Lenten Quotes for Preaching and Reflection
An author turns a phrase and suddenly—we see. Multiple sermon ideas come to mind. That’s why I put together these collections. Whether you apply them to your sermons, Christian education, newsletters, weekly services, or your personal prayer or journaling, these quotes are sure to bring enlightenment, awe, and gratitude.
For the Love of Preaching: Make it playful work!
The vast majority of preachers I work with, including me!, would say their favorite part of sermon prep is exegesis. It’s likely the “new” aspect that’s actually at the root of why we enjoy exegesis. Every time we discover something new, our brains push out a little dopamine and we feel that rush of satisfaction. However, when we run out of “new” because we’ve read the same Scripture verses, footnotes and commentaries over and over, well, uh-oh. But we can infuse newness into every stage of sermon prep, and that’s the key to creating work that feels like play.
Beyond Candles & Icons: 5 Items to Inspire Your Sermon Prep
These items help us to be more mindful of the Spirit’s presence, remind us that our preaching really does make a difference, widen our creative pipelines, speed our sermon prep, and add considerably to the fun and joy of our vocation.
The Surprising Key to Writing Your Sermon Faster
There are times when muscling a sermon from the blank page through gritted teeth is actually counter-productive. When more is actually less. And when effort is not proportional to results. When we find ourselves dreading the blinking cursor at the top of our empty document, we may want to try a different tool than pure effort.
Stop and Smell the Ink: How Creative Play Makes You a Better Preacher
If you usually start your sermon prep with gritted teeth, we have an invitation for you. It's time to try a new way: begin with play.
How? We'll get to that.
But first, let's convince your logical left brain why letting your right brain have a turn at the wheel might get you to your destination more effectively.
Happy Tenth Birthday, Backstory Preaching!
Happy Birthday to Backstory Preaching (BsP)! We are TEN years old! From the most unlikely of beginnings, here we are! Truly, the Holy Spirit's imagination is so much bigger than I ever dreamed it could be.
Christmas Gifts for Preachers (2025)
Every year I compile a list of suggested gifts for preachers, perfect to send to Santa—or to drop hints for your loved ones! I have a blast perusing the internet to find gifts I know I'd enjoy and hope you would, too. In fact, there are a couple I might go ahead and splurge on myself!
Merry (Early) Christmas, Preacher!
Who are the People in Your Neighborhood? How Knowing Your Neighbors Will Strengthen Your Sermons
“In my work, I frequently meet clergy who don’t know their neighborhood colleagues, or only know the people in their own faith traditions, or only know those in their own ideological bubbles. They don’t know the leaders of local food pantries, transitional housing shelters, and other social services except in a transactional way: the clergy are valued for the donation they can organize or what sound bite they can give.
What if clergy took the time to build relationships in the community and in the congregation? What happens when we take the time to get to know the people in our neighborhoods?”
Disaster after Disaster: How to Preach So Listeners Don’t Tune Out
When natural disasters, political crises, and social injustices occur week after week, compassion fatigue can set in. What are we to do in the face of overwhelming need? Preachers can help their listeners avoid becoming numb, irritated or unresponsive, though. Read on to find out how.
The Key to Preaching in a "Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous" World
Perhaps many of us don't need Dr. Johansen to tell us a frightening and chaotic world is only going to get worse. What may be more surprising is to hear Dr. Johansen's outline for a counter-narrative: hope. He says this time of chaos is fertile ground for creativity, innovation, and a improvement.
How do preachers participate in this counter-narrative?