Your Story: Does it Belong in the Pulpit?
Does telling your own story
in this sermon for these people
point listeners towards God
or towards you, the preacher?
It's a Day of Reflection, So Let's Reflect on your Preaching
In the spirit of reflection, we're sharing four of our most popular blog posts to help you think about your craft and process. May you find something to inspire your preaching and preaching life.
A Surprising Lesson from Nadia Bolz-Weber about Vulnerability in the Pulpit
"Preaching to preachers has to be about the most delicious thing I can think of."
That's roughly how Nadia began her sermon to 1700 preachers, some of whom are the brightest luminaries of our vocation.
That one word stopped me short: "Delicious?!"
If you or I were preaching to 1700 preachers, would we use the same adjective, "delicious"? A word that connotes a feast, an indulgent treat, a delightful experience to be savored?
Or would we be more likely to choose an adjective somewhere between nerve-wracking and paralyzing?
Or is that just me?
Imagine, though.
What would make preaching to so many colleagues "delicious"?
Preacher, What Do You Think You're Doing?
Beyond giving thanks that a particular sermon connected with some listeners, do you ever stop to ponder what exactly your work as a preacher is?
How to Preach Without Notes & Nail It
It took me ten years in the pulpit before I tried preaching without a manuscript.
I wish I'd known then what I know now because I wouldn't have been nearly so anxious.
Why was I anxious? Bad assumptions:
- I thought I still had to have the sermon fully written ahead of time.
- I thought I had to have the entire manuscript memorized. Since memorization has always been hard for me, I was terrified of forgetting carefully crafted words and phrases.
- I didn't realize that as long as I had a map and knew where I was headed, I was ready to bring others along for the ride.
It turns out my assumptions were wrong. Preaching without notes was much simpler than I had realized.
How to Make Your Sermon Stick: 4 Tips for a Memorable Message
Want your sermon to be remembered beyond the end of the service? Check out these four tips you can implement this week to make your sermon stick.
Summer Preaching Reboot: How to take the stess, Tedium, & Procrastination out of your Preaching life
What if you knew you'd find new insights in the Scripture, even on your hundredth reading?
What if you knew what needed to be done each day to ensure your sermon was written by Friday?
What if you had a process and schedule you could count on every week to take the stress, tedium, and procrastination out of your sermon prep?
What if sermon prep became a joy—even a respite—rather than a weight hanging over your head all week?
An Easter Reflection for Preachers
Thank you, Preachers, for sharing the Good News of Easter.
From all of us at Backstory Preaching,
Micah, Cathie, Shaundra, Mary, Jessica, Taira, & Lisa
Breathe: An Easter Prayer & Survival Guide for Preachers
Ask the Spirit what one thing you are to do right now.
- If it's to work on your sermon, work on your sermon and your sermon alone.
- If it's to proofread bulletins, then focus on each line, each word, each number, one...at...a...time.
- If it's to stand in the pulpit and preach, then preach with your whole being.
Do the one thing you are to do. And find the peace of Christ waiting for you therein.
Pray Your Easter Sermon Into Being: A Sermon Prep Resource for Less Stress
Discerning a message and prepping a sermon amidst the other demands of preaching is a challenge.
That's why we're offering this free guide to a process that will transform your sermon prep from work to respite—all while helping you discern a transformative message for your listeners.
Last week, we introduced BsP's lectio divina sermon prep process in the post "What if You Never Had to Search for a Sermon Message Again?"
In this guide, we go deeper to help you implement each step of the 5-day process.
The sermon 52 Framework
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Live Lectio for Sermon Prep (Free!)
Get an early start on your sermon prep by joining us live on Facebook (Mondays at noon Central) as we prayerfully discuss the coming week's gospel passage (RCL & NL).
I participated in the Lectio study today with a complicated and double-speak Gospel (John 17:6-19) and WOW! I received so much great insight and am headed in a direction I feel really good about. Thank you to all my colleagues! If you are wondering if this is worth it, wonder no more. It is.
—Donna G.
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The Gospel People Don't Want to Hear: Preaching Challenging Messages was written to aid preacher’s in understanding what’s at stake for their listeners so they can craft sermons their audience can receive, even if they challenge cherished beliefs.
I just have to say WOW. I'm so grateful that I made the investment and joined The Collective. These Thursday [workshops] are a game-changer for me.
—Andrea M.