The Craft of Preaching
Resources to strengthen authentic biblical preaching
Currently in Sermon Development
Reading sermons has never been very inspiring to me, and many of my pastoral colleagues agree.
So when Sandy, a member of our congregation, asked me to consider trying to publish my sermons, I was not enthusiastic.
Columnist Profile
Paul Palumbo
Pastor
Lake Chelan Lutheran Church
Chelan, WA
The preacher by nature of her/his call to the ministry of the Church is bound to take seriously this particularity of biblical texts out of respect for the authority of Scripture and in care for the Church's proclamation.
Particularity
While this is no different with creation texts than with any other text in Scripture, the tendency to harmonize creation accounts is at least as prominent as the tendency to harmonize Gospel accounts. It is important, therefore, to be mindful of each text's particularity.
"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality," writes Max De Pree.1
In the past half-century, much emphasis has been placed on pastoral leaders' ability to get things done—organizing and managing effective programs, launching entrepreneurial growth initiatives, visiting and counseling people in need. Less attention has been paid to a different, ancient dimension of leadership, the narrative or sensemaking function. This dimension is increasingly important today.
"Building a wedding is a recipe for muddle – the bridal party, the families, the guests, the minister, the vows, the food."
"You're attempting to make something beautiful out of unruly and unpredictable elements – the weather, the nuttier relatives, the rivalries, disorders, and dreams."1