Shaping Sermons to Nurture Justice: A Workshop on Prophetic Preaching - Berkeley, CA

When:  March 5-8, 2010
Where:  Berkeley, CA
Who:  The Beatitudes Society

Shaping Sermons to Nurture Justice: A Workshop on Prophetic Preaching

Regional Workshop Sponsored by The Beatitudes Society

"Preach the Gospel by all means; and if necessary, use words."

This often-quoted line from St. Francis of Assisi is an important reminder that the pursuit of justice involves "walking the walk," not just "talking the talk."  But talk is important too—particularly in the context of Christian worship.  The formation of a faith community both intentional and skilled in Beatitude practice requires sustained and effective preaching.  How do we understand that?  How do we undertake it?

"Prophetic preaching" is frequently characterized (and sometimes implemented!) as a toxic mixture of guilt-imposing denunciation and doomsday prediction.  Rightly practiced, it is announcing the Beatitudes with insight, clarity, and evocative power—easier said than done!  More is involved than a combination of courage and candor.  Prophetic preaching is daunting—a homiletical challenge, no less than a moral challenge.  While often a lonely undertaking, it cannot be effectively sustained as a solitary task.

Selected Participants will gather March 5-8, 2010 in Berkeley, CA at Easton Hall on the campus of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific.  The conference will focus on a collegial listening of one another into graceful prophetic speech.

•    Participants have been selected on the basis of two submitted sermons and a brief application.  
•    The conference will emphasize peer learning.  Mentors will facilitate group process, and foster skill development. The conference will honor the gifts of each participant.  Imagination and innovation will be encouraged.
•    Participants will bring to the conference the first draft of a sermon they are preparing to preach (or envision preaching) during Pentecost, Year C—employing one or more of the Scripture lessons in the Revised Common Lectionary for a Sunday in that liturgical season.  This "sermon in process" (a not-ready-for-prime-time sermon) will be shared during the conference, in the hope that the conference will contribute to the sermon's further preparation.
•    Mentors will preach briefly at community worship, and will be available throughout the conference for individual and small group consultation. 
•    Workshop fees, meals, and lodging will be provided.
•    We are holding two regional workshops this year so that we are able to offer more access to this sought-after resource.