Effects of the Pandemic on Preaching and Worship: Questions to Consider (A Guest Post)
Preaching in Crisis Guest Author Preaching in Crisis Guest Author

Effects of the Pandemic on Preaching and Worship: Questions to Consider (A Guest Post)

Our guest blogger and Collective+ speaker, the Rev. Andrew Stoebig, suggests the events and traumas of our most recent cycle of memory calls for a deeper kind of reflection on the way we operate individually and within our community systems. Namely, now what? Whether your worship patterns since the pandemic are new or old or in between, does what you say match what you do? That is, does your pattern of and movement during worship support or challenge, confirm or deny, further or suppress your homiletical proclamation?

Read More
"Holy Crying": The Healing Power of Lament—Even in Eastertide (A guest post)
Spirituality Guest Author Spirituality Guest Author

"Holy Crying": The Healing Power of Lament—Even in Eastertide (A guest post)

What comes next will not be a return to what was. What comes next will be a transition period, a time of figuring out the new normal. Transitions by definition mean change, and change, even positive change, brings stress. In the coming weeks when the flowering world signals one message but your soul feels another, remember God’s gift of the Lament and let your holy tears join the rain of the season. Both bring welcomed growth.

Read More
Preaching One Year Into the Pandemic
Preaching in Crisis Lisa Cressman Preaching in Crisis Lisa Cressman

Preaching One Year Into the Pandemic

As the U.S. comes to the end of its first year managing the pandemic, I hear frustration among preachers with each other. The source of tension? A disagreement about the best ratio between preaching lament and joy. To all preachers everywhere, I say: Yes. There is the need for lament, and there is the need for joy. And if we’re not sure about the best ratio, and if we’re feeling a little suspicious of our colleagues who tip a bit more toward one side than the other, then our parishioners are probably feeling the same way about each other—and us.

Read More
Panel Discussion: "Preaching in a Time of Pandemic" with Cressman, Gunn, Jefferson, and Wells
Preaching in Crisis, Spirituality Lisa Cressman Preaching in Crisis, Spirituality Lisa Cressman

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.

Read More
Suggestions for Online Memorial Services Based on First-Hand Experience

Suggestions for Online Memorial Services Based on First-Hand Experience

Unimaginable just a few months ago, many preachers now find themselves in the position of holding online memorial services. As we wade into this unfamiliar territory, Sr. Miriam Elizabeth Bledsoe and Rev. Jim Said share their experience and suggestions based on the online service they held for Sr. Bledsoe’s mother, who passed in mid-March.

Read More
How to Preach into Grief
Preaching in Crisis Lisa Cressman Preaching in Crisis Lisa Cressman

How to Preach into Grief

I never could have known this treatise on grief would be released in the midst of a pandemic. I could not have foreseen just how dramatically the ways of life we’ve always taken for granted would shift almost overnight. The lessons are keenly relevant to our new reality, and I want to share a few as you grapple with how to support not only your congregations but also your own spirit in the weeks and months to come.

Read More
Preaching Themes During COVID-19
Preaching in Crisis Lisa Cressman Preaching in Crisis Lisa Cressman

Preaching Themes During COVID-19

Like you, I have a lot more questions than answers about life and faith as we figure out how to respond to this defining global moment. We will often need to preach out of our own questions and the ones our parishioners ask. Click to find a few possible preaching themes as we navigate this global crisis.

Read More
BsP-Blue-SecondaryMark.jpg

The sermon 52 Framework

Just one hour and $27 to learn BsP’s practice to craft authentic, effective sermons—52 weeks a year.

➝ Learn More


Get the weekly newsletter

Get practical tips and resources (like this blog!) delivered to your inbox—and rediscover the joy of preaching. 


Join our community on Mighty Networks

Find resources and connection in this free, private community for preachers.


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).

 ➝ Get Monday Reminders 

quotation marks.png

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.


Current Offerings

The Collective/+

Your go-to community for preaching support and long-term growth. Weekly sermon prep resources, monthly master classes with leaders in the field, seasonal planning sessions, and community for the day-to-day work of preaching—all online so you can participate from anywhere.

➝ Get preaching support

Craft an Effective Sermon by Friday

This downloadable eCourse teaches you effective techniques you can apply immediately to craft soul-filled sermons that connect with your audience.

➝ Learn More

Get the latest book by BsP’s founder!

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.

quotation marks.png

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.


Follow us on Facebook