I used to send these preaching newsletters every week (almost) on schedule. And then a lot of life happened, and here we are, many months later, and I’m resuming again. This once-weekly newsletter is a “section” of my Walk Humble site.
I believe we’re living in one of the most complicated eras the church has navigated. We’re encountering questions rising out of science and politics we never imagined anyone asking, and technology keeps shaking up the way we work and live.
My encouragement to pastors and leaders: be the calm center of the room.
And I’ll be writing regularly again to that end - helping pastors and leaders navigate these stormy seas with sharper instruments in hand.
Just a word on the format. Below you’ll find…
A featured article
Thoughts on how each Lectionary reading this Sunday might be preached
A sermon series from the archives with free resources attached
Some helpful or educational links for pastors and leaders
Plus an open invitation to reach out if I can be helpful to you along the journey!
Featured Article
Just Because You CAN
Doesn’t Mean You Should Yet
One of the biggest mistakes I see, especially among planting pastors, is the tendency to try to start everything that feels right to be doing. And it gets exhausting.
When pastors feel the nudge to begin something new, the first move should not be to announce it, schedule it, or buy it.
The first move should be to clarify the vision and purpose. What are we trying to accomplish? Whom does this serve? How does it fit the mission of the church? Does it help us lead people forward or feed them more faithfully?
Lectionary Preaching Starter Thoughts
For Sunday, September 6, 2026 — Proper 18, Year A
Exodus 12:1-14
The cost of liberation is made visibly and impossibly high to every Jewish family. We now look back to the cross as the ultimate expression of this cost, and we are grateful.
Psalm 149
Did you notice in verse four, God likes people? Our praise becomes richer when we accept that God likes us and wants us experiencing his presence through praise.
Romans 13:8-14
The Christian ethic is rooted deeply in love. Jesus’ work and ministry leave us with one question to simplify all of our relationships: what does love require of me?
Matthew 18:15–20
Jesus dealt with the frustrations of gathering diverse people together and giving them a common mission, so he equipped the church to handle such frustrations along the way. If only we’d listen.
Featured Sermon Series
Margin. A three-part series for leaders and congregations who need to recover room to breathe, listen, and make wiser decisions before adding one more thing.
Helpful Links for Pastors
Reclaiming the Church’s Role in Mental Health
Practical guidance for training congregational volunteers while keeping pastors from carrying every emotional need alone. Read the article…
The Necessity of the Trauma-Informed Pastor
Helps pastors better understand and accompany people affected by trauma. Read the article…
New Research: Pastor Report Growing Churches, Fewer Unchurched Newcomers
Current Lifeway Research findings relevant to outreach and church health. Read the report…
Mobilizing for Christian Love During Crisis
Concrete examples of churches responding to immigration-related needs through food, support, prayer, and advocacy. Listen to the podcast episode…
Americans’ Religious Engagement Holds at Lower Levels
Demographic context for thinking about discipleship, belonging, and evangelism without panic. Study the research…
If I Can Ever Help
You can always hit reply and ask a question or share a thought or connect with me on social media. Most of my work now happens in the communications space and I’m working on projects to help pastors, churches, and other organizations.
Church Comms Dashboard
This is in early beta phase but we’re using it actively in a local church setting to coordinate all things “church communications.” Interested in trying it out?
Website Design & Management
And I also provide communications consulting and website development for leaders and organizations via 5ox Creative & Beloved Media.
Walk Humble
The main page where I write about life, faith, and relationships.
Until next time,
may you have the wisdom to know
what to begin,
what to postpone,
and what to release.
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