William L. Self Preaching Lectures
February 9-10, 2026
This year we are delighted to welcome Dr. L. Gregory Jones, President, Belmont University, to deliver the William L. Self Preaching Lectures at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology.
The event is free to local seminary students, but registration is required.
Click here to register-coming soon!
Schedule of Events-coming soon!
Monday, February 9, 2026
4:30pm Lecture 1: TBA
7:00pm Lecture 2: TBA
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
11:00am Lecture: TBA
Dr. L. Gregory Jones
President, Belmont University
A celebrated speaker, author, educator and business leader, Dr. Greg Jones believes in supporting communities through hope-inspired leadership and instilling a sense of purpose and entrepreneurial mindset in the next generation. He is dedicated to collaborative bridge-building across diverse perspectives and seeks to leverage his work as a University President to form leaders of character who are committed to helping people and communities flourish.
Dr. Greg Jones became president of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee on June 1, 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience in higher education leadership. Under his guidance, Belmont has embarked on an ambitious vision to be the leading Christ-centered university in the world, radically championing the pursuit of life abundant for all people.
Dr. Jones has overseen significant growth and innovation during his time at Belmont. Under his leadership, Belmont opened the $92 million Jack C. Massey Center, a collaborative hub designed to be the university’s new front door, secured the largest gift in University history—a $58 million donation from Mike Curb to expand the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and received a $32 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to inspire faith through the arts.
His leadership is characterized by themes of hope, hospitality, innovation, and civil discourse. He continues to be a thought leader in higher education, social innovation and theology, serving on various boards and councils across the country and globally.
Looking to the future, he is committed to expanding Belmont’s impact, fostering innovation and strengthening the University’s role in creating positive change both locally and globally.
Dr. Jones received his bachelor’s in speech communication and a masters of public administration.
Dr. Jones is married to the Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones, and they are the parents of three children: Nathan, Ben and Sarah, and are grateful for their two daughters-in-law, Amy Little Jones and Allison Jones, their son-in-law Joey Fala and their granddaughters Clara, Audrey, Sophie and Hannah.
*From the Belmont University website
The William L. Self Lectureship at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology was established in order to promote the practice of faithful and effective preaching of the gospel.
The lecture series is named in memory of Dr. William L. Self, Pastor Emeritus of Johns Creek Baptist Church,
Alpharetta, who was nationally recognized as a gifted preacher, pastor, author, lecturer, motivational speaker, and innovator in church growth. Dr. Self achieved considerable acclaim by leading Wieuca Road Baptist Church, Atlanta, to a place of prominence in Georgia and the nation. As pastor of Johns Creek, his leadership and influence brought the church to the vanguard of fast-growing churches.
The purpose of the lectureship is to enlighten and inspire those whose calling is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The lectures seek to instill in students and pastors a passion for better preaching by providing worthy models and by offering seasoned instruction and encouragement. Each year the lecture series features a nationally recognized preacher.