In 2004, as a second-year Ph.D. in Preaching student at Southwestern Seminary, at the urging of Grant Lovejoy and Al Fasol, I submitted a proposal to present a paper at the EHS meeting held at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Raleigh, Durham. Much to my surprise, the proposal was accepted. My wife and I made a road trip from Ft. Worth to Raleigh. I showed up as a wide-eyed, star-struck student of preaching. I tried to play it cool, but I caught myself staring a few times as I rubbed shoulders with the luminaries of Evangelical Homiletics: Haddon Robinson, Scott Gibson, Michael Duduit, and numerous others.

I was surprised and thankful when a few people showed up to participate in my paper presentation. My paper on the role of authority in preaching did not change the course of Evangelical homiletics, but it did change the course of my life. Thanks to the kind encouragement of the attendees, I discovered that my desire to serve in the Academy was attainable. One of the individuals who showed up to that initial paper presentation was Michael Duduit, the founder of Preaching Magazine. He told me the paper might make an excellent article for the magazine. Unfortunately, I never wrote the article, but quite fortunately, six years later, he offered me a job on the faculty at Anderson University. I am not exaggerating when I say that EHS has changed my life!

This year, I have the privilege of serving as President of this organization. The gavel of the EHS President is like a baton in a relay race. I am humbled and excited to carry the baton for this leg of the existence of EHS. Year 26 promises to be a great and productive year as we continue to implement past presidents’ vision and direction and chart a path for the next 25 years.

Please join me in spreading the word about the Evangelical Homiletics Society. Some in the field of homiletics do not know the name of EHS. Some are involved in other organizations but would fit better theologically in ours—others are pastor scholars who have not heard about EHS. Let’s look for opportunities to spread the good news about our guild. Most members find EHS through relationships with existing members. Take a moment and think about individuals you can invite to attend the conference next year. Also, take a moment to think about EHS members you have not seen in a few years. Then, schedule some time to reach out to them and let them know you missed them. Relationships drive our organization. Let’s utilize those relationships to build our fellowship.

The EHS Board serves faithfully to run this organization. As our organization continues to expand and grow, the Board will need help in implementing the vision of the organization. We will need input from our members beyond the October gathering. As we launch new initiatives, we will need your help. So, be on the lookout for opportunities to serve and connect.

If you have any questions or want to connect with me, feel free to email me at kbarnett@andersonuniversity.edu. 

Grace and Peace,
Kris Barnett

President
EHS