Using UnCommon Preaching

Revolutionizing Sermon Planning with "UnCommon Preaching" by Susan E. Cartmell

In today's rapidly changing world, engaging congregations with the timeless truths of the gospel can be a daunting task. As pastors, we are constantly seeking fresh and effective ways to make our sermons resonate with the lives of our parishioners. Susan E. Cartmell's book "UnCommon Preaching" offers a compelling solution to this challenge, presenting an innovative approach to sermon planning and delivery that is tailor-made for contemporary audiences.

At the core of Cartmell's methodology is the organization of sermon content around monthly themes. This approach can be seen as an alternative to a traditional lectionary system, while still retaining all the advantages of Better, Easier Preaching. By dedicating an entire month to a single theme, pastors can delve into the subject matter from various angles and through the lens of different biblical narratives. This comprehensive treatment of the theme can lead to a richer understanding among congregants, illuminating the multifaceted ways in which the theme applies to their daily lives.

One of the key strengths of "UnCommon Preaching" is its adaptability to the unique needs and interests of individual congregations. Cartmell provides a three-year cycle of monthly themes, each carefully selected for its relevance to contemporary life and its capacity to inspire reflection and action within the faith community. However, she also encourages pastors to create their own monthly themes to address the specific needs of their congregations. This flexibility empowers preachers to craft sermons that genuinely resonate with their parishioners, fostering a deeper sense of engagement and connection.

Another significant benefit of Cartmell's approach is its effectiveness in engaging less-frequent attendees. By focusing on a single theme throughout a month, the likelihood of connecting meaningfully with parishioners who may not be present every week is greatly increased. The repetition and exploration of a theme over several weeks ensures that even sporadic attendees will encounter the theme at least once during their visits. This strategy is especially valuable in today's context, where various factors might hinder regular attendance.

Moreover, the use of monthly themes opens up avenues for community activities, discussion groups, and personal reflection centered around the theme. These additional engagement opportunities can enrich the congregational experience of the theme, weaving it into the fabric of the church's life beyond the Sunday sermons. By encouraging participation and dialogue around the monthly themes, pastors can nurture a more engaged and reflective congregation, one that is actively involved in applying biblical truths to their daily lives.

While "UnCommon Preaching" offers numerous advantages, it is essential to consider potential drawbacks as well. Some congregations may find the departure from the traditional lectionary system challenging, particularly if they are accustomed to a more familiar rhythm of scripture readings. Additionally, the focus on a single theme for an entire month may feel repetitive for some parishioners, especially those who crave greater variety in their worship experience.

It is worth noting that not looking like a traditional lectionary may be seen as a disadvantage in some traditions, while it can be an advantage in others. For congregations that place a high value on following a lectionary, the "UnCommon Preaching" approach might be met with some resistance. However, for churches that are more open to innovative methods or those that prefer a less structured approach to sermon planning, Cartmell's system can be a refreshing and effective alternative.

Despite these potential limitations, the benefits of Cartmell's approach far outweigh the drawbacks for most congregations. By embracing or adapting the "UnCommon Preaching" methodology, pastors can breathe new life into their sermon planning and delivery, creating a preaching calendar that is both cohesive and adaptable. This method facilitates deep theological exploration while ensuring practical application to daily life, empowering preachers to proclaim the timeless truths of the gospel with renewed relevance and impact.

In conclusion, "UnCommon Preaching" by Susan E. Cartmell presents a fresh and effective approach to sermon planning and delivery, one that is particularly well-suited to the challenges and opportunities of contemporary ministry. By organizing sermons around monthly themes and encouraging deeper engagement with biblical narratives, pastors can nurture more reflective and engaged congregations, better equipped to apply the timeless truths of the gospel to their daily lives. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, this innovative methodology offers a compelling way forward, empowering us to proclaim the good news with renewed passion, relevance, and impact, while still maintaining the advantages of Better, Easier Preaching.

Rev. "Dr. Lance" Haverkamp