Sermon hardball
A well-played baseball game can seem to fly by, while a lackluster contest tests the crowd’s patience. The same is true for sermons. “I have always known that a sermon’s impact does not increase with...
[read more]Pandemic prompts preachers to craft shorter sermons
In the switch to online worship during the coronavirus pandemic, congregations are trimming services down to as little as 30 to 40 minutes, with recorded videos, streamlined videoconference gatherings or...
[read more]Model of preaching
A new pastime has come my way: listening via the internet to a dozen or more sermons a week, the majority from Mennonite Church USA venues. The best of these preachers discovered so far is retiring at the end...
[read more]Seminars get political with calls to care for others
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While some may avoid politics at a family reunion, several pastors faced the issue directly on the Fourth of July at the Mennonite Church USA convention. Many preachers are called to...
[read more]The frightening task of preaching
Preaching is a privilege, a frightening task. By frightening, trembling before God is meant, not a fear of speaking in public. Jesus said we are judged by our words (Matt. 12:36-37). James said people should...
[read more]Spiritual starvation
I thank God daily for the grace of growing up in a strong Mennonite community. As a prodigal returning to faith and looking for a church home, I applaud the great outreach and service of the Mennonite church....
[read more]Kriss: Pastoring in polarities
Many who preach regularly are finding it a tough navigation in the pulpit in the United States. Our highly politicized environment means it’s difficult to find ways to speak that are both relevant and...
[read more]Children preaching
Every year our church participates in Children’s Sabbath, a worship service dreamed up by the people at The Children’s Defense Fund. Communities of worship from around the country invite children to take...
[read more]Limitations of preaching
Every Sunday morning, men and women around the planet get up in front of other humans and presume to speak about and for God. And, I suspect, that every Sunday morning, at least some of these same men and...
[read more]Pitching the perfect sermon
Pitching to the boys on my son’s coach-pitch baseball team in Houston is nerve wracking. There’s little in my week I concentrate more on or expect perfection at: I want them all to get a hit! And it...
[read more]About Me
