Ditch Fear. Seed hope.

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.

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Experience First, Express Second: Making Theology Understood in Preaching
Craft Lisa Cressman Craft Lisa Cressman

Experience First, Express Second: Making Theology Understood in Preaching

Not until we see, hear, touch, and feel the emotions of an idea do they take up residence in our spirits and do their work of transformation. This is the power of movies and tv shows and books and Ted Talks. They help us experience abstract concepts so we feel and therefore understand their meaning. Strong sermons do the same. They assume unfamiliarity so no understanding is taken for granted. And then they bring a concept to life.

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What's Offensive? Preaching in the Language of Dignity
Craft Lisa Cressman Craft Lisa Cressman

What's Offensive? Preaching in the Language of Dignity

It might feel like we can’t say anything without offending someone. You’re right. Language evolves and therefore so does what is deemed offensive. To preach the dignity of every human being, we need to keep up with the changes in language so that in our sermons and writings, we are honoring and seeing our neighbors. Because when a person’s experiences, preferences, and identity are dismissed, they are rendered invisible. And that is offensive.

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For the Love of Preaching: Make it playful work!
Craft, Inspiration & Growth Lisa Cressman Craft, Inspiration & Growth Lisa Cressman

For the Love of Preaching: Make it playful work!

The vast majority of preachers I work with, including me!, would say their favorite part of sermon prep is exegesis. It’s likely the “new” aspect that’s actually at the root of why we enjoy exegesis. Every time we discover something new, our brains push out a little dopamine and we feel that rush of satisfaction. However, when we run out of “new” because we’ve read the same Scripture verses, footnotes and commentaries over and over, well, uh-oh. But we can infuse newness into every stage of sermon prep, and that’s the key to creating work that feels like play.

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7 Ways to Become a More Compelling Preacher
Process, Craft Lisa Cressman Process, Craft Lisa Cressman

7 Ways to Become a More Compelling Preacher

In an increasingly unchurched and biblically illiterate society, preaching is the only biblical education many ever get.

Preaching is also a primary factor in many newcomers' decision about whether to return for a second visit.

As a result, the quality of your sermons matters both to your congregation's spiritual growth and to your church's ability to become a spiritual home for those seeking one.

That sounds like a lot of pressure, particularly when preaching is only one part of the job. Fortunately, it is possible to improve and grow in your craft.

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Crafting Sermons Like a Photographer (A Guest Post)
Craft Shaundra Taylor Craft Shaundra Taylor

Crafting Sermons Like a Photographer (A Guest Post)

Photographers know the quality of a photo is determined less by the beauty of the surroundings and more by their choice of what to include—and exclude. Widen the lens, shift angles, zoom in or step back, turn up the green, soften the highlights—every choice changes the focus and final image. Shoot without paying attention to these details and you end up with an image that may be real but doesn't capture the deeper truth of a thing. The photo leaves the observer on the outside. "I guess you had to be there..."

This effort to bring your listener into the gospel as you see it is your work in sermons, as well.

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Finding Courage to Preach in "The Purple Zone" (A Guest Post)
Craft Leah Schade Craft Leah Schade

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?

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