Training to become a licensed preacher in the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan consists of two components:

1. Classes in Holy Scripture through the Academy for Vocational Leadership or comparable program
2. Homiletics Class at the Academy for Vocational Leadership

After successful completion of both the Holy Scripture and Homiletics classes, Safeguarding training and a background check are required. Following completion of all requirements, the diocesan office will issue a preaching license.

The 2024 – 2025 school year will be a mixture of in-person at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt and online via Zoom. The cost to participate in both classes is $1,000 (Bible only for $720, Homiletics only for $280 – successfully completing the Bible class is a prerequisite for taking the Homiletics class). During the weekend, participants interact with Academy students at meals, worship, and break times. Each Saturday follows the same pattern, with the Bible course taught from 9:30-4:00pm and Homiletics taught from 7 – 9pm. Participation in the Homiletics class requires you to be present for Morning Prayer beginning at 9:15 and Evening Prayer from 4:00-4:45pm.