The Shared Pulpit an online sermon-writing experience for laypeople

Book cover for The Shared Pulpit

Rev. Erika Hewitt, the UUA’s Minister of Worship Arts and author of The Shared Pulpit, invites UU laypeople to join her in this virtual, 8-session sermon-writing experience beginning in September 2025 and ending around early June 2026. Applications are now closed.

Please read the following Frequently Asked Questions:

What is The Shared Pulpit?
This transformational small-group program is founded on the belief that laypeople have the wisdom, skills, and lived experience to create meaningful sermons. The Shared Pulpit centers personal experience, refined through theological reflection, as participants learn about the theory and theology of preaching. Participants practice writing and speaking with authenticity, gradually building toward sermon-length reflections.
What’s different about this offering?
This virtual program connects lay leaders across North America, sparking new relationships and learning as you develop leadership skills. In 2025-2026, the program will accept only one participant per congregation.
When will the program be held?

“WOULD RECOMMEND! This was a transformative experience. Through the process of writing, I learned as much (or more) about myself and my own spiritual impulses and needs as I did about sermon structure and delivery. And I was so glad to make connections with others with very different spiritual paths but kinship in our UU values and our interest in contributing to our congregations’ services.”
—Geoff Duke

Once participants are selected, Rev. Erika will facilitate eight sessions beginning in September 2025. Meetings will occur regularly—but not necessarily once a month. The dates and times of our meeting sessions will be selected by participants’ mutual agreement & availability.
Is there a cost?
Yes. When confirmed, each participant will be expected to pay $200 for the course. This money goes directly to UUA programs, and each participant will receive a free copy of The Shared Pulpit.
We recommend that congregations pay this fee as a gesture of stewardship—an investment in the participant and the congregation’s worship life itself. Since the UUMA rate for a single sermon is $270-$330, $200 per participant is a fair and worthwhile investment.
What else should I expect?
To center relationship and mutual encouragement. Our covenant with one another comes before the writing. People who approach The Shared Pulpit as a writing seminar will likely be frustrated, as our work prioritizes spiritual/inner reflection, trust, and building relationships more than grammar and wordsmithing.
In addition, like many learning opportunities The Shared Pulpit might provide an invitation to practice more skillfully our shared UU commitment to be anti-racist and anti-oppression. Participants are asked to bring curiosity to this experience if the facilitator believes that one-on-one debriefing could be an opportunity to learn and grow.
How can I learn more?
Stay tuned to the WorshipWeb newsletter for future offerings. 
How will applicants be chosen?
Erika will review applications during the week of August 11th. Applicants’ answers and thoughtfulness will be taken into account, as will marginalized identities and whether applicants’ congregations have no or little ministerial leadership. Erika will issue invitations by Friday, August 15th. Please note that those accepted will be asked to provide two letters of recommendation—by no later than Monday, August 25th—from people (not related to you) in your congregation.
I’m interested! What’s next?

Our applications are closed for the 2025-2026 congregational year. Please reach out to Rev. Erika with questions by clicking on the “for more information” link on this page.