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...
Brave Preaching?

Brave Preaching?

A few months ago, only moments after I finished co-officiating my aunt’s memorial service, the other minister told me that he found the words of my eulogy to be “brave.” I kindly thanked him for what I understood to be a compliment, but the description of my words as...