From its very beginning (1966), the Memphis School of Preaching has existed for one simple but powerful reason: to preach the Word of God and, by doing so, to change the world (2 Tim. 4:2; Mark 16:15). That mission has shaped this school for decades, and it continues to guide everything we do today.
My own connection to this work is deeply personal. Long before I had the privilege of serving as Director, I watched my Dad and Mom (TJ and Sherrie Clarke) experience the life-changing influence of this school. My father graduated on June 25, 1972, and went on to change the world with the gospel wherever he preached the Word. As I grew older, I saw firsthand how the strong biblical training and sage practical advice he received at MSOP rippled outward, from the classrooms at MSOP to the pulpits/churches where he preached. Those early impressions left a lasting mark on my life and instilled in me a profound appreciation for the work of this school.
The history of the Memphis School of Preaching is a testament to faithful men who believed that preaching the Word matters. I am deeply grateful for the faithful elderships (both past and present) who invested so much in the vital work of training gospel preachers. I am indebted to the leadership of those who came before me, men whose wisdom, foresight, and devotion laid a foundation that remains strong today. The curriculum, the faculty, the facilities, the staff, and the school’s overall stability reflect decades of faithful stewardship and unwavering commitment to truth. Each generation of leadership has contributed to a school that is doctrinally sound, academically rigorous, evangelistically oriented, and financially responsible.
When I began serving as Director on January 1st of 2013, I was encouraged by the continuity of that leadership and the support of those who had previously guided the school. From its founding in 1966 to the present day, MSOP has been blessed with faithful elders, capable instructors, efficient staff, and dedicated Christians who share a common goal: to prepare men to proclaim God’s Word with clarity, conviction, compassion, and courage. Our faculty brings together centuries of combined experience, all focused on equipping students to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).
One of our greatest joys is our alumni. It has been our privilege to send forth more than 1200 graduates to preach the Word around the world and thus to change the world. The work of our alumni is living proof that when the Word is preached, lives are changed. We cherish our alumni and are grateful for the influence they continue to have in churches and communities everywhere.
As you explore our updated website, we invite you to learn more about the Memphis School of Preaching. If you are a graduate, we hope this visit stirs fond memories and renewed gratitude. If you are not, we encourage you to look closely, because you may find yourself drawn into a work that is bigger than any one of us: preaching the Word of God and changing the world through it. You, too, can preach the Word and change the world!
May God continue to bless this school, its students, its supporters, and its mission.
His servant and yours,
B.J. Clarke
Director, Memphis School of Preaching