Pentecost Quotations for Preaching and Reflection
I don't think I'm alone in struggling to find words to preach about the elusive yet ever-present Holy Spirit. The Spirit receives a fraction of the mentions in Scripture that “God” and “Jesus/Christ” receive. With Christians' most revered day about the Spirit coming up on the Feast of Pentecost, I thought it would help to add a few more mentions about the Spirit to our personal preaching libraries. I collected quotes from theologians, poets, and preachers to give us more words to work from. Their wise and insightful ideas will spark your imagination, help you see the Spirit in a new light, and offer new directions for your sermons.
5 Tools Making Preaching & Life Easier, More Inspired, and More Fulfilling (A Resource Round-Up)
I’ve noticed a number of improvements in my preaching and general life lately, so I’m sharing the tools that have been most influential in this shift. Perhaps one or more would be of use to you, too.
Quotations for Preaching and Reflection: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter (2022)
I love gathering quotations for preachers’ reflections and preaching. So many of them call me up short, take my breath away, and offer new insights. This collection of quotes for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday does just that, opening my imagination and heart to help me grow as a follower of Jesus and as a preacher, in addition to providing loads of ideas for sermons that touch our listeners. I hope these do the same for you.
Stop and Smell the Ink: How Creative Play Makes You a Better Preacher
If you've only ever started 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.
For the Love of Preaching: We *Get* to Preach (2nd in a 4-week Series)
There may never have been a more difficult time in our lifetimes to minister in God’s name when many listeners actively seek fault, agendas, or flat-out disagree with sharing Christ’s love with all. That makes for a stressful ministry environment. All the more reason to remind yourself of the extraordinary blessing it is that we get to do this work.
BsP's Preacher's Christmas Gift List (2020 edition)
The Backstory Preaching Annual Preacher’s Christmas Gift List has a theme: getting through the rest of the pandemic while preparing for the resumption of activities after (God willing) we have an effective, widely-distributed vaccine. Check out this year's favorites!
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.
Your Guide to Preaching Resources During the Pandemic
From information about the pandemic to preaching strategies to stories that will inspire and lift your listeners’ spirits—you’ll be able to return to this collection again and again in the coming weeks.
My Three Preaching Resolutions for 2020
I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. January 1st has always felt like an arbitrary date to begin the things I know I need to do. However, three goals of mine happen to coincide with January 1st as the start date. Perhaps these goals—or resolutions—will inspire you and your preaching.
This Christmas, Preach about Jesus's Wheelhouse
Aiding your listeners to enter 2020 with clarity about their wheelhouses might be the very best gift they receive this Christmas.