Preaching And Worship
Preaching is one of the basic functions of parish ministry. At its best, the sermon is both pastoral and prophetic, calling preacher and the congregation alike to deeper consideration and just action. I received my Doctor of Ministry degree in preaching back in 2010. My greatest interest and concern during that time centered on the issue of context. How do we take a "text" that we wish to explore (a scripture passage, and idea, philosophical/theological concept or poem) and make it understandable using the symbolic language of a specific local community? Since then, I have tried to apply the lessons I learned in that program to the contemporary practice of what is, after all, an ancient art.
Of course, preaching is only part of the worship experience. Our understanding and relationship with the Divine comes from our hearts as well as our heads. The rituals and sacraments of the church enable us to inhabit that relationship in a way that is lasting and profound. Lately I have been trying out different formats, built around different ways of experiencing the worship act. It is important to keep on exploring this collaborative art.
Here you will find four relatively recent sermons. For a while, some of these will be from my previous congregation. We are now recording sermons at Second Congregational Church. Not all of them will end up here. This is just a sample. For the latest sermons, please check out the Sermon Roll page, which is being updated after a long hiatus.
Of course, preaching is only part of the worship experience. Our understanding and relationship with the Divine comes from our hearts as well as our heads. The rituals and sacraments of the church enable us to inhabit that relationship in a way that is lasting and profound. Lately I have been trying out different formats, built around different ways of experiencing the worship act. It is important to keep on exploring this collaborative art.
Here you will find four relatively recent sermons. For a while, some of these will be from my previous congregation. We are now recording sermons at Second Congregational Church. Not all of them will end up here. This is just a sample. For the latest sermons, please check out the Sermon Roll page, which is being updated after a long hiatus.
PREACHING
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