Listening to Podcasts Makes Us Better Preachers
How the popular audio genre can help pastors fine-tune sermon preparation and delivery. Read full piece
Masks Keep Churches from being Superspreaders. But They Make Sermons Tough
As many churches have begun meeting again in person for worship, some require members to wear masks during services. That’s great for helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the masks make it hard for a preacher to read the room.
What Pastors See as the ‘New Normal’ for Preaching After the Pandemic
COVID-19’s ministry disruptions are generating lasting insights. Read full piece
Afraid to Preach and Teach About Money in Your Congregation? Don’t Be.
Breaking the taboo about money talk can be fruitful for congregations, a new study shows. The more congregations talk about money, the more likely they are to see a corresponding increase in giving, according to the National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices.
Seminary President Says Women Should Not Preach from the Pulpit
Southern Baptist seminary president Albert Mohler, who once long ago advocated women’s ordination, now says females should not preach from the pulpit on Sunday morning.
Debate Over Women in Southern Baptist Pulpits Flares on Social Media
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary professor Owen Strachan, criticized the denomination’s president and a popular Bible teacher for suggesting it can be okay for a woman to preach.
Black Women Cracking ‘Stained-Glass Ceilings’ with Jesus’ 7 Last Words
(RNS) — In a growing tradition, churches across the country are hosting Good Friday services that feature seven African-American female preachers, expounding on the last seven phrases uttered by Jesus before his crucifixion.
Human Sexuality Tops List of Subjects U.S. Clergy Struggle to Address
Matters related to human sexuality are most frequently cited by U.S. clergy when asked what they feel limited and what they feel pressured to address, according to Barna Group research published Jan. 29.
A Preacher Plumbs the Art of the Sermon by Yielding the Pulpit to Passers-By
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (RNS) — A pulpit is often regarded as a sacred and in many ways exclusive space. Most religions allow only the ordained
How to fact-check preaching material
Growing up, we discover the entertainment value of fish tales and whoppers. We hear a story that’s too good not to pass along, and we usually do.
So it’s not surprising that originality and accuracy may not be at the top of a congregation’s ethical