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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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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What the comical can do for your preaching (a guest post)
Craft Guest Author Craft Guest Author

What the comical can do for your preaching (a guest post)

The humorous signifies discourse that aims to make us laugh. Period. The humorous links with the human body and its many foibles. By the comical, I refer to a use of humor that seeks something more than laughter; it aims a metanoia. Such, I believe, is what makes the comical worthy of the serious calling to which we have been called.

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Resources for Preachers at the Time of a National Election
Preaching in Crisis, Inspiration & Growth Lisa Cressman Preaching in Crisis, Inspiration & Growth Lisa Cressman

Resources for Preachers at the Time of a National Election

Preaching God’s kingdom in the midst of a national election is fraught. Backstory Preaching has put together a collection of Scripture, quotations, church prayers, and additional resources to buoy your faith, help you remember that you do not carry this burden alone, and provide guidance for your preaching and leadership over the next few intense weeks.

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On Preaching Politics and the Way of Christian Love: The Example of Bishop Curry
Craft Lisa Cressman Craft Lisa Cressman

On Preaching Politics and the Way of Christian Love: The Example of Bishop Curry

Preachers find themselves in a conundrum: listeners perceive sermon messages that address the ills of our current culture—like racism, climate change, or wearing masks—as subjects unbecoming to the pulpit. I want to offer an example of a recent sermon that effectively navigates this challenge. Read on to see how preachers can cast a vision for God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, particularly as it relates to our present struggles.

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