Author: Ben McDonald Coltvet

Woman carrying heavy bundle of wood on head
Dear Working Preacher
Sabbath Healing, Sabbath Rest

Our texts for this week speak of healing—physical healing, spiritual healing, societal healing. I hope [...]

Winding wooden bridge with slanted railing
Dear Working Preacher
Tell the Story Slant

It might seem advantageous that this Sunday’s text is about an exchange between a lawyer and God’s [...]

Worshipers joined in singing
Dear Working Preacher
Called Together

The news lately here in the United States (apologies to our many international readers) has been full [...]

Two men hugging in worship service
Dear Working Preacher
An Incarnational Calling

In Luke 9, Samaritan villagers make it clear that Jerusalem-bound Jesus is unwelcome among them. James and [...]

Two butterflies on an orange flower
Dear Working Preacher
A Glimpse of What God Yet Will Do

Republicans won’t budge on guns. And women and children are [...]

man leaning against locked window
Dear Working Preacher
A Life of Promise

When folks complain to me about how violent the Old Testament is, I first like to remind [...]

Basswood (linden) leaves in late afternoon sun.
Dear Working Preacher
A Defiant Hope

Last June, almost a year ago, we planted a cherry tree in our back yard. It was [...]

turtle on gravel pathway
Dear Working Preacher
Discernment in Times of Disruption

So much of our lives as Christian leaders involves discernment. [...]

Dusty shepherd follows flock
Dear Working Preacher
The Good Shepherd

I have a special relationship with Jesus as the good shepherd. My dad was the pastor of [...]

bearded man looking pensive
Dear Working Preacher
Less Doing, More Being

When I teach groups about the Gospels I usually highlight what distinguishes each of them. Part of [...]