The Uncomfortable Relationship Between Preacher, Stewardship, & Congregation: 4 Revealing Conversations
Spirituality, Holiday/Special Sermons Lisa Cressman Spirituality, Holiday/Special Sermons Lisa Cressman

The Uncomfortable Relationship Between Preacher, Stewardship, & Congregation: 4 Revealing Conversations

During stewardship season we preach to our parishioners about the need to offer their time, talent, and treasure.

But we preachers need a different conversation.

We need a frank, "backstory" conversation about our personal dependence on parishioners' donations, and the ways money affects our relationships with parishioners and colleagues and our capacity to preach with our whole selves.

Read More
Process, Holiday/Special Sermons Shaundra Taylor Process, Holiday/Special Sermons Shaundra Taylor

3 questions to guide sermon prep for special occasions or crisis circumstances (A Guest Post)

“As people of faith, we believe God is present and active and has a word to offer to us in all times and seasons of our individual and corporate lives.” In their book, For Every Matter under Heaven: Preaching on Special Occasions, Donna Givers-Johnston and Beverly Zink-Sawyer address specific preaching occasions that arise from calendars, celebrations, or circumstances—leading preachers through a process of preparing sermons that seek and then speak God’s word for the occasion. They introduce us to their approach in this guest post.

Read More
The Ten Biggest Mistakes Preachers Make in Stewardship Sermons
Holiday/Special Sermons Lisa Cressman Holiday/Special Sermons Lisa Cressman

The Ten Biggest Mistakes Preachers Make in Stewardship Sermons

Our sermons about stewardship can feel heavy with the burden of making ends meet. 

Given these stakes, it’s tempting to preach from scarcity rather than abundance, to exert pressure rather than issue an invitation, to emphasize monetary bottom lines rather than spiritual transformation. 

There's another way to preach, however. Learn to recognize these ten mistakes preachers make in their stewardship sermons so you can craft sermons that invite your congregation to participate in God's abundance instead.

Read More
Connect With God During Lent: 3 Steps for Contemplative Sermon Prep
Holiday/Special Sermons Lisa Cressman Holiday/Special Sermons Lisa Cressman

Connect With God During Lent: 3 Steps for Contemplative Sermon Prep

This is the most intensive season of the year for priests and pastors. With Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, multiple services for Easter, plus extra Lenten parish educational activities, there’s a lot to prepare for. Before you feel overwhelmed, though, let’s do a quick review to remind ourselves what will help your sermon prep—and all your preparations—to be holy, from your heart, and as efficient as possible.

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