Why the Preacher's Lectionary Notebook?

An Introduction on Why I Write

The great theologian Karl Barth once said that the only good reason for the existence of the theologian is to assist the preacher with something to say on Sunday morning. In short, that conviction is why I created this Substack.

Until my retirement in 2022, I served as a United Methodist pastor for thirty-eight years. I have also been a seminary adjunct professor for over thirty years, a role I continue to hold. In addition, I have spent many years teaching pastors overseas in a variety of contexts, especially working with clergy in difficult situations where resources are limited. Throughout my ministry, my two favorite activities were preaching and teaching. After more than forty years of experience in the church and classroom, I have accumulated hard-drive and paper files filled with sermons, lectures, and notes on the biblical text. It seems to me that these materials ought to do more than sit quietly filed away.

While I certainly do not consider myself a theologian of the stature of Karl Barth or others like him, in retirement my role as a preacher-assisted theologian feels like a natural progression for this stage of life.

Each week, I will offer a litany on the psalm, along with a reflection on each of the appointed readings—Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel. I do not provide sermon illustrations, nor are these reflections sermon-ready. Rather, they consist of observations on the text that I hope will assist preachers as they take the passage in the direction they believe it needs to go, shaped by their particular ecclesial and community contexts. I will also include questions for further exploration—what I call ponderments (yes, I made up that word, and I intend to keep using it). All posts for the week will be published by Tuesday, allowing ample time for sermon preparation. For pastors who work farther ahead, these reflections may also serve as resources for last-minute refinement.

Periodically, I will offer additional posts on topics related to preaching. From time to time, I will also reflect on biblical texts not included in the Revised Common Lectionary, since the RCL omits many important passages. I occasionally went off-lectionary during my own ministry, and for those pastors who do the same, these posts may prove useful.

Finally, The Preacher’s Lectionary Notebook is free of charge and will always remain so. However, if you feel inclined to support this work through a paid subscription or a periodic gift, I would be very grateful.

Please do not hesitate to comment on the posts and share your thoughts on how this Substack might be improved. I welcome your suggestions.

Also, if you find my reflections helpful, please share this Substack with other pastors.