches. By God’s grace, they established two Chinese churches and a gospel outreach center.
In 2023, Rev. Gong and her family answered another call to church-planting missions in the greater Irvine area of Orange County, Southern California. She hopes to build partnerships among Logos alumni through mutual encouragement and cooperation in church planting.
As director of Logos Evangelical Seminary’s Compelling Preaching Center, Rev. Gong hopes to encourage alumni pastors to participate in its preaching training courses beginning in 2024. She longs to see graduates continue their professional development in preaching, sharpen the sword of truth, and serve effectively in pastoral ministry and church planting.
Rev. Gong is currently pursuing a D.Min. at Logos. She and her husband have two adult daughters, and the entire family has devoted the past decade to church planting and ministry to the next generation.
Logos Evangelical Seminary
Compelling Preaching
Logos Evangelical Seminary established the Compelling Preaching Center (CPC) to improve the quality of preaching among Chinese-speaking ministers. The Center equips preachers to communicate biblical truth to people shaped by postmodern culture, touching hearts, renewing spiritual lives, and nurturing lives of discipleship to Christ.
Course Distinctives:
Integrating substance and method.
Providing spiritual nourishment for younger generations in postmodern cultural contexts.
Growing together through peer interaction and mutual support.
Our Strategy
Three Strategic Priorities
Select to View Full Details
01
Research and Development
Developing preaching methods and educational resources for North American Chinese contexts
Research the needs and challenges facing Chinese-speaking ministers in the United States, and develop powerful, contextually relevant preaching methods grounded in research and practice.
02
Professional Development
Offering systematic preaching courses, lectures, and individual mentoring
Provide continuing education for pastors through certificate courses, current preaching methods, and individual guidance tailored to each student’s ministry setting. Mentors regularly review sermon recordings, offer feedback, and monitor improvement. Outcomes inform the Center’s research and evaluation.
03
Peer Learning Communities
Establishing preacher groups for mutual growth and feedback
The Center establishes preaching learning groups modeled on the seminary’s Dream-12 Communities. Led by mentors, certificate students learn preaching skills and support one another’s spiritual and ministerial growth.
Program Experience
A complete learning journey from individual mentoring to certificate completion.
Mentorship Coaching
Individual mentoring and preaching instruction, including regular review of audience feedback, help students continually improve.
Learning Community
Student growth groups provide a year of mutual encouragement, interaction, and shared experiences.
Milestone Progression
The yearlong curriculum is divided into four milestones, allowing students to progress through each stage of preaching formation.
Certificate Awarding
Students completing all requirements receive a Compelling Preaching Center certificate; outstanding achievement is recognized separately.
REGISTRATION
Courses Open for Registration
Choose a preaching training pathway suited to your needs, and deepen your skills in biblical interpretation, preaching, and communication through structured courses.
01
ADVANCED
CPC ADVANCED PREACHING
Advanced Professional Preaching Certificate
CPC Advanced Preaching Course · Phase 3
Courses Offered
CP201
Spiritual Formation of the Preacher
Rev. Tzu-Lun Tsai · Tuition $80
CP301
Advanced Preaching Methods
Teaching Team · Tuition $80
CP401
Pulpit Communication and Design
Rev. Ke-Qiang Wang · Tuition $80
CP503
Preaching and Church Planting
Rev. Qiu-Man Gong · Tuition $80
CP103
Inductive Bible Study and Hermeneutics
Dr. Jin-Ling Tsai · Tuition $120
CP104
Foundations of Expository Preaching
Rev. Ai-Guang Chen · Tuition $120
Discounts
Register simultaneously for CP201, CP301, CP401, and CP503 to receive a 20% discount, saving $64.
Discounts
Register for all six courses to receive a 20% discount, saving $112.
Eligibility
Current ministers and Logos alumni are welcome; an M.Div., M.A., or higher degree is required.
Notes
Students who completed two semesters of homiletics in seminary may waive CP103 and CP104.
Enrollment Limit
Maximum enrollment: 30 students
02
PREACHING
CPC PREACHING
Lay Preaching Certificate
CPC Preaching Course · Phase 3
Courses Offered
CP103
Inductive Bible Study and Hermeneutics
Dr. Jin-Ling Tsai · Tuition $240
CP104
Foundations of Expository Preaching
Rev. Ai-Guang Chen · Tuition $240
CP201
Spiritual Formation of the Preacher
Rev. Qiu-Man Gong · Tuition $160
Who May Apply
Designed for small-group leaders and lay leaders who preach in church but have no formal theological training.
Eligibility
A pastoral recommendation is required; applicants without one must explain why.
Discounts
Register for all three courses to receive a 20% discount, saving $128.
Enrollment Limit
Maximum enrollment: 30 students
Required
CP103 and CP104 are required foundational courses in the Center’s lay preaching track. Their substantial and practical content builds a strong foundation for compelling biblical preaching.
Videos
Video Replays
Recordings of CPC conferences, special lectures, graduation ceremonies, and enrollment information sessions.
