Jesus begins the Christian year (or he does end it?) in an apocalyptic, deconstructing, dismantling mood as we encounter his words in Luke 21:25-36. It’s not the nice, neat beginning to Advent some of us might want, but here we are, left to wrestle with Scripture once again.
Conversations on God Turned Toward Us
I’ve had a great time recently talking about God Turned Toward Us and the Christian vocabulary with the Yale Center for Faith & Culture and Rector’s Cupboard. You can check out the episodes with the links below!
Jesus in an “apocalyptic mood”
For those of you lectionary preachers braving the terrain of Mark 13, I do hope this sermon might help in your preparation for this tricky Gospel lesson. Don’t be afraid to confront our modern delusions of immortality–we’re not built to last, but thankfully, Jesus Christ is!
Adult Forum with the Congregation at Duke University Chapel
I’m glad to be joining the Duke Chapel’s congregation for a conversation about my latest book, God Turned Toward Us. If you’d like to join the online crowd, you can use the link below to be a part of the conversation at 9:45am EST. See you there!
https://duke.zoom.us/j/93464487228?pwd=Q2VIdlB6d2lwMFROR1pQYWM5ZzhmQT09

“Shaking the Gates of Hell” by John Archibald
Some of you may have already seen my review of John Archibald’s Shaking the Gates of Hell in The Christian Century. He’s also joined my good friend Jason Micheli on the Crackers and Grape Juice podcast to talk about his Pulitzer Prize-winning book.
“Few of us preachers—particularly those in the Southeast, and especially those who are Methodists—will be able to evade this book. In his scathing, often sarcastic criticism of our church and its clergy, there is a sense in which John may have a higher theology of preaching than we do, as well as a deeper love for the church.” (from my review)
I hope you’ll dare to read this confronting account of Southern Christianity, and once you do, I trust it won’t leave your ministry unaffected.
Sermon from The Peak Church
Thanks to The Peak Church for having me to preach this past Sunday!
“Wonderful Tension” on The Weight Podcast
An episode just released during which I joined Eddie and Chris to talk about what it means to be a part of this family we call “church,” as well as how generational difference plays into the life & mission of the church. Enjoy!
https://www.theweightpodcast.com/episodes/wonderful-tension-with-will-willimon
Beecher Lecture Series (Fall 2021)
Below are each of the three Beecher Lectures given at Yale Divinity School this fall. I hope you’ll find these lectures helpful as you continue in the ministry into which God has called you. Thanks to those who were able to tune in!
The Importance of Preaching
On the outset of the Beecher Lectures, here’s a video I did as a part of the Bishop’s Institute for Ministry & Leadership in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. It’s one of ten videos in a series called “Preachers on Preaching.” Enjoy!
A Cruciform Message from Mark’s Gospel
“The cross is what you get for walking with Jesus.”
As you prepare for worship this week, I hope you’ll find this sermon helpful. Here’s a link to a few other sermons, headlined by my friend Jason Micheli.