The Foundations Course

A Proven Approach
to Education

There is no higher calling than to proclaim the Word of the living God. The gravity of this task requires learning to preach Scripture more accurately, passionately, and effectively. To that end, The Academy for Expository Preaching was founded: to strengthen God’s heralds, for God’s glory.

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The Foundations Course is an online, seminary-grade course that equips and strengthens men in the sacred calling of expository preaching. Its original course, The Foundations Course, contains 28 lectures of Dr. Lawson’s pre-recorded teaching and instruction on various aspects of pulpit ministry. Within this initial Foundations Course there are three modules: The History of Preaching, What is Expository Preaching, and The Mechanics of Expository Preaching.

The strength of The Foundations Course is that it blends multiple assignments into the course, alongside material carefully curated by Dr. Lawson over his five decades of preaching ministry. Together with the lectures, these assignments fortify the seminal aspects of preaching and train the student to put into practice what they have read and heard.

As the student progresses through the 28 lectures, they are assigned three books to read with accompanying quizzes. As the student continues the course, they will apply their knowledge of sermon preparation and preaching in the development of a message from an assigned text. These assignments occur under the mentorship and grading of preachers personally trained by Dr. Lawson. Three sermon assignments are given within this portion of the course: an exegetical assignment, an expositional assignment, and a homiletical assignment. Each individual assignment will be graded and returned to the student with detailed and helpful feedback. This aspect of sermon critique, review, and implementation is a unique strength of The Academy.

Students who pass the course will be awarded a certificate from The Academy signed by Dr. Lawson, and a lapel pin identifying them as graduates of The Academy for Expository Preaching.

The Curriculum

The Foundations Course, contains 28 lectures of Dr. Lawson’s pre-recorded teaching and instruction on various aspects of pulpit ministry. Students are required to complete the course at their own pace within 12 weeks. 

Enrollment Pricing

$399

If you are not able to afford the academy, we still welcome your application. Tuition assistance may be available.
Please apply before requesting tuition assistance

Our Partners

The following institutions offer transferable course credits upon completing The Foundations Program.

The Masters Seminary offers 3 credits to all graduates of The Foundations Course.

Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary offers 3 credits to all graduates of The Foundations Course.

African Christian University offers 3 credits to all graduates of The Foundations Course.

Central African Baptist University offers 3 credits to all graduates of The Foundations Course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is This Course For?
The Academy for Expository Preaching exists to equip and refine the skill of men called by God to fulfill the lofty task of preaching. There is no higher calling than to proclaim the very Word of the living God.
Does The Academy for Expository Preaching Require me to Submit any Assignments?
Yes, this program is designed to engage you and require you to complete several assignments that you will be graded on.

Those assignments include:
  - Three multiple choice quizzes on the required readings
  - 50 Observations of Romans 5:6-11
  - A Preaching Manuscript on Romans 5:6-11
  - A Recorded Sermon on Romans 5:6-11
What is the Timeline? Do I have to Start at a Certain Time?
Yes, it is expected that you complete this program in 12 weeks to receive your Academy certificate and officially graduate. It is essential for a preacher to be able to complete tasks by their deadlines. However, you will have lifetime access to the content and the program.
Am I Required to Purchase any Additional Materials?
Yes, you will be required to purchase the following books:

  1: Between Two Worlds, John Stott (Eerdmans:2017)
  2: Called to Preach, Steve J. Lawson (Baker Books: 2022)
  3: Preaching and Preachers, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Zondervan 2012)
What will I Receive for Completing the Course?
All students who complete all of the lectures and assignments with an 80% or higher within 12 weeks will receive a signed certificate of completion by Dr. Steven J Lawson mailed to their address.
What Happens Once I Complete the Course?
As soon as you have completed the entire course and all assignments with a passing grade, you will receive an email confirmation that you have successfully completed the Foundations Course of the Academy. Within 30 days (international shipping may be slightly longer), you will receive a personally signed certificate from Dr. Lawson and the Academy to recognize your completion of the course.
Are the Videos Live or Over Zoom?
The Academy for Expository Preaching uses online/pre-recorded videos, not live.
What’s the average amount of daily work required?Though you can go at your own pace and everyone works differently, we have found that the course can be completed if you devote about an hour a day. Daily work is not required, but it can help to plan your time

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