Passion for Preaching is a blog by different writing about a range of topics related to preaching. Many of the writers are participants in the Peer Groups or the Coaching Program, but other voices are welcome as well. If you would like to submit a 500-800 word essay to be considered for the blog, please email .

Q and A with Jesus

We continue, throughout our lives, to ask and re- ask the basic questions of “Am I on the right track in life?” and “How can I know God in my life?” The answer Jesus gives is both simple and profound. “I am the Way.” 

Monday, May 4, 2020

An Off the Wall Shepherd

The Good Shepherd is not an image intended to comfort children. It is an image intended to inspire the faith of adults in difficult times.  It is an image meant to counter forces that would isolate them from each other and undermine their faith in Christ.  It’s an image tailor made for times like these.

Monday, April 27, 2020

Preaching John 20:19–31 in the Midst of the Pandemic

When preachers ask people to identify with Thomas, they are inviting them to recognize that we do not all experience the resurrected Christ in the same way or at the same time, but that Christ comes to us nevertheless. Thus we can experience the resurrection even in our current circumstances.

Monday, April 13, 2020

Preaching to an Empty Tomb

Christian preachers this week stand at the entrance to the empty tomb and preach to those within it. What is it we all need to hear?

Whatever tomb we are in this Holy week, it is not empty of God. 

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Fear or Faith?

When any crisis comes my way, I know I have the choice: hide from it in fear or face it with confidence and faith.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Any News? Reflections on Matthew 1:18-25

Our experience in life is unpredictable from day to day. We wake up in the morning and we are not entirely sure what combination of good news and bad news the day will bring. 

Monday, December 16, 2019

Finding Your Voice in Preaching!

As a teacher of preaching, one of my goals is to help preachers find their Voice. That is, gain confidence in their distinctive perspective on the world and the gospel...

Monday, February 18, 2019

Fan the Flame!

Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand...

Monday, February 11, 2019

What year is it?

What Year Is It Again?

When I read of the failure of two amendments to the Constitution of the United Methodist Church, one related to gender equality, the other to the inclusion of all persons, the question comes to mind, “What year is it again?”

Monday, May 14, 2018

Who are You When No One is Looking?

Who are You When No One is Looking? Is the name of a book by former senior pastor of Willow Creek Church Bill Hybels whose subtitle is Choosing Consistency, Resisting Compromise.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018