Backstory Preaching is an online, ecumenical ministry

We help Anglican and mainline preachers:

• prep sermons more efficiently

• preach more compellingly

• and connect with God in the process

To meet a variety of needs and learning styles, we offer:

• independent eCourses

• 6-week live courses guided by a mentor

• a 10-month preaching Mentorship program

• The Collectives—a preacher’s go-to resource for all things preaching: this year-round community supports compelling preaching with tools, courses, workshops, and events for continual education and growth

Seasoned preachers, lay preachers, & new preachers all report growth and renewed vitality

Our resources are useful for both lectionary and non-lectionary preachers alike. Seasoned preachers, lay preachers, and new preachers all report growth and renewed vitality in their preaching as a result of participating in Backstory Preaching.

In addition to the paid programs mentioned above, we offer a blog and numerous free resources distributed across our social media channels and by email in our weekly newsletter.

Backstory Preaching also works with adjudicatory leaders to provide trainings or courses for groups of preachers. Reach out to Lisa Cressman, Founding Steward, to learn more.

About LISA

The vision for Backstory Preaching woke the Rev’d Dr. Lisa Cressman in the middle of the night, and she’s been trying to keep up with the Holy Spirit ever since.

She is Backstory Preaching’s Founding Steward, sharing insights from more than 25 years as an Episcopal priest, preacher, spiritual director, and retreat leader.

She is the author of The Gospel People Don’t Want to Hear: Preaching Challenging Messages (Working Preacher Books, 2020), Backstory Preaching: Integrating Life, Spirituality, and Craft (The Liturgical Press: Collegeville, 2018), and Craft an Effective Sermon by Friday, a guest preacher, preaching instructor, and keynote speaker.

Lisa is a Certified Daring Way® Facilitator, holds a BS in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an M.Div. from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA., and a D.Min. in Practical Theology from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN.

Her hope for you is simple but profound: that you would preach with your whole life.

Jen Beamsley

Ordained as an ELCA pastor in 2005, I have been a church nerd my whole life. I love worn pews and loud babies in worship; new ministries that shake things up so everyone is uncomfortable; enough grace to hang your life on. I have been found by all that and more, and I'm grateful. When not filling my hours serving on synod staff, you'll find me outside, in a garden, on a path, nose in a book, or cooking something up in the kitchen—preferably with spouse Chris, our grown kids, and/or the dog.

Miriam Elizabeth Bledsoe

I am an Episcopal priest and monastic sister with the Order of Saint Helena in North Augusta, SC (www.osh.org). I was ordained in 2002-3 and served as a parish priest before coming to the order in 2011. I began with Backstory Preaching in 2016 and currently serve as a mentor and mentor-guide with apprentices. In my order I serve as part of a duo on the Leadership Council; as sister in charge of the kitchen; and as a priest, preacher, spiritual director and retreat leader. As well, I provide occasional sacramental supply for Christ Episcopal Church in Denmark, SC.

kevin caruso

There are 2 types of people in this world, those who like to write bios about themselves, and those who don’t…

…and I am not sure the first type of person exists!  

I am a priest who serves as the Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Wheaton, IL.  I have been blessed to share in ministry with the people of Trinity since 2014.  Together, we strive to follow the Way of Love made known by Jesus.

Doris Chandler

Dog and nature lover, stargazer, leaf peeper, and Mandalorian fan. Love hot chocolate crowned with miniature marshmallows on brrrr cold snowy days, an early morning cup of dark roast coffee, and Mandalorian conversations with my son. Ordained as a PC(USA) Minister of Word and Sacrament in 1996. Served PC(USA) congregations in Alabama and New York and presently serve a PC(USA) congregation in Michigan. Prior to ordination was a science educator in public schools. Reading, gardening, walking, playing fetch with my beloved American Cocker Spaniel, and watching hummingbirds sip nectar bring joyful delight.

Jo Cooper

I have been in ministry as a United Methodist Pastor in Louisiana since 2000. Before then I was a safety coordinator for a hospital. I have a paraprofessional certification in Spiritual Formation and am a Spiritual Director. I am married to an UMC Pastor and between us we have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. I enjoy long walks and strong coffee, not necessarily in that order.

