A Free, At-Home Retreat for Preachers: "Resilience"
Due to our strange circumstances, many of us will not get away on a spiritual retreat for silence and contemplation this year. But we can still find spiritual renewal with this flexible retreat designed for ninety-minutes, three-hours, or six. I pray we emerge from this retreat at home filled with the Spirit’s gift of “holy resilience” to continue to minister well in Christ’s name.
Saved by the bell: the power of monastic practices to rescue us from burnout (a guest post)
Willpower is far less effective when we’re tired and worn out. And right now, we’re emotionally and mentally exhausted. We literally don’t have the mental energy to make more decisions—even when they’re in our best interest. This is the role of practices: to take the activities that will nurture, strengthen, and renew us, and make them routine rather than a decision to make.
Panel Discussion: "Preaching in a Time of Pandemic" with Cressman, Gunn, Jefferson, and Wells
Wondering how to keep preaching into this strange new world? Hosted by Bexley-Seabury Seminary, The Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes, and the Anglican Theological Review, and moderated by Micah Jackson, a panel of theologian-preachers discuss what it means to preach into a pandemic. Panelists include Scott Gunn, Mark Jefferson, Sam Wells, and Lisa Cressman.
Self-Guided Easter Retreat for Preachers
As you come down from the monumental work of offering not only Holy Week services, but Holy Week services in a format brand new to most, Backstory Preaching offers this self-guided, at-home retreat to renew your spirit. Download it free and allow God to minister to you as a beloved child of God who happens to lead other beloved children.
Holy Week & Easter Preaching Inspiration
As you preach this Holy Week and Easter, may you find the words your listeners need in this season of this year. To that end, we’ve put together this collection of wisdom and inspiration to nourish and refresh your own spirit. May you be good news to preach good news.
Before Preaching Lent, Go on Retreat—At Home!
Take time before Ash Wednesday to reflect, to sort your thoughts, to let Christ bring you wholeheartedly and single-mindedly into those forty days with this free Lenten retreat for preachers.
To Do or Not to Do: The Hidden Costs of Ministry Decisions
Every time we assume responsibility for a plumbing leak, a pastoral care request, a new bible study, the church bulletin, an email newsletter or blog, a staff meeting, a new initiative, etc., something else is lost. The problem comes when we keep saying yes without recognizing the corresponding no. As a result, we say goodbye to any semblance of a sabbath, to family togetherness, or to the peace of mind on Sunday mornings that comes from delivering a well-prepared sermon.
A Preaching Economy (A Guest Post)
Our people listen to us. They take what we say to heart. It’s our holy responsibility to find the courage to say it.
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.
Preachers, Be Renewed through a Christmas Retreat—at Home!
It’s Christmas Eve.
In no time at all your Christmas sermon(s) will have been preached, the excited little angels put to bed, the presents unwrapped and the feast eaten, and then…?
…Go on retreat.