New Durham Lecture Series Honors Dr. William McCoy Jr. and the Power of Preaching
DURHAM, N.C. — A new annual lecture series in Durham will honor the life and ministry of the late Dr. William McCoy Jr. while creating a space for clergy, scholars, students, and the community to explore the changing challenges of Christian preaching.
The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Durham and Vicinity (IMA) will launch the inaugural William McCoy Jr. Lecture Series with two sessions on Sunday, Oct. 18, and Monday, Oct. 19, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Durham.
The Rev. Reginald High, PhD, professor of preaching at Campbell University Divinity School and pastor of Beavers Chapel United Christian Church in Zebulon, will serve as the inaugural guest lecturer.
His timely theme: “Preaching Christ in a Pluralistic Society.”
New Series Honors Dr. William McCoy Jr.
Sponsored by the IMA’s Education Committee, the annual lecture series was established in memory of McCoy, who served for many years as chaplain of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.
A minister of the Gospel whose work extended well beyond the pulpit, McCoy served during his lifetime as a pastor, seminary professor, and federal prison chaplain, providing spiritual leadership in congregations and institutions across the country.
The new lecture series is intended to keep that legacy alive by investing in one of the areas central to McCoy’s life’s work — the ministry of preaching.
Rev. Reginald High to Lead Inaugural Lectures
High will present the inaugural lecture, “Preaching Christ in a Pluralistic Society,” over two sessions.
The first will take place Sunday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m., followed by a second session Monday, Oct. 19, at noon.
Both sessions will be held at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 1007 South Roxboro Street in Durham, and are open to the public.
As professor of preaching at Campbell University Divinity School and pastor of Beavers Chapel United Christian Church, High brings both an academic and pastoral perspective to the inaugural program.
Examining Preaching in a Changing Society
The William McCoy Jr. Lecture Series is designed not simply as a memorial event, but as an ongoing educational resource.
Organizers say the series will explore the art and theology of preaching and create opportunities to examine contemporary issues affecting Christian proclamation.
Through lectures and theological dialogue, participants will be encouraged to consider the cultural and social environments in which preaching takes place, while ministers can gain practical resources for strengthening their work.
The series is intended to engage clergy, theological students, scholars and members of the broader community in conversations about faith, ministry and effective preaching.
IMA Plans to Make Lecture Series an Annual Tradition
The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance plans to invite a distinguished preacher or theologian each year to address significant issues and opportunities confronting preaching and ministry.
Organizers envision the annual event as both a continuing tribute to McCoy and a resource for strengthening preaching excellence throughout the church and community.
Voluntary financial contributions will also be accepted to help support future William McCoy Jr. lectures and educational programming.
Event Details
The inaugural William McCoy Jr. Lecture Series will be held Sunday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 19, at noon at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 1007 South Roxboro Street, Durham.
The Rev. Reginald High, PhD, will present “Preaching Christ in a Pluralistic Society.” Both sessions are open to the public.
The two-day gathering marks the beginning of what the IMA hopes will become an enduring Durham tradition — one that honors McCoy’s service by continuing the theological education, thoughtful dialogue, and commitment to preaching that defined his ministry.