Continuing a Legacy

This fall, Jared E. Alcántara, Ph.D., professor of preaching and holder of The Paul W. Powell Endowed Chair in Preaching at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, was named director of the Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching. Alcántara began his role in January 2024, succeeding Joel C. Gregory, B.A. ’70, Ph.D. ’83, professor of preaching and holder of The George W. Truett Endowed Chair in Preaching and Evangelism.

“I count it a privilege to succeed Dr. Joel Gregory as the director of the Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching,” Alcántara said. “He leaves behind a rich legacy of faithful preaching, training, innovation and bridge building. I will do my best to honor that legacy in the days ahead.”

The Center is named in honor of Truett graduate Kyle Lake, B.A. ’94, M.Div. ‘97, a Waco-based pastor credited with a special gift for ministry. Carrying on Lake’s legacy, the Kyle Lake Center provides support for seminarians who are learning the craft of preaching.

Alongside Alcántara’s new leadership role, Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded a $1.25 million grant to Baylor University to support Truett Seminary’s initiative focused on minoritized preaching for the good and growth of the Church.

“Let me also state how excited and grateful I am that Lilly Endowment is supporting the compelling preaching project at the Kyle Lake Center. This generous gift comes at just the right time in this season of transition for Truett Seminary and Baylor University,” Alcántara said. “Not only does it help the Center to carry forward Dr. Gregory’s legacy, but it also positions us in the best possible way to support and equip aspiring and active preachers to meet the needs of an intercultural church with an intercultural future.”

Alcántara holds a B.A. from Wheaton College, his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from the University of Edinburgh (New College) and a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary. An ordained Baptist minister, he has served as a youth pastor, associate pastor and teaching pastor in Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon and New Jersey. Before joining Truett Seminary in 2018, Alcántara served as associate professor of homiletics at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.