I would like to enter a partnership with you, sharing what these assigned passages say to me, setting forth what I might do with each assigned text, hopefully igniting ideas in your busy and at times overburdened mind and spirit, so that together we may bring that word from the Lord. ... My hope is not to take the work entirely out of sermon preparation, but to generate a process whereby the busy -- sometimes overworked -- preacher can get off to a running start.

Preachers get the best of lectionary and topical series preaching with this comprehensive manual of sermon series ideas based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Designed to frame consecutive weeks of lectionary texts into seasonal and short-term series, a diverse group of twelve preachers outline multiple thematic series plans for each lectionary year. Each series plan provides a series overview, chart that outlines each segment of the series, tips and ideas, scriptural references, and a brief sermon starter. The series honors holy days and seasons and responds to typical patterns of church attendance, maximizing visitor retention and member engagement. Pastors can honor their commitment to lectionary preaching while taking advantage of the benefits series preaching can offer with this truly unique resource. Contributors include: Theresa Cho, Pastor of St. John's Presbyterian Church, San Francisco, California Bob Dannals, Rector of St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church, Dallas, Texas Magrey R. DeVega, Pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Tampa, Florida Brian Erickson, Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, Birmingham, Alabama Mihee Kim-Kort, Presbyterian Minister and Campus Ministry Leader at University of Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana Jessica LaGrone, Dean of Chapel at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky Cleophus J. LaRue, Professor of Homiletics, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey Jacqueline J. Lewis, Senior Minister, Middle Collegiate Church, New York City, New York Katherine Willis Pershey, Pastor of First Congregational Church, Western Springs, Illinois Paul Rock, Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, Kansas Martin Thielen, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, Cookeville, Tennessee Winnie Varghese, Priest and Director of Community Outreach at Trinity Wall Street, New York, New York

With these introductory words, E. Carver McGriff sets forth to provide some of the most timely and thought-provoking research on the lectionary texts ever made available. Included for each Sunday in the lectionary are: - A listing of the applicable Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionary texts. - Commentary that is more than academic exegesis -- McGriff brings to the forefront those points in the text that relate most poignantly to our contemporary reality. - Suggested sermon titles for each of the three texts for each Sunday. - Themes and suggested directions for preaching on each text. - Several additional illustrations to enliven your preaching. - A description of the Psalm of the day. - A prayer for the day. E. Carver McGriff is one of America's premiere preachers. His introduction details the personal tragedy he has suffered. But through it all Dr. McGriff was able to expand his congregation from 900 members to 4,400 members. Sunday attendance increased from 300 to over 1,850. As a teenager Carver McGriff was wounded and captured by a German SS parachute battalion during World War II. He received a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts and returned home to earn a degree in business administration from Butler University. Following a career as a salesman and business owner, McGriff entered Garrett Theological Seminary, where he was voted Best Preacher by the faculty and graduated with distinction. He was then appointed by the Bishop of Indiana to start a new congregation on the northeast side of Indianapolis. During his ministry at St. Luke's, McGriff received an honorary degree from the University of Indianapolis and the Outstanding Alumnus award from Butler University and was voted the Distinguished Alumnus of the year by Christian Theological Seminary. McGriff was also honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governor Evan Bayh. His sermons have been distributed nationwide by the Methodist Publishing Company.

Preachers must understand the teaching techniques of parable and hyperbole, not to mention having a good background in systematic theology, in order to understand what the Bible's writers really meant.... But our responsibility is also to reduce the complexities of Bible study to such simplicities that our many listeners, ranging from busy young professional people to aging men and women of failing health to youngsters facing a variety of new temptations, can take away a saving word. (from the Preface) E. Carver McGriff provides the tools preachers need for their daunting task with some of the most timely and thought-provoking research on the lectionary texts ever made available. Included for each scriptural lesson in the lectionary are: - A listing of the applicable Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionary texts. - A description of the Psalm of the day. - A prayer for the day. - Commentary that is more than academic exegesis -- McGriff brings to the forefront those points in the lessons that relate most poignantly to our contemporary reality. - Suggested sermon titles for each of the three texts for each Sunday. - Themes and suggested directions for preaching on each text. - Several additional illustrations to enliven your preaching. Known in the Indianapolis community as a preacher with extraordinary gifts, it is no surprise at all that this work by Carver McGriff brings remarkable insights to those who look for integrity in their preaching. Carver looks at the texts with a freshness that is sure to stimulate the thought process.... Careful use of these suggestions will bring serendipities to preacher and congregation. George H. Tooze Senior Minister, First Baptist Church Indianapolis, Indiana One of America's premiere preachers, E. Carver McGriff returned home after earning two Purple Hearts during World War II to earn a degree in business administration from Butler University. Following a career as a salesman and business owner, McGriff entered Garrett Theological Seminary, where he was voted Best Preacher by the faculty and graduated with distinction. During his 26-year ministry at St. Luke's Methodist Church in Indianapolis, McGriff spearheaded his congregation's remarkable growth in membership from 900 to 4,400, with average Sunday attendance increasing from 300 to over 1,850. McGriff received an honorary degree from the University of Indianapolis and the Outstanding Alumnus award from Butler University and was voted the Distinguished Alumnus of the year by Christian Theological Seminary. McGriff was also honored in 1993 by the Governor of Indiana with the "Sagamore of the Wabash." His sermons have been distributed nationwide by the United Methodist Publishing House.

