How to respond to “Don’t preach politics!” (2nd in a 2-part series)
When listeners object that we preached about "politics," emotions rise, adrenaline spikes, and we may feel threatened even when there’s no actual danger. If we react in this state, the risk is high that we might say or do something we later regret.
Bringing the emotions and adrenaline down is necessary to respond clearly, simply, respectfully, and pastorally. Here’s a step-by-step guide to handle these moments effectively.
4 Steps to Prepare yourself for Sermon Pushback (1st of a 2-Part Series)
Receiving strong emotions from our listeners is part of preaching life, and the experience can feel uncomfortable, enraging, shaming, or frightening. When we accept as fact that pushback will come, we’re less surprised when we hear it, which makes us less vulnerable to its effects.
Even better, prayerfully preparing ourselves will increase our confidence so we know how to respond effectively, respectfully, and pastorally.
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.
A Rule of Life for Preachers: The Preacher's Trust
At Backstory Preaching, we encourage preachers to develop and practice a type of rule of life specific to our vocation: The Preacher’s Trust. The Trust is a grace-filled structure upon which to grow as a child of God who happens to be called to preach, transforming our lives to reflect the Good News we preach. Discover the beauty of this spiritual practice for preachers.
Christmas Retreat for Preachers (2025)
The flurry of Christmas activity is over. Now it is time to rest—and rejoice! This free, downloadable Christmas Retreat is our gift to help you do just that. Whether you have ninety minutes, three hours, or a whole day, we’ve provided suggestions for flexible schedules so you truly go on retreat for as much time as you have available.
Rest. Tumble into grace and lay there for a good while. Give thanks. Rise refreshed. We'll preach the Good News in 2026 together.
Risking Your Job to Preach The Gospel? Two Questions to Ask First
We often preach a message people already agree with, a message that reinforces what people already believe. When we preach to the choir, we probably don’t feel vulnerable about the anticipated reaction: we expect more kudos than pushback. But what happens when we preach against the choir?
3 Lessons Yoga Taught Me About Preaching
I am a yogi not because of the poses I can hold or the shapes I can twist my body into, but simply because I practice. And practicing yoga about three times a week for several years has taught me useful life lessons about my source, foundation, and mindset, many of which apply to preaching.
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?”
“If Anyone Has Ears to Hear, Listen (to the Gospel)”
As preachers, how do we tell when we’re crossing over from gaining essential knowledge for preaching into the world’s sorrow to too much information? How do we help our listeners discern the same? Ask these three questions.
How—and why—to preach Transformation in An unsafe world
Adaptive theology is uncomfortable because it doesn’t come with a blueprint, rule book, or even stick-figure assembly directions. Instead it offers a snapshot of cleared ground where the reign of God waits to be built; a rendering of the renovated halls of justice where peace keepers hold dialogues instead of guns; a silhouette of all the peoples gathered to save the planet.