Monique Ellison

I am a Midwesterner (from a suburb of Detroit, Michigan) and lover of the underdog, seeing as how I get a lot of practice with the Lions, Red Wings, Tigers, and Pistons as my hometown teams. I also believe that God sides with the underdog and that is the team I want to be on. I am an aspiring endurance athlete, but not because I think I'm going to be standing on any podiums. I like all of the people who do things like ride a bike 100 miles. I live with my wife, toddler daughter, my parents, and my ill behaved dog.

leigh hall

Since 2017, I've been the full-time rector of St. Nicholas- on-the-Hudson, an Episcopal church in the Diocese of NY. I also serve as the quarter-time Affiliate Advisor (e.g., chaplain) to the Protestant community at Vassar College. Ordained since 2009, I am an emigre to the northeast from the deep south. I follow a mostly vegan diet and live for perfect avocados. I’m decent at Scrabble.

On New Year's Eve 2019, I met the love of my life, Edmund, and married him exactly one year later, New Year's Eve 2020. We live in the Hudson Valley with our Boston Terrier, Boo Radley; Scout, a Boxer rescue (read: a hot mess express); and Bianca, our feline grand dame who just couldn't care less.

• Likes: label makers, lavender, Wes Anderson movies, any combination of hazelnut + chocolate, clogs

• Dislikes: the climate crisis, racism, unkindness, feeling stuck

• Curiosities: the British monarchy, monasticism, calligraphy & lettering

susan ironside

Hello from New Jersey where I serve as rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Madison, having previously served as rector of St. John on the Mountain in Bernardsville, NJ. A graduate of The General Theological Seminary, and recipient of the Bishop of Newark Preaching Prize in 2010, I have been a working preacher for over a decade. In addition to being a proud mentor here at BsP, I also have served for many years as a faculty member for the Episcopal Preaching Foundation. Prior priestly ministry, I was a Registered Nurse who worked for Adult Protective Services in New Jersey, working with families and individuals in crisis. I live with my husband and our two college students, and two completely overindulged dogs. When not working or hanging out with family I love novels, cooking, and disappearing to the beach whenever possible!

Preaching—for me anyway—is both exhilarating and terrifying, and it is always a joy to work with other preachers, hear new voices, and explore the diverse ways that God continues to speak through ordinary women and men who are brave and foolish enough to step into a pulpit and proclaim Good News to God’s people.

courtney jones

Quick Bio: Courtney Jones. Deacon in Dio NWTX. Likes books and dogs. Associate for Ministry Development and Innovation at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Amarillo. She/her. 

The slightly longer bio: Courtney was a high school science teacher for the first 18 years of her working life.  Courtney was ordained to the vocational diaconate in the Episcopal Church in January of 2018.  Courtney balanced teaching, preaching, and ministry life for the first couple years after ordination, but was offered a full time position at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Amarillo in July of 2020.  Courtney's ministry focuses as an associate are digital ministry, communications, formation, and outreach.  Courtney currently lives in her hometown, Amarillo, TX, with her wife, Michele, two dogs and a cat.  The whole troop plus a mother-in-law will soon be moving to Northwestern Washington (Dio Olympia) for Michele's work in Occupational and Environmental Safety.

Mike Marsh

I am married to Cyndy. We have two sons. Our younger son lives with his wife in Hawaii. Our older son died in 2009. I enjoy cycling and backpacking.

I have served as rector of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Uvalde, Texas, since 2005. My interests are the desert and monastic traditions, Eastern Orthodoxy, contemplative and mystical spirituality, and spiritual direction and formation. Outside of the parish these interests find expression in the following work:

1. Backstory Preaching - Spiritual Guide

2. Iona Collaborative, Thriving in Bi-vocational Ministry - Clergy Mentor

3. Collegeville Institute’s Communities of Calling - Clergy Coach

4. Individual Spiritual Direction

dale matherly

I’m a Disciples of Christ pastor ordained in 1992, and most recently completed eleven years as the Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Topeka, Kansas. I currently engage in leadership coaching, facilitate learning opportunities around Adaptive Leadership, and help organizations grow from their strengths using Appreciative Inquiry. I participated in early 2020 in a Backstory Preaching sermon camp and then followed that as a participant in the 2020/21 Mentorship. My partner, Traci, and I have two grown children, an adopted dog, and a cat.

