More than 7 years into ordained ministry, and 19 years since I first entered seminary, I have renewed my practice of preaching – both delivering and preparing the sermon. I had always preached with a manuscript Most of these manuscripts were not paragraph’d pages looking as if they belonged in a book, but a more free-form movement ofContinue reading “7+ Years In, Preaching Anew”
Tag Archives: preaching
Why I Left the Revised Common Lectionary Behind
The RCL’s treatment of the Old Testament is almost criminal. And other problems.
Do Worship Leaders Hide in Worship?
It is an odd proposition – do worship leaders hide in worship? Even though they’re standing up front, in the most visible part of the worship space, leading the congregation in prayer and praise and acts of worship, are they hiding in plain sight? Maybe. I’m struck after visiting two larger churches on Sunday –Continue reading “Do Worship Leaders Hide in Worship?”
Looking Ahead: the Church as tenant in God’s mission field
Looking Ahead to Sunday's readings and the Good News of God I will strive to speak that day, I am wrestling with how we understand the relationship between of God's mission and the church's mission. Stewardship themes also come through strong, especially in the Gospel. Appointed readings: Isaiah 5:1–7Psalm 80:7–15Philippians 3:4b–14Matthew 21:33–46 (full text ofContinue reading “Looking Ahead: the Church as tenant in God’s mission field”
Trying to Get the Disciples’ Attention
Looking ahead to the Gospel reading for Transfiguration Sunday (Matthew 17:1-9), I'm struck by how calm – clueless? – the disciples are despite some pretty odd things happening around them. First, after leading Peter, James and John up a high mountain (as the parent of three young children, I can't help but think of DoraContinue reading “Trying to Get the Disciples’ Attention”
The Lutheran Zephyr 