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.
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?
I Hate to Tell You: We Can Still Get It Right
Humanity continues to get so much wrong. And until we can admit we’re getting things wrong, we can’t get them right. We will continue to dig deeper and deeper holes that are harder to get out of. So why don’t we just admit it? And how do we preach into this resistance?
Ditch Fear. Seed hope.
Due to the sheer repetition of circling our gaze between nails, soldiers, and oppressor, our fear mushrooms until we believe that death is stronger than God. Jesus himself is always there to remind us of the truth, but there is another figure we can look to as a guide in restoring our faith in God alone: Mary Magdalene.
Fostering Dialogue across the Political Divide (A Guest Post)
How can we preach on “hot topics” in a way that invites dialogue rather than driving a wedge into the red-blue divides of our congregations?
Finding Courage to Preach in "The Purple Zone" (A Guest Post)
Here’s the truth many clergy have shared with me: they are afraid to preach about issues of public concern. They know their sermons should in some way address things like racism, homophobia, climate change, sexism, economic issues, or hatred of foreigners, for example. But fear holds them back, keeps them quiet, and muzzles their prophetic voice. How can you preach when you are afraid?
What the comical can do for your preaching (a guest post)
The humorous signifies discourse that aims to make us laugh. Period. The humorous links with the human body and its many foibles. By the comical, I refer to a use of humor that seeks something more than laughter; it aims a metanoia. Such, I believe, is what makes the comical worthy of the serious calling to which we have been called.
Seeing the Bigger Picture: A Guest Post by The Rev'd Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert
“How you see yourself and read your Bible will dictate your politics. As you consider how to frame sermons from a justice-oriented Christian perspective… I want to [offer] with three message-crafting strategies for helping you and your listeners to see the big picture exegetically and hermeneutically.”
Resources for Preachers at the Time of a National Election
Preaching God’s kingdom in the midst of a national election is fraught. Backstory Preaching has put together a collection of Scripture, quotations, church prayers, and additional resources to buoy your faith, help you remember that you do not carry this burden alone, and provide guidance for your preaching and leadership over the next few intense weeks.
How to Craft a Prophetic Sermon that Bridges the Divide
When emotions and political tensions run high, preaching prophetically becomes ever-more fraught. Using the example of a fellow preacher’s sermon, consider these three components of sermons that offer challenging messages in a way that bridges the divide.