THE APPLICATION FOR THE 2026 ACADEMY is open until april 4, 2025.
The in-person portion of the Academy will be held June 14 - June 20, 2026.
“And why should it be thought impossible, heterodox, or improper for a woman to preach? Seeing the saviour died for the woman as well as the man. If the man may preach because the saviour died for him, why not the woman? Seeing he died for her also. Is he not the whole saviour instead of half one?”
THE REVEREND JARENA LEE
Born February 11, 1783, The Reverend Jarena Lee was the first woman preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Licensed by Bishop Richard Allen in 1819, but refused ordination during her lifetime, Rev. Lee served as an itinerant preacher and traveled, on foot, to preach.
The AME Church posthumously granted her ordination in 2016 as an Itinerant Elder.
Rev. Lee is the inspiration and namesake for our biennial Academy. Her legacy drives us to persist in uplifting, training, affirming, and supporting Black women and femmes as they boldly answer their calls to the Gospel ministry.
Our all-inclusive* Academy IS now a year-long cohort. JLPA provides an immersive education and practice in womanist, justice-centered, Compelling and prophetic preaching.
Tuition Includes
14-month cohort of Black women engaging scholars, pastors, artists, and leaders from around the country.
Six digital sessions from April 2025 to May 2026.
Two special events in conjunction with our World AIDS Day and Jarena Lee Legacy Digital Conversations.
Special access to resources used by WomanPreach! Inc. leadership
Space to explore new ideas, new styles, and new sermonic expressions
Time and space for self-care and rest
Community of preachers from around the country
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Seven (7) days of in-person, personal and group instruction in June 2026
Sermon writing and preaching practice with professional feedback and encouragement
Six (6) night stay with our host location
Seventeen (17) meals (Welcome Dinner; breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday-Friday; Farewell Breakfast)
Administrative and preparation support from acceptance through Academy attendance
Jarena Lee Preaching Academy swag bag
Jarena Lee Preaching Academy Post-Academy reflection curriculum
Special Access to alumni community and resources upon completion.
Application requirements and timeline
Completed application form
Two (2) letters of recommendation
Application fee (covers administrative costs of application process and review)
LEARN MORE ABOUT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES HERE:
The application will open
in February 2025
and close Friday, April 4, 2025, at 10:00 pm ET
Acceptance of admission is due Monday, April 14, 2025, by 3:00 pm ET
Spot deposits are due Friday, April 18, 2025, by 10:00 pm ET
YOUR gift MAKES A DIFFERENCE
THE REVEREND JARENA LEE PREACHING ACADEMY IS PROVIDED AT A SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT TO ALL PARTICIPANTS. IN SERVING BLACK WOMEN, WE ARE COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH GIVERS AND SPONSORS TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS AND KEEP THE ACADEMY AFFORDABLE.
Give today and ensure generations of Black women continue to live and serve in Jarena Lee’s legacy.