A Hammer in the Pulpit

A Hammer in the Pulpit

It was late November of 2024 when I found it. While decorating the United Church of Lincoln for the Advent and Christmas season, I reached down into the pulpit, a place where thousands of sermons had been preached over many years. I found a hammer at rest on a shelf—a...
When Sunday Demands More Than A Smile

When Sunday Demands More Than A Smile

I am not so daft as to be unaware of how people think of me. I understand my unconventionalness draws attention. The latest example came while sitting with a couple of long-time church members. Somewhere around the one-hour mark, a set of eyes set upon me, looked me...
Pews, Punk, and Preaching: Lessons from a Gothy Pulpit

Pews, Punk, and Preaching: Lessons from a Gothy Pulpit

There are a few truths for a minister in congregational life: A bedside visitation will do more for you than a three-point sermon. If you encounter the demonic, it will likely come from a copy machine or a choir member. A casserole dish is more useful than a stole....
Preaching Together Might Heal Us

Preaching Together Might Heal Us

On a recent Sunday, I confessed to my suburban Washington, D.C. congregation something I had never done before in nearly 20 years of preaching and pastoring: I scrapped the previously written sermon and started over on Saturday night. Sure, I have altered sermons the...
Preaching is Resurrection Practice

Preaching is Resurrection Practice

Preaching is resurrection practice. It’s an odd rehearsal. The preacher’s robe is from the grave clothes section of liturgical garments. One foot in front of the other, we, preachers, are led to the pulpit “like a sheep led to the slaughter,” sometimes foolishly...