Craft of Preaching

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 [...]

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 [...]