The idea of the “priesthood of the believer” is linked inextricably to human freedom. The fact that we are creatures, free to decide, is what
That line from Paul, no flattery and no mask, sent me back to something I wrote a while ago about the difference between influencing people and manipulating them from the pulpit. It is this week’s featured article, and I think it matters more now than when I wrote it.
Featured Article
Preaching as an Invitation, Not Manipulation
I grew up in a little Southern Baptist church in Kentucky where every service ended with an invitation. I still remember gripping the pew in front of me with white knuckles, and I still remember the Sunday I let go. That moment was real, and I treasure it.
I also know, after twenty-five years of preaching, that a lot of manipulation happens in the name of influence. We want so badly for people to say yes that we push a little harder, plead a little more, and promise more than we should.
One of the quickest ways to know whether you are issuing an invitation or an ultimatum: will I still love, value and appreciate this person just as much if they reject my message repeatedly?
Lectionary Preaching Starter Thoughts
For Sunday, October 25, 2026, Proper 25, Year A
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Moses sees the whole land from the mountain and does not cross over, and the text calls his eyes undimmed and his vigor unabated. He did not fail. He finished. There is a sermon here for everyone who is carrying something they will have to hand to someone else.
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
The only psalm attributed to Moses asks God to teach us to count our days, then ends by asking God to establish the work of our hands. Those two prayers belong together. Knowing our days are short is what makes the work worth doing well.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Paul lists everything he refused to use on the Thessalonians: flattery, pretense, a hidden motive, a demand for respect. Then he says he was gentle with them, like a nurse with her own children. Leadership without manipulation is still the most countercultural thing a pastor can model.
Matthew 22:34-46
Asked for the greatest commandment, Jesus gives two and then says the whole law hangs on them. Love God, love neighbor. Everything else your church does is either an expression of those two or a distraction from them, and it is worth saying that out loud.
If your congregation uses the complementary track, the first reading and psalm are Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 and Psalm 1, which pair even more directly with the gospel.
Featured Sermon Series
Life in the Cave. A three-week series on David’s years in the cave of Adullam, for seasons when it all falls apart and God does his best work out of sight. Week three, Out of the Cave Into the World, is built on Matthew 22:37-40, this Sunday’s gospel, and comes with full notes and free graphics.
Helpful Links for Pastors
Pastors Are Preaching Longer, With Churchgoer Support (Lifeway Research)
Four in five pastors still preach under 40 minutes, but the share going an hour or more has tripled since 2019. More than half of churchgoers say the length is about right; a quarter want it shorter. Read the report
Pastors’ Sense of Calling Is Up, Satisfaction Is Lagging (Barna)
Confidence in calling has climbed back to 58 percent from a 35 percent low during the pandemic years, but pastors who are very satisfied with their vocation dropped from 72 percent in 2015 to 52 percent now. Worth sitting with before you assume you are the only one. Read the research
AI Is Becoming a Spiritual Authority, Even Among Practicing Christians (Gloo and Barna)
One in three American adults now says AI’s spiritual guidance is as trustworthy as a pastor’s, and nearly half of practicing Christians would trust it with their spiritual growth. Not a reason to panic, but a reason to think about what only you can offer. Study the findings
How Are Pastors Really Doing? (Church and Mental Health)
The share of pastors who seriously considered quitting fell from 42 percent in late 2021 to 22 percent this year, while public trust in clergy sits at a record low. Both things are true at once. Read the article
8 Adjustments Needed as Bivocational Pastoral Roles Become the Norm (Karl Vaters)
Vaters argues that seminaries, denominations and congregations still treat bivocational ministry as second tier when it is quickly becoming the default. A useful read if you or your staff are carrying more than one job. Read the article
If I Can Ever Help
You can always hit reply with a question or a thought. Most of my work now happens in the communications space, helping pastors, churches and other organizations say what matters clearly.
Website Design and Consulting. I provide communications consulting and website development for churches and mission-driven organizations through 5ox Creative, and as part of my work with Beloved Media.
Walk Humble. The main page, where I write about life, faith and relationships.
Until next time, may you lead what you’ve been given, bless whoever comes next, and trust God with the rest.