Using The Revised Common Lectionary

The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) has long been a trusted resource for preachers across various Christian denominations. As a three-year cycle of scripture readings designed for use in worship and preaching, the RCL offers a comprehensive and ecumenical approach to engaging with the Bible. However, for those of us committed to narrative preaching and the principles of Better, Easier Preaching, the RCL presents both opportunities and challenges.

Understanding the RCL's Structure and Significance
The RCL is structured around the Christian liturgical year, with each year focusing on one of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and readings from John interspersed throughout. The lectionary provides a selection of texts for each Sunday and major feast day, typically including passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, Epistles, and Gospels.

One of the key strengths of the RCL is its ecumenical nature. By promoting a shared use of scripture readings among diverse Christian communities, the lectionary fosters a sense of unity and connection. Moreover, the RCL's three-year cycle ensures that worshippers are exposed to a significant portion of the Bible, covering key narratives, themes, and teachings from both the Old and New Testaments.

Adapting the RCL for Narrative Preaching
While the RCL does not follow a strictly narrative sequence like the Narrative Lectionary, it still offers opportunities for narrative preaching. The key is to identify the narrative themes and threads that run through the selected readings each week and to highlight the connections between the Old and New Testament passages.

One approach is to look for the overarching story that links the readings together, tracing the narrative connections to help congregations see the unity and coherence of the scriptures. Another strategy is to focus on the narrative elements within each individual reading, drawing out these aspects to make the texts come alive for listeners.

When preparing a narrative sermon based on the RCL readings, consider asking questions such as:

• What are the key events, characters, and settings in each reading?

How do these elements relate to one another and contribute to a larger story?

• What are the tensions, conflicts, and resolutions within and between the passages?

• How do the readings shed light on the human experience and our relationship with God?

By exploring these narrative dimensions, we can craft sermons that illuminate the meaning of the texts and invite congregations to find their place within the biblical story.

Tips for Enhancing the RCL for Narrative Preaching
To better serve our storytelling goals, there are several ways we can adapt and enhance the RCL. One strategy is to be selective in arranging the passages to highlight the biblical narrative, perhaps focusing on a single reading with a strong narrative arc or preaching on only a few of the appointed texts to devote more time to storytelling.

Another approach is to supplement the RCL readings with additional narrative texts, such as reading an extended portion of a story alluded to in the Old Testament passage or including related parables or teachings to provide a more comprehensive picture.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to depart from the RCL entirely to focus on a specific biblical narrative that is particularly relevant to the congregation or season. However, such departures should be used sparingly.

Challenges and Opportunities
It's important to acknowledge that the RCL is the most difficult option for Better, Easier Preaching because some of the weekly themes don't offer a clear narrative. This can make it challenging to craft a cohesive and engaging sermon that follows the principles of narrative preaching.

However, by understanding the structure and significance of the lectionary, identifying its narrative themes and threads, and employing creative strategies for adaptation, we can still effectively leverage the RCL to create meaningful and impactful sermons.

Ultimately, our goal in adapting the RCL for narrative preaching is to enable worshippers to encounter the scriptures as a living story that speaks to their own lives and experiences. By highlighting the narrative threads that run through the lectionary and inviting congregations to find their place within the biblical drama, we can help make the word of God come alive in powerful ways.

The Revised Common Lectionary, while presenting some challenges for narrative preaching, remains a valuable resource for preachers. By approaching the RCL with creativity, flexibility, and a commitment to the principles of Better, Easier Preaching, we can effectively use this lectionary to craft sermons that engage the hearts and minds of our listeners, helping them experience the transformative power of the biblical story.

Rev. "Dr. Lance" Haverkamp