About the Center
For preaching and church plantingAbout Us
The Nelson Center for Preaching and Church Planting, hosted at the campus of Baptist College of Ministry and Baptist Theological Seminary was founded in 2024. The Nelson Center's purpose is inspiring spirit-empowered, fervent, Biblical preaching that leads to revival in churches across the country, and a passion and strategy for church planting in the United States of America. In a day of compromise and adversity, young men are running from the ministry, seasoned pastors are discouraged, and many churches are closing rather than reproducing. However, our God is still the same, and just as the "word of God grew and multiplied" in the book of Acts, the same can be accomplished in our generation (Acts 12:24). We believe that there is no greater day for young men and veteran pastors to rise up and join a national movement for preaching and church planting. The Nelson Center brings together many effective independent Baptist preachers and church planters in America, offering resources for all who have a heart for preaching and church planting.
What We Offer
Modules
Courses
One free online course relating to preaching or church planting is offered yearly through the Nelson Center.
Publications
Quarterly emails containing resources and research on preaching and church planting as well as articles from the Senior and Associate presenters and researchers. E-publications are available for all center members and subscribers.
Periodicals
A magazine will be printed yearly, and offered to all members and subscribers. The periodical shares resources and research on preaching and church planting, articles from Senior Presenters and testimonies of God’s powerful working in this day. It also gives a yearly update on the church planting initiatives.
Friday preacher days
Baptist College of Ministry students participate in weekly Preacher Days throughout each semester. Preacher Days are opportunities to hear Senior and Associate Presenters preach, participate in masterclasses, Q&A’s and lectures, and interact in casual settings for maximum development.
Research and Transcriptions
Students, faculty, and associates at the Center will research topics relating to the history of powerful preaching and church planting movements, especially through primary sources. Transcriptions of messages from preachers (past and present) will also be made available as completed.
Nelson Materials
The Center is partnering with the Nelson family to gather, transcribe, and prepare Ed Nelson's preaching and Sunday School materials for distribution.
Preaching Camps
As the center grows, plans are developing for camps for aspiring preachers (high school and above) to come and develop in their love for and experience in preaching. Senior and Associate Presenters will lead the camp, offering mentorship, teaching, and instruction on preaching and preparation.
Preaching Mentorship
Senior Presenters take Baptist College of Ministry preacher boys for short-term (2-week average) mentorship on the field.
certification
Certification on preaching, church planting, and research can be received from the Center after completing the guidelines for that specific certification. Guidelines include completing specific research assignments, courses, and completing rigorous study and preparation of sermon notes, and mentorship, feedback, and grading in presentation.