July 25, 2026 — Preaching for the Future Conference
Toward the Undeconstructable: Preaching amid Modernism, Postmodernism, and Metamodernism
Rev. Wei-Wen Tu
Classical Rhetoric and Christian Proclamation
Rev. Wei-Wen Tu
Knowledge, Wisdom, and Spirituality: Challenges of Generative AI for Teaching in North American Chinese Churches
Rev. Yong-Jian Lin
The Preacher’s Family Life
Rev. Kai Zhang
From Message to Life: The Pulpit as Systematic Spiritual Formation
Rev. Guang-Xin Lin
The Visible Word: Creating Sermons That Can Be Seen, Felt, and Remembered
Rev. Ke-Qiang Wang
Spiritual Disciplines for Preachers
Dr. Yong-Fu Dai
More Lecture and Event Recordings
April 25, 2026 — Lecture by Rev. Rong-Chu Wu: A Detour or the Right Path? Rethinking Exegesis and Preaching in the AI Era
Rev. Rong-Chu Wu
2026 CPC Graduation Ceremony
2025 CPC Graduation Ceremony
Enrollment Information Session
Insight
Student Learning Reflections
Authentic reflections from CPC students on their growth in biblical interpretation, pulpit communication, and spiritual formation.
This course helped me learn to build bridges between culture and theology, identify a clear theme, and recognize weaknesses in my sermon writing. Through the instructor’s teaching and classmates’ practice and sharing, I gained a clearer understanding of where I can improve.
Meng-Luo Jiang Minister
Through this course, I better understand the difference between expository preaching and other approaches. I learned to begin with Scripture, identify theological themes and central ideas, and systematically connect textual analysis, outlines, and sermon messages.
Gen-Cheng Guo Minister
Previously I lacked a clear approach to preaching from the Old and New Testaments. Now I can draw a message from Scripture and bridge it to the needs of contemporary listeners, which has greatly helped my sermon preparation.
Qi-Xue Lin Minister
Through practical examples, the instructor helped us establish a sound preaching framework so our messages remain grounded in Scripture while being communicated clearly and vividly. I now have a clearer direction for preaching.
Xiao-Hong Wang Minister
The course reinforced the principles of accurate, vivid, clear, and applicable preaching. Sermon exercises, instructor feedback, and mutual support strengthened my confidence in preaching Old Testament texts.
Wen Yang Pastor’s Wife
I learned to pay attention to vocal volume, pitch, and pace, using character, voice, and imagination to add dramatic elements that help listeners enter the biblical scene.
Ying Wang Pastor
This course showed me that preaching involves more than words: facial expressions, body language, and the use of pulpit space matter. Appropriate dramatic elements can strengthen communication and audience engagement.
De-Li Zhou Brother
Traditional preaching often emphasizes exegesis but gives less attention to delivery. Dramatic elements are like seasoning: built on sound exegesis and theology, they make preaching more engaging.
Yu Zheng Elder
As an introvert uncomfortable with physical expression, I found this challenging. Through practicing voice, facial expression, gestures, props, and movement, I learned to communicate with greater impact.
Ru-Gang Li Pastor
The course taught me to envision biblical scenes from the perspective of their original audiences, observe characters, symbols, and dramatic elements, and consider their use in preaching today.
Hui Ma Minister
Through practice and feedback, I learned to use performance skills, props, and time management, and became more aware of my strengths and areas for improvement, making my pulpit communication more precise.
Jing-Rong Zhan Minister
This course reminded me that ministers must attend to their own inner lives, listen to their needs, and open themselves more honestly to God.
Xiao-Hong Wang Minister
The course brought transformation from the inside out, teaching me gentleness and humility and helping me focus more on God’s Word so that sermons genuinely touch hearts.
Jing-Rong Zhan Minister
In ministry and preaching, I learned to release excessive goal-orientation, listen more empathetically, and speak to people’s actual circumstances rather than merely convey abstract ideas.
Kai Xiong Pastor
Through silence, Scripture reading, and rest, I experienced more of God’s love and gentleness and found greater inner stability.
Wei-Xin Huang Sister
The instructor taught meditation, listening, and spiritual disciplines, much of which was new to me and will take time to absorb and practice.
Shu-Zhen Li Minister
The course offered practical spiritual disciplines including meditation, prayer, Sabbath rest, self-care, and listening, helping me understand my own needs and those of others more deeply.
Tian-Jie Liao Minister
Studying Kings led me to reflect more deeply on people’s inner lives and needs rather than focusing only on events, broadening my perspective on others.
Meng-Luo Jiang Minister
The relaxed class atmosphere suited busy ministers. The instructor’s authentic relationship with God showed me a more natural and life-giving spirituality.
Ying Wang Pastor
I became more aware of my need to set aside intentional quiet time to develop a closer relationship with Jesus rather than remaining constantly busy with ministry.
Jia-Rong Zhou Brother
Reflecting on the human side of ministry and our relationship with God showed me that emotional and spiritual health can help preaching connect with people rather than remain abstract theology.
Ru-Gang Li Pastor
The course helped me face my inner life more honestly and understand listening as an essential pastoral ministry. Individual care, prayer before class, and ongoing companionship made this not merely academic training but also a journey of personal and pastoral support.
Yan Bi Minister