Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Circle of SacredFire⭕️?
{#theCircle⭕️, for short} is a graduate-style preaching intensive for women of color in ministry. In the course, we cover Preaching within the Black Church, with a Womanist Lens, and Leadership Development. After the 6, or 9-week sessions, you’ll receive a certificate of completion that verifies you have taken the appropriate credit hours for a 3-credit preaching course, which you can use to prove you have taken a graduate preaching course. We have required textbooks, readings, and assignments, and a syllabus that guides your work within the intensive. *you do not get the certificate with 3-week sessions.Is there a Preaching clinic designed in the course where I can develop and grow as a preacher and get feedback on my sermons, sermon construction, and preaching?
Yes, of course!Who teaches the course?
Rev. Kelly U. Farrow, Ph.D., along with various guest preachers and black women scholars.What is Womanist Circle⭕️Chat?
Circle Chat is one of our signature intimate conversations within the design of the intensive with a resident womanist theologian. The conversation centers around Black Preaching, Black Scholarship, Ministry, Pastoring, Leading, and a host of other topics on Leadership. It is open to current Circle Sisters, and those currently enrolled in either the 6 or 9-week course.What is Creating Your Own Space {CYOS}?
Creating your own space is our signature fireside chat with leading women in the area of business, leading, pastoring, teaching, and preaching. It allows the women of #theCircle⭕️ to engage in conversation about how to create a space that is just for you. If you don’t see it, then build it, and CYOS gives you the tools to do just that in a way that is comprehensive. So, you can serve in diverse areas of ministry. leadership, and business effectively!Who can join Circle of SacredFire⭕️?
Any woman of color, who is in ministry or considering ministry. Whether in lay leadership or ministerial leadership. You don’t need to have attended seminary to join a Circle⭕️.Who is a Circle⭕️Sister?
A woman who has taken a specially convened{premier}Circle or who has completed the 3, 6, or 9-week intensive sections of #theCircle⭕️.How long is the Preaching Intensive?
There are three sections, 3, 6, or 9-weeks.What is the 3-week course?
How Shall They Hear Without a Womanist Preacher & theCircle⭕️ Ltd., is our 3-session courses. This section comes standard in the 6 and 9-week course and has been added ala carte to focus more on Womanism & basic preaching skills as an ethical practice toward preaching for those who want a more in-depth view on womanist theology. If you take these specialty courses, there are some limitations as it relates to the incentives you receive within our full intensive.Do I get a certificate for the 3-week course:
No.If I take the 3-week course and then take the other 6, or 9 weeks do I get a certificate?
Yes.Is there a max number of women #theCircle⭕️ accepts?
Yes, in Virtually or in-person 20 women max.How often do the intensives meet within a year?
We meet twice a year. Fall and Spring. Our next semesters are FALL 2021 starts Oct. 2nd, Spring 2022, and Fall 2022.Does the course meet weekly on the same day and time?
No, beginning the new spring 2020 cycle we meet every other Friday/or week if another day is chosen {Class is held 2x a month}.What time does the #theCircle⭕️ meet weekly?
#theCircle⭕️ convenes for 4 hours, approx., from 6:00pm – 10:00pm Eastern Standard Time. Future session may have different days and times to accommodate more time zones.During Covid-19 #theCircle⭕️ has gone virtual so the length of the class has been adjusted, but the start time is the same {6:00pm}.
What is the total cost of the preaching intensive (including registration)?
During Covid-19 we will have a different pricing structure and cost.
*Advance Promotions & discounts are listed during registration periods, if you belong to any ministerial groups or associations please let us know}.Where is #theCircle⭕️ located?
We host Circles Nationally. During Covid-19, we will be meeting virtually until we are out of the pandemic, and the data/science supports it’s safe to gather together once again! The health of our #sisterhood is paramount.Is there a payment plan?
Yes. We have flex-pay, pay as you go, only the $75.00 registration fee is due upfront for the full intensive, $50.00 for #theCircle⭕️ Ltd.Do I have to complete the entire intensive or can I take it in sections?
You can take the entire 9 weeks, or you can register for How Shall They Hear without A Womanist Preacher or theCircle⭕️ Ltd. which are our 3-session sections.What textbooks are used for the Full intensive?
#theCircle⭕️ uses books by Black Woman Scholars, such as Dr. Martha Simmons, Dr. Wil Gafney, and Dr. Lisa Thompson! For theCircle⭕️ Ltd Dr. Farrow assigned various weekly readings.Can I make up sessions?
Yes. However, good attendance is essential to receiving your certificate for the full intensive sessions.What are the benefits of taking the course & joining #theCircle⭕️?
#Sisterhood, connect with other women in ministry, and form a sister circle of your own that will support and help you through your ministry journey.
#Community, come and join the broader community of women preachers who make-up and previous Circles, and you'll be apart of a great cloud of sisters and witnesses in the gospel ministry.
#Scholarship, learn more about our Black Theologians, Scholars, and Preacher who shape and grow us as preachers.
Circle Sister Benefits! You'll have to join to find out!☺ But a great one is once you take the full intensive course, you can come back at any time and join a Circle⭕️, and you're always welcome to any Circle⭕️ events specifically designed with Circle⭕️Sisters in mind! #Sisterhood has its privileges. Benefits for those who have only taken #theCircle⭕️ Ltd., are a little different.How many Circles⭕️ are there?
Our #Sisterhood grows every semester. Currently, there are 8 Circles with sisters all across the country.How do I register for #theCircle⭕️ Intensives?
Once registration opens see below, visit #theCircle⭕️ page to register.A $75.00 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to guarantee your seat.