Author: Administrador

David Lose Dear Working Preacher,   There are some homiletical themes that are so powerful you need to be prepared ahead of time for the impact they may have.   This week’s first reading, from Genesis 32, is one of them. While the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel is chosen to complement the … Continue reading “The Power of Names”

Jacob Myers If you have spent much time traveling along the southern interstate system, then you are undoubtedly familiar with a ubiquitous cultural landmark: the Cracker Barrel billboard. For those who like to indulge in such fare, the promise of a Cracker Barrel “just 38 miles ahead” is enough to stave off the hunger pains. … Continue reading “Teaching the Faith: A Lesson from the Cracker Barrel”

Melinda Quivik Matthew’s Gospel gives us a blueprint for life taught by Jesus who is introduced from the outset as located solidly in Israel’s story. The genealogy shows Jesus at the apex of Israel’s three historical epochs: Abraham to David, Solomon to the exile, and the exile to Jesus.1 But this genealogy has a twist: … Continue reading “Preaching Matthew, Part II: “Reorientation into God’s Reign””

David Lose Dear Working Preacher,   I’ve long thought that the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector made a much better Reformation Day text than the appointed passage from John 8, and so I was delighted by the happy coincidence that this reading falls on this day. But be warned: if you are … Continue reading “The Pharisee, the Tax Collector, and the Reformation”

Patricia Tull When can we get to the future? Are we there yet? Few readers of Working Preacher advocate a “quick and easy” rapture for Christians, followed by massive devastations for others. But some parishioners, having imbibed such theologies from the surrounding culture, may yearn for a dramatic day when all is set to right … Continue reading “Caring for Creation until End Times”

David Lose Dear Working Preacher,   There are some elements of the Christian faith that are just shocking enough, just absurd enough, just unsettling enough, that I’m regularly surprised that we believe it — let alone preach it — at all. The gospel reading chosen for the Festival of All Saints lifts up one of … Continue reading “Losers”

Jacob Myers If you haven’t had a chance to see Alfonso Cuarón’s new sci-fi thriller, Gravity, then you need to move it up on your action-item list. The film is as mesmerizing as it is harrowing. In fact, the film is so good that I am wary about sharing this synopsis with the readership of … Continue reading “The Gravity of Discipleship”

David Lose Dear Working Preacher,   I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the resurrection is all the rage these days. Or, perhaps more accurately, the resurrection has a few folks in a rage these days.   In particular, there’s been a lively exchange at the all-things-spiritual website Patheos.com between emergent church guru Tony Jones … Continue reading “Questions About the Resurrection”

Kae Evensen At my first synod assembly as an intern, still quite naive to the hopes and difficulties of ministry, we gathered in the bleachers as pastors were honored for their years in ministry. At the tail end of the presentations, one older gentleman was recognized for 50 years of active, ordained ministry. As we … Continue reading “Don’t Forget Who You Are”

David Lose Dear Working Preacher, For more than five years we’ve worked hard to provide you with trusted and helpful resources at this website. Commentaries, podcasts, articles, videos, my weekly letter of encouragement, and more — all because, quite frankly, we love preachers and are so grateful for the essential ministry you carry out. Before … Continue reading “A Public Works Project”