Abstract

This essay is intended to (re)introduce schools of preaching to the academic and ministerial communities within Churches of Christ (a cappella). It makes a call for more rigorous and sustained engagement with these schools and their theologies. In doing so, this essay is intended to shed light on a neglected topic and provide an extensive bibliography to lay the groundwork for future research and writing. The essay presents these schools as educational institutions under three broad headings: locating the schools of preaching within a specific historical context (that of the United States in the mid-late 20th century); defining the schools and describing their status as educational institutions affiliated with Churches of Christ today; and providing a framework for their philosophies of education. The essay concludes with general observations and questions about these schools and the impact their witness continues to have on Churches of Christ