This project aims to examine and present an expanded concept of preaching in light of contemporary realities, particularly the increasing rates of disaffiliation from Church in North America. Through lay preaching, I present a new opportunity for a modern religious engagement that is both evangelical and educational. Drawing inspiration from the Black preaching tradition's integration of the sacred and secular and informed by historical examples and the teachings of Vatican II, my work uses the past to identify moments of expansive lay preaching across Christian history to address how in different historical moments, lay voices have been essential to spreading the Christian mission.

By examining these instances, the project aims to identify key characteristics of effective lay preaching in diverse contexts. It aims to show how the power of all the baptized can be unleashed through the honing of their prophetic voice and argues that, in an era where traditional church attendance is declining, the need for lay people to embody the Gospel in their everyday lives has never been greater. Recognizing that God's presence is not confined to the church's walls, this research aims to prepare lay people to be vital proclaimers of the faith in their communities today.