What's Offensive? Preaching in the Language of Dignity
It might feel like we can’t say anything without offending someone. You’re right. Language evolves and therefore so does what is deemed offensive. To preach the dignity of every human being, we need to keep up with the changes in language so that in our sermons and writings, we are honoring and seeing our neighbors. Because when a person’s experiences, preferences, and identity are dismissed, they are rendered invisible. And that is offensive.
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.
For the Love of Preaching: Make it playful work!
The vast majority of preachers I work with, including me!, would say their favorite part of sermon prep is exegesis. It’s likely the “new” aspect that’s actually at the root of why we enjoy exegesis. Every time we discover something new, our brains push out a little dopamine and we feel that rush of satisfaction. However, when we run out of “new” because we’ve read the same Scripture verses, footnotes and commentaries over and over, well, uh-oh. But we can infuse newness into every stage of sermon prep, and that’s the key to creating work that feels like play.
The Key to Overcoming "Preacher's Block"
When ideas elude us and the page stares blankly, we may worry we're stuck. Discover the two roots of "preacher's block," and learn the simple key to overcoming that feeling of having nothing to say.
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.
5 Essentials to Preach Sermons People Can't Stop Talking About
Based on the science of memorable speeches, the neuroscience of memory, and the factors that make a social media post go viral, content that keeps people talking has five things in common. Incorporate these essentials in your sermons, and see what kind of conversation follows.
Best Sermon Prep Practices for Preachers—By Preachers!
I asked preachers who are members of Backstory Preaching’s Collective what their best practices are? What have they found effective in getting a meaningful sermon written week after week? And how have they created respite in the process? Their ideas may inspire you to try something new or more effective this week. And we’d love to hear your suggestions, too!
Do You Believe the Sermons You Preach?
We’re not writing sermons to get a job done. Nor are we looking for a topic the same way we do for a term paper. Instead, having engaged the text prayerfully—vulnerable and open to the Holy Spirit—we have been changed. We encountered the living God, and that encounter transforms us. A sermon, then, serves as a public declaration of faith: yours.
Be Fed That You May Feed
Consider how we feed people with the Word week in and week out:
- Sermons
- Bible studies
- Prayers
When we're only using the Word as a necessary tool for ministry, yes, we get fed on the side. But we don't eat the main course. When we don't sit at the banquet table and feast daily ourselves, we slowly starve ourselves.
We know we're starving when:
- Preaching becomes a test of strength, willpower, and adrenaline.
- Preaching doesn't give us life, it drains it.
- Preaching hangs over our heads all week.
Crafting Sermons Like a Photographer (A Guest Post)
Photographers know the quality of a photo is determined less by the beauty of the surroundings and more by their choice of what to include—and exclude. Widen the lens, shift angles, zoom in or step back, turn up the green, soften the highlights—every choice changes the focus and final image. Shoot without paying attention to these details and you end up with an image that may be real but doesn't capture the deeper truth of a thing. The photo leaves the observer on the outside. "I guess you had to be there..."
This effort to bring your listener into the gospel as you see it is your work in sermons, as well.
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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.
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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.