Polishing the Pulpit (PTP) — Organization Profile
Polishing the Pulpit (PTP) is a large, lectureship-style workshop associated with churches of Christ, created to provide Bible-centered teaching and practical training for Christians and congregational leaders. What began as informal collaboration around sermon preparation grew into a multi-track gathering that now serves thousands of attendees each year through concentrated classes, worship, and fellowship. PTP describes its focus as worshipping God, edifying His people, and educating/training His workers, functioning as continuing education for preachers and many others.
PTP is organized around a wide range of class offerings intended to strengthen both knowledge of Scripture and everyday discipleship. The workshop schedule typically includes textual Bible studies, preaching and teaching instruction, evangelism and apologetics topics, and practical sessions that address home life, spiritual growth, and common challenges Christians face. The aim is not a single conference track, but a learning environment where attendees can choose sessions that match their roles, needs, and stage of life.
While PTP is often associated with preaching, the event is intentionally broad. PTP’s programming has long included specialized instruction for elders, deacons, and ministry workers, along with extensive class options for women, teens, and children. This “workshop for every member” approach has made it a gathering where entire families and church groups can participate together while still receiving age- and role-appropriate teaching.
Geographically, PTP hosts its primary annual gatherings in two settings: Branson, Missouri, and the Smoky Mountains region of Tennessee. Alongside the main events, PTP also runs PTP Spark, a smaller “mini-PTP” model hosted by local congregations in various locations. Spark events are designed to extend the training and encouragement of PTP in a smaller setting, making participation more accessible for those who cannot travel to the larger gatherings.
PTP also offers year-round access to teaching content through PTP365, an online audio/visual library that includes a large archive of sermons, Bible classes, and training sessions from past workshops. This resource is positioned as a usable library for individuals and congregations who want ongoing study and teaching tools beyond the annual events. Those who want to engage with PTP can attend a workshop, participate in a PTP Spark event, use PTP365 resources, subscribe to updates, and support the work through giving and scholarships.
Key Links
- Website: https://polishingthepulpit.com/
- About: https://polishingthepulpit.com/about-us/
- Register: https://polishingthepulpit.com/register/
- Schedule: https://polishingthepulpit.sched.com/
- Donate: https://polishingthepulpit.com/donate/
- Scholarships: https://polishingthepulpit.com/scholarship/
- PTP Spark: https://polishingthepulpit.com/ptp-spark/
- PTP365: https://365.polishingthepulpit.com/
- Contact: https://polishingthepulpit.com/contact-us/
Contact Information
- Email: in**@****************it.com
- Phone: 877-338-3397
- Mailing address: Midway Church of Christ, Attn: PTP, 17010 Hwy 69, Jasper, AL 35501
Socials
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolishingThePulpit/
- X: https://x.com/PolishingPulpit
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polishing.the.pulpit/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PolishingthePulpit
Leadership
- Midway Church of Christ Elders — Oversight (Jasper, Alabama)
- David Barker — Director (Trinity, Alabama)
- Eddy Gilpin — Director (Pulaski, Virginia)
- Luke Griffin — Director (Dalton, Georgia)
- Mark Howell — Director (Jasper, Alabama)
- Allen Webster — Director (Memphis, Tennessee)
