Craft of Preaching

silhouette of person walking in front of group of people
Dear Working Preacher
Following the Faithful One

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that [...]

Sidewalk art - silhouette of parent walking with child
Dear Working Preacher
Our Caregiver God

In the semicontinuous lectionary this week, we see once again that the prophet Hosea knows his way [...]

two snails on grey pavement in a city
Dear Working Preacher
Persistently Dancing for Hours

Luke fills his Gospel with images of persistence: Widows appealing [...]

two groups of people setting off colored powder (pink, yellow, and blue) in the air during a festival
Dear Working Preacher
Equipped for Holy Work

In Amos 8, the semi-continuous lectionary’s Old Testament reading for this week, economic power-brokers in ancient Israel [...]

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 [...]