I love to hike and explore the mountains of east Tennessee where I grew up.  I have come to love walking in the blowing wind of the Kansas tall grass prairie. My favorite hobby is photography and particularly photography of night skies. The stars and galactic core remind me of the expansiveness of God.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”  
- Isaiah 43:1b

eric miller

I’m an Episcopal priest ordained to the priesthood in the spring of 2003, currently serving as rector of Ascension & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. My Backstory Preaching journey commenced in 2018 (member of Collective Plus 2018, Participant in Mentorship 2019-20, Apprentice 2020-21) and serve as a Mentor, as well as an Instructor for Sermon Camp. In addition, I serve as Chaplain for our local Fire Department, member of the Diocese of Southern Ohio’s Commission on Ministry, and one of the founding members of “Wyoming Community In Action,” our suburb’s response to racial injustices. I practice sober living through the principles of recovery spirituality. I live just north of lovely downtown Cincinnati, OH with my spouse Rosemary, high school-aged boys Nathaniel and Lucas, and beloved rescue dog Lulu. Some of my core values are love, humility, service to others, spiritual connectivity, and God’s grace. I enjoy being in the great outdoors, movies and meals with my family, practicing yoga, writing, and relaxing with my dog.

andrea myers

I’m an ELCA pastor (ordained 2009), currently serving as Senior Pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Urbandale, Iowa.

I’ve been a Backstory Preaching Mentor since 2020, after completing the the Mentorship (2019) and Apprenticeship (2019-20). The methods and community of BsP have helped me develop a more spiritually-grounded and sustainable preaching practice. What I love about being a Mentor is helping preachers discover their own grace-filled practice for preaching the good news authentically and effectively.

caroline penhale

My name is Rev. Caroline Penhale and I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I serve as a coach in private practice and a mentor with Backstory Preaching. Ordained in 2014, I have served in paid accountable ministry with the United Church of Canada for 12 years. Prior to ministry, I worked as a vocational rehabilitation counsellor and coach for 12 years. I have trained with Holmes Coaching and the Coaches Training Institute and I am a member of the International Coaches Federation. I look forward to meeting and getting to know you as part of the Backstory Preaching community. Welcome!

Yejide Peters Pietersen

I love preaching and teaching. I am deeply drawn to Ignatian Spirituality and making theology a spiritual practice. I am married and the proud aunt of adorable nieces and nephews. I love dogs, silly memes, serious documentaries, and cooking. I dream of running a half-marathon before my next big birthday (thank goodness it is more than three years away...) Jesus is awesome.

MELINDA QUIVIK

I have been an ordained ELCA pastor for nearly 30 years; served churches in Montana, Minnesota, and Michigan (I know... all Ms); have a PhD in worship and preaching from Graduate Theological Union; taught worship and preaching at a Lutheran seminary for several years; edit the quarterly journal "Liturgy" published by The Liturgical Conference; write for Augsburg Fortress, Working Preacher, other publishers; and am grateful to work with preachers as a mentor in Backstory Preaching's Mentorship program.

rhonda rogers

The Rev. Rhonda Rogers (she/her) is Vicar at St. Francis of Assisi, Prairie View in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. She is a member of the Executive Committee and Racial Justice Committee in the diocese.

Rhonda is an Associate with the Order of St. Helena, a monastic community of women in the Episcopal Church.  She is a member of Daughters of the King and Union of Black Episcopalians Reverend John D. Epps Chapter. She is also a member of the Province VII Anti-Racism Committee.

Prior to ordained ministry, Rhonda worked for Mobil Chemical and ExxonMobil Chemical for over 38 years as a Chemical Engineer. In addition to her technical career, Rhonda led employee workshops for Organizational Development, Diversity and Inclusion at Mobil Chemical Films Division.

