Brian Russell has a great post on Missional Preaching. I especially like the way he deals with distinctions between insider and outsider. It seems that truly missional preaching is inclusive in the way it invites those outside the community to participate in the ongoing narrative of God’s work in the world. Now, that’s a description of inclusivity that I really resonate with!
I think my preaching is less faithful when I stray from some of the key commitments Brian talks about here. To be honest, when I preach a sermon series I tend to violate some of these commitments far more often than when I stick with the lectionary. While I’m sure this isn’t necessarily the case for everyone, when I preach a sermon series it’s easier to start with a concept and find scripture to support it rather than letting the message be formed, shaped, and driven by the scriptural narrative. I think when I’m finished with the series on prayer that I’m preaching now, I’m going to stick with the lectionary for the rest of this Season after Pentecost.
mattjudkins.com 