William L. Self Preaching Lectures 2026

This year we are delighted to welcome Dr. L. Gregory Jones, President of Belmont University, to deliver the William L. Self Preaching Lectures at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology. Dr. Jones will be speaking on "Re-discovering Christianity's Surprise Through Preaching."

The event is free to local seminary students, but registration is required.

Schedule of Events

Monday, February 9, 2026

Board of Visitors Activities:

12 :00 p.m. - McAfee Board of Visitors (BoV) Luncheon, Atlanta Conference Center (ACC), Atrium

1:00 p.m. - BoV Meeting, ACC, Room 245

3:10 p.m. - BoV Group Photo, Bear Statue

Self Lecture Series:

4:00 p.m. - Check-In, Cecil B. Day Hall Lobby

4:30 p.m. - Lecture 1: Easter Hope: God’s Work in the World, Cecil B. Day Hall Auditorium

5:45 p.m. - Dinner, Trustees Dining Room (Registration Required)

7:00 p.m. - Lecture 2: Christ the True Human: Cultivating Humanity in a World of AI, Cecil B. Day Hall Auditorium

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

10:00 a.m. - Coffee, Davis-Day Breezeway

11:00 a.m. - Lecture 3: Making All Things New: Nurturing Spirit-shaped Institutions, Cecil B. Day Hall Auditorium

For Dr. L. Gregory Jones' bio and to learn more about our events, visit here.

The William L. Self Preaching Lectureship was established in order to promote the practice of faithful and effective preaching of the gospel. The lecture series is named in memory of Dr. William L. Self, Pastor Emeritus of Johns Creek Baptist Church, Alpharetta, who was nationally recognized as a gifted preacher, pastor, author, lecturer, motivational speaker, and innovator in church growth.

The purpose of the lectureship is to enlighten and inspire those whose calling is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The lectures seek to instill in students and pastors a passion for better preaching by providing worthy models and by offering seasoned instruction and encouragement. Each year the lecture series features a nationally recognized preacher.