Delivering a fresh, timely reflection every week on assigned scripture passages is a formidable challenge for even the most resourceful preacher. So when you're short on time or need creative ideas to jump-start your sermon preparation, the newest edition of this classic CSS resource is just what the doctor ordered! Prominent pastor, former seminary president, and prolific author Jerry Schmalenberger draws on the experience of a lifetime in the ministry to help you prepare vital, incisive messages that are sure to connect with the people in your pews. The Lectionary Preaching Workbook explores a variety of approaches for Cycle C lectionary passages, providing you with plenty of practical aids for effectively proclaiming God's Word. Each chapter includes: - a listing of the applicable Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionary texts; - a theme for the day's service; - commentary on the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel lessons; - suggestions on preaching possibilities; - an outline of possible sermon moves; - a prayer for the day; and - additional illustrations to flesh out the message. The former president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, Jerry L. Schmalenberger served some of the largest Lutheran congregations in the United States during 29 years as a parish pastor. He is a graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio (where he received his D.Min. degree), and received an honorary D.Div. degree from Wittenberg. He now preaches and teaches throughout the world as a Global Mission Volunteer for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, appearing in such varied locations as Germany, Jamaica, Argentina, Uruguay, Suriname, Liberia, Indonesia, and China. Schmalenberger also serves as Visiting Professor of Practical Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Hong Kong.

Instead of being a dour task on the checklist, what if the process of homily prep renewed you? Instead of feeling insecure about your message, what if your skills made you confident to preach a consistently clear message of Good News, authentic to you, relevant to your listeners, holding their attention and inviting transformation? Backstory Preaching: Integrating Life, Spirituality, and Craft shows you how. By integrating your life and spirituality with the practical skills necessary for effective preaching, you can move beyond the boredom, stress, or insecurity of preaching so it is no longer you who preach but Christ who preaches in you. By connecting with God in the midst of your sermon prep, the Gospel will be spread deeper and further. God’s joy—and yours—will be made complete.

The busy preacher will find a multitude of ideas, illustrations, and sermon seeds for all the lectionary lessons. Anderson's commentaries for the Revised Common and Catholic lectionaries are accompanied by theological reflections exploring the relationships between the texts, a suggested sermon title for each week, Sermon Angles which briefly develop the theological themes for the day, and two to four illustrative stories per chapter. Other convenient features include wide margins for taking notes and a stay-flat binding.

The challenge of creating a fresh, incisive sermon every Sunday can sometimes seem overwhelming -- but if you have the all-new edition of CSS' acclaimed Lectionary Preaching Workbook at your fingertips, you'll never feel that way again! With penetrating reflections on Cycle B lectionary passages and a thorough discussion of preaching themes plus a treasure trove of supporting illustrations, this comprehensive volume is the perfect starting point for your weekly homiletic research. Carlos Wilton combines a scholar's deep insight into the biblical texts with a pastor's practical understanding of how to make them come alive for the people in your pews, and his astute commentary is sure to stimulate your thought process and provide plenty of seeds for developing messages with maximum impact. A handy, easy-to-use sermon planning template is also included to facilitate the process of building your sermon. The Lectionary Preaching Workbook is an indispensable tool that helps you to powerfully proclaim God's Word while getting the most out of your limited preparation time. Each Sunday's material includes: * a listing of applicable Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionary texts * a theme for the day * commentary on the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel lessons * possible preaching approaches * a pastoral prayer * numerous illustrations to flesh out the message Carlos E. Wilton has been the pastor since 1990 of Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church, in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. He previously served as assistant dean and director of admissions at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Wilton is a graduate of Washington College (B.A.), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and the University of St. Andrews, Scotland (M.Phil. and Ph.D.). In addition to his parish responsibilities, Wilton is also an adjunct professor at New Brunswick Theological Seminary and a member of the writing team for the online preaching resource The Immediate Word (www.csspub.com).

Both lectionary preachers and topical preachers will enjoy the best of both worlds with this second volume of sermon series ideas designed to frame consecutive weeks of lectionary texts into seasonal and short-term series. With contributors from seven denominations, this comprehensive resource offers new perspectives and fresh ideas for diving deep into biblical themes in ways that make congregants eager to come back for the next sermon and to invite others as well. Twenty-eight series plans include thematic overviews, sermon starters, and ideas for worship and outreach, honoring holy days and seasons and addressing typical patterns of church attendance to maximize visitor retention and member engagement. Contributors include: Amy K. Butler, Kyle E. Brooks, Carol Cavin-Dillon, Magrey R. deVega, Brian Erickson, Mihee Kim-Kort, Jasper Peters, Tuhina Verma Rasche, Bruce Reyes-Chow, Brandan J. Robertson, Martha K. Spong, and Anthony J. Tang.