Resources

Preparing for Preaching

"Claiming the Bible as God's revelation to us remains one of the most radical-but just so one of the more central-claims we Christians make," writes Scott Hoezee, director of the new Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary. "We preach from this ancient Book because we believe the radically amazing idea that God's Holy Spirit can and always does make it a living Word through which the truths of God move into our hearts and take up residence." In this section of our website, we invite pastors to plan, ponder, and pray in preparation for preaching the Word of God.

Our ministry partner, the Center for Excellence in Preaching, offers comprehensive online resources for preaching. We introduce them here, along with additional resources at our website.

From the Center for Excellence in Preaching:
This Week at the Center for Excellence in Preaching
planning notes, observations, illustrations, and textual points using lectionary and catechism texts
On Preaching
regular column on preaching by the Rev. Scott Hoezee
Classic Plans for the Preaching Calendar
suggested texts for major theological themes and church seasons
What I Have Discovered
regular column by practicing pastors
More Resources
a variety of further resources for preaching

Additional Resources
Isaiah in Christian Liturgy: Recovering Textual Contrasts
John D. Witvliet
journal article on how to expand the use of the book of Isaiah in worship and preaching
Planning Ahead (Reformed Worship)
How one pastor was delivered from Monday morning madness
Preaching Apocalyptic Texts
reports on a conference on the interpretation and preaching of apocalyptic biblical texts
Preaching Forgiveness
reports on a conference on the integration of psychology and theology in understanding forgiveness
Providence, Preaching and Pastoral Care
presentation at the Calvin Symposium on Worship
'What? I Have to Preach the Christmas Story Again?' (Reformed Worship)
David Vroege
article on fresh approaches to planning Christmas sermons
Interdisciplinary Learning
essays and documents from theology, philosophy, and other academic disciplines