Pastors,
The task of preaching is continually before you. By 'it' you proclaim the promises of God in Christ to the church and the world. Though it is a weekly duty, pastors rarely have the opportunity to step back and consider the broader mission of preaching, or to receive continued encouragement in preparing for the task.
With this in mind, we invite you to join other pastors for a three-day workshop on the task and craft of preaching. Our instructor will be Dr. Ryan Tinetti. The sessions will center around Hospitable Preaching.
Once you know something, it’s surprisingly hard to remember what it feels like not to know it. Psychologists call this “the curse of knowledge,” and it quietly creates distance between preachers and their hearers. Sermons that make perfect sense to the pastor can still leave listeners confused, disconnected, or unmoved.
In this workshop, we will explore how adopting a posture of hospitality in both preparation and proclamation can overcome the curse of knowledge and help pastors connect more effectively with their congregations. Sessions will include a mix of lectures, discussion, and interactive activities focused on the problem of the curse of knowledge, its consequences for preaching, the antidote of hospitable preaching, and practical postures and practices to make sermons more welcoming and clear. There will also be dedicated time for hands-on practice to apply these skills.
Join us as we learn together how to preach with greater clarity, empathy, and hospitality—so that the Word of God might land more fruitfully in the hearts of those who hear.
Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti is a husband and father. This long-time parish pastor is now assistant professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and author of the book ‘Preaching by Heart: How a Classical Practice Helps Contemporary Pastors to Preach without Notes’ and ‘The Quiet Ambition: Scripture's Surprising Antidote to Our Restless Lives’.
VENUE
St. James Lutheran Church is our gracious host for this event. Registration fees include the workshop, several meals, and some books from 1517 Publishing. The registration does not include travel or lodging; the remaining meals are on your own. You can find directions HERE.
LODGING / TRAVEL
The closest airports:
- ORD (Chicago O'hare International) about 13 miles (45min) from church (UBER is best ground)
- MDW (Chicago Midway International Airport ) about 13 miles (45min) from church (UBER is best ground)
There are many lodging options, some less than 2 miles away. Here are a few for your consideration; booking is on your own.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Monday, August 10
- 6:00p Dinner Provided & informal fellowship @ St. James Lutheran
Tuesday, August 11
- 8:00a Breakfast on your own
- 9:00a Devotions w/Rev. Paul Koch & Morning Sessions (2) with Dr. Tinetti
- 11:30a Box-Lunch provided (Jimmy Johns)
- 1:00p Afternoon Sessions (2) with Dr. Tinetti
- 5:00p Dinner on your own (we will pick a location for all who want to attend)
Wednesday, August 12
- 8:00a Breakfast on your own
- 9:00a Devotions w/Rev. Paul Koch & Morning Sessions (2) with Dr. Tinetti (close at 11:30a)
*Note: You will be added to our weekly 1517 & Craft of Preaching email lists with your registration.
Event Date