Rhonda has three adult children who live in Maryland and California. Her hobbies include traveling, going to the theatre, music, golf, and reading.

jennifer scarr

I am an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, an historic peace church full of anabaptist and pietist theology and practice. I currently serve as the pastor for pastoral care and outreach at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren in Bridgewater, Virginia. I began with Backstory Preaching during the global pandemic in 2020 and am delighted to be serving as a Backstory Preaching Mentor! In addition to my work with Backstory, I am also a member of the board for a nonprofit called On Earth Peace and am trained as a reservist with Community Peacemaker Teams (CPT) where I served in Colombia once upon a time. For now, I live just outside of Harrisonburg, VA with my partner (Jonathan) and our two fur babies (Cats, Midnight and Leo.) When I am not reading Harry Potter, I’m flying the starship Enterprise or keeping an eye out of my office window for the T.A.R.D.I.S. which is sure to arrive any day.

JJ Simpson-Keelan

I am a second career pastor serving at Living Waters in Ringoes New Jersey. Prior to ministry, I worked for almost thirty years at International Flavors and Fragrances. I started as an Analytical Chemist and held positions in operations, customer service, information technology, and global purchasing. I am also a certified project management professional.

I found BsP shortly into my first call. The community, support, and ideas you will find in this space will fill your well. I look forward to meeting everyone and getting to work with you and continuing to grow in faith and connections.

sam smith

The Rev. Samantha Smith is rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Waco, in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. She also serves as an instructor of Ethics and Liturgical Theology at the Iona School for Ministry in her diocese and as a member of the diocesan Board of Examining Chaplains. 

Sam received her Backstory Preaching designation in 2019 and her mentor designation in 2021.

Sam enjoys spending time with her spouse, Austin, their daughter, Ruth, and their beagle, Seaborn. She is an avid West Wing fan (which is how Seaborn got his name!), a consumer of epic fantasy and historical fiction by the truck load, a former college athlete, a lover of yard games, and a DIY dabbler. She loves watching God unfold in all of those experiences and more besides.

The continual unfolding of God in the fabric of her life is what ignites her passion for preaching and helping people connect the story of God to their own stories.

Brad Sullivan

I am an Episcopal Priest, serving and preaching in congregations since 2005. Preaching, teaching, leading pastoral care, and building communities within the church are my primary ministries. I'm also a Certified Daring Way® Facilitator and love that healing work. 

Having grown up in Houston and gone to school at the University of Texas in Austin, I met my wife at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. Since then, we've served in different congregations, mostly in Houston, where we live with our three children. When not preaching, I spend time as a singer-songwriter and guitar player.

Stacy Walker

I have served God in the Church and in the World as an Episcopal priest since 2006: 16 years in parish ministry, and as a community organizer with DuPage United (a Metro IAF affiliate). I am canonically resident in the Diocese of Chicago and live in the suburbs of Chicago. Besides preaching on occasion, and reviving grassroots democracy with our inter-religious organization, I am also a single mom to twin teenage sons. I enjoy running, watching my boys run, spending time outdoors, reading, making music, listening to vinyl, hanging out with my friends and family, and living life on life's terms one day at a time. The spirituality of the 12 steps of Al-anon is essential to my life and relationship with Jesus (the God of my understanding). My favorite questions in regards to preaching are, "Ok, so what? Where's the invitation to transformation?!" And, "Where's your relationship and experience of Jesus in this sermon's backstory?" Show us Jesus, preacher! 

ron wells, collective/+ chaplain

Ron Wells (he, him, his) is the middle child of Joseph and Marie; he has an older brother, Michael, and a younger sister, Bettina. He earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree, from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, May 2005. He has also earned degrees from the following institutions: Bachelor of Arts, Long Island University, C. W. Post Center; Master of Divinity, New Brunswick Theological Seminary; Master of Science, New York Institute of Technology; and a Master of Science in Education, the City College-CUNY.