Advancing congregational discipleship through extended sermon conversations as reimagined call and response

Call and response between the preacher and the congregation is a common feature in many African American churches. In this project, the author proposes that reimagining call and response in preaching as an ongoing sermon conversation advances discipleship in the congregation. The congregation begins the dialogue with the preacher prior to the development of the sermon; participates in traditional call and response during the sermon, and continues the conversation after the sermon is preached. Consequently, the depth of these conversations helps to advance the congregation in the area of discipleship.