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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The "Bento Box" Preaching Prep Approach (or how I learned to embrace an ideal schedule)
Process Lisa Cressman Process Lisa Cressman

The "Bento Box" Preaching Prep Approach (or how I learned to embrace an ideal schedule)

What I’m beginning to discover is that thinking of my schedule as a “bento box” is decreasing stress because the decisions about what to do next are pretty much already made. Instead of feeling emotionally claustrophobic, it actually feels kind of safe. Kind of cozy when things fit juuuuust right. Most of all, thinking of my schedule like a bento box helps me visualize whether something will fit.

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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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Preaching Advice Roundup: 16 Backstory Preaching mentors share strategies to make preaching easier, more effective, and more fun!
Craft, Process, Spirituality Lisa Cressman Craft, Process, Spirituality Lisa Cressman

Preaching Advice Roundup: 16 Backstory Preaching mentors share strategies to make preaching easier, more effective, and more fun!

Sometimes, one small tip is powerful enough to unlock a new competency or significantly improve a skill or process. That’s why today's blog is all tips, tips, and nothing but preaching tips. As the 2023-2024 Mentorship class wraps up their program and celebrates graduation, I asked current Backstory Preaching mentors to offer some of their favorite preaching strategies to help you craft more effective sermons in less time—while loving the process!

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The Key to an Inspired Palm Sunday Sermon (or Any Sermon)
Process Lisa Cressman Process Lisa Cressman

The Key to an Inspired Palm Sunday Sermon (or Any Sermon)

Curiosity is a powerful driver in sermon prep. When we pay attention to our curiosity, brainstorm all the questions we have about a text, and then narrow our focus to our top three interests—we’ll save time in prep, discover information that sparks our wonder, and find delight in what the Spirit prompts and unearths for us. Read on for step-by-step instructions on applying this strategy to your Palm Sunday sermon and any sermon.

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5 Biggest Blocks to Effective, Creative Sermon Prep
Process, Inspiration & Growth Lisa Cressman Process, Inspiration & Growth Lisa Cressman

5 Biggest Blocks to Effective, Creative Sermon Prep

How we set ourselves up for sermon prep makes all the difference in our experience of preaching. Consider these five common mistakes preachers make that block effective, efficient sermon prep. When we overcome these obstacles, our creativity expands, and we craft sermons we believe in and are excited to offer. Are any of these blocks keeping you from a vibrant preaching life right now?

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