Craft of Preaching Workshop

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. Peter Nafzger. The sessions will center around No Lonely Listeners: Preaching from, in, and toward Community.

There is no such thing as an individual Christian. Not if we take seriously one baptism by one Spirit into one body (Eph. 4:4-6). Indeed, to believe in Jesus is to belong to the community of believers that includes all Christians of all times and places—including the specific members of your congregation. But therein lies the problem. A spirit of individualism runs deep in the North Atlantic region. Many believers find themselves detached, disconnected, and alone—even those who attend worship regularly. The problem is bigger than the church, of course. Harvard Magazine recently addressed the more problematic “loneliness pandemic” (2021), and the National Academy of Sciences has begun measuring health based on a new “social frailty index” (2023). They notice that, as a social problem, what we, in the church, recognize is a theological problem. Unfortunately, as Charles Arand put it, we Lutherans are often “ecclesiologically challenged” (Concordia Journal, 2008). We have unwittingly contributed to the problem by the way we have allowed the individualism around us to shape our conception of preaching. But there is good news, too. Lutherans have the theological and biblical resources to rediscover our communal identity and help Christians grow closer together in faith and life. Our preaching, in other words, can help restore and reinvigorate genuine Christian community. In this workshop, we will (1) consider the causes (both philosophical and practical) of the rampant individualism infecting our culture and church; (2) take a close look at how preaching has unintentionally contributed to the problem, and (3) discuss specific and practical ways in which your preaching can foster a more communal life in your congregation. This workshop offers preachers the opportunity to review and reimagine recent sermons to see how they can more intentionally build community in their congregations.

Dr. Peter Nafzger is an Associate Professor of Practical Theology, International Seminary Exchange Program Coordinator, and Director of Student Life at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

VENUE

Faith Lutheran Church in Summerlin, NV 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.   A map and directions from the airport to the church can be found HERE.

LODGING / TRAVEL

The best airport:  LAS (Harry Reid International Airport)   about 16 miles (25min) to the church. (UBER is the best ground)

Element Las Vegas    The Element by Marriott is the closest to the church (less than 1 mile). Please book early for rate and inventory.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Monday, Aug 3   

• 6:00p   Dinner @ Faith Las Vegas

Tuesday, Aug 4       

• 9:00a    Devotions w/Rev. Bob Hiller & Morning Sessions with Dr. Nafzger
• 11:30a   Box Lunch provided
• 1:00p    Afternoon Sessions with Dr. Nafzger
• 5:00p    Dinner on your own (we will pick a local restaurant for all who desire to eat together)

Wednesday, Aug 5     

• 9:00a   Devotions w/Rev. Bob Hiller & Morning Sessions with Dr. Nafzger (close at 11:30a)