A New Goal for Preachers: Peaceful Productivity (A Guest Post)
Recently, I guided participants through a process to make space for sermon prep for the multiple sermons they’d be writing for Holy Week and Easter. I encouraged three steps, and while there was some resistance to the third, once completed, I sensed a shift in energy and renewed sense of enthusiasm for the tasks ahead. Read on to energize your own sermon prep with this 3-step scheduling process.
"The earth laughs in flowers": Easter Quotes & Inspiration
Ralph Waldo Emerson writes, “The earth laughs in flowers.” That's a perfect way to think of Easter, too: Easter laughs death away altogether and for good. Emerson's quote is one of many I assembled for your preaching and personal reflections this Eastertide.
Belonging: 5 Keys to Unlock Your Potential as a Disciple (A Guest Post)
The Rev. Karoline Lewis writes, “The Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus changes her life and unlocks her potential as a disciple of Jesus. In overhearing this conversation, we discover five aspects of discipleship worthy of our reflection: discomfort, wonder, trust, letting go, witness. This encounter at Jacob’s well should feel encouraging—that our own faith experiences can be trusted. That our own encounters with Jesus are worthy of reflection.“ Read this week’s guest post to better understand and preach discipleship.
Four Tips to Preach Through Change, Loss, & Grief During Lent
Change—and its attendant grief and loss—can feel like darkness, gloom, and storm clouds are gathering on the horizon, which makes Ash Wednesday the perfect time to explore those feelings in our sermons. Here are four tips to preach through change, grief, and loss during lent.
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.
A Creation Care Preaching Guide to Lent (A Guest Post)
Earth-keeping is found in every corner of the Bible. Each Sunday the scripture readings feed our abilities to envision living harmoniously with the rest of creation in all its forms. The RCL passages during Lent, for example, give us images that are windows into healthy and whole living.
Lenten Quotations for Preaching and Reflection (Free Download)
Curated for your inspiration, this collection of quotations about Lent can be used to guide your sermon development or to spark personal reflection. Download yours for free here.
Uncovering Our Theological DNA: A Review of “Preaching the Manifold Grace of God”
As with any aspect of our backstory, the more we're aware of the ideas, events, and beliefs that shape us, the less prone we are to fall prey to blindspots, biases, and unexamined perspectives. These books make the job of theological self-examination and awareness much easier.
Should Preachers use AI to Write Their Sermons? An ArtificIal Intelligence (AI) Primer & Discussion of the Moral Maze
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now widely available and prompting mass conversation about its implications for education, business, tech, and yes, preaching. In all fields, the question begged is: where does the ability of AI end and the need for human thought, analysis, and empathy begin? Head to the blog to read a sermon written by AI and consider where AI could or should be used in preaching—or not.
The Power of Questions: How to Challenge Assumptions in Preaching
An assumption is the lightning fast explanation we generate to connect random events or pieces of information into a believable narrative. We do this when we don’t have the time or mental bandwidth or confidence to figure out the real story. Instead, we rely on the easiest or fastest explanation to avoid the discomfort of not knowing. But when assumptions block us from the truth—from the gospel—we have a real problem.
The sermon 52 Framework
Just one hour and $27 to learn BsP’s practice to craft authentic, effective sermons—52 weeks a year.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.