The spirituality of the preacher creates an indelible imprint on their every sermon. But what is that imprint? What is the preacher's spirituality that is revealed with—and without—the preacher's awareness?
By exploring our backstories, that is the stories, beliefs, and perspectives that make us us but are rarely spoken aloud, we become more aware of and able to offer our whole selves to God in service of our preaching for the benefit of our listeners.
In this practical, four-hour workshop for lay and ordained, new and experienced preachers, we will pray, reflect, dialogue, and play to better understand how we and God are connected, so that we preach more authentically, courageously, and joyfully for our entire ministries.
The Rev'd Dr. Lisa Cressman is the Founding Steward of Backstory Preaching. Launched in 2016, BsP is an ecumenical, all-online ministry for lay and ordained preachers to help them thrive in the process, craft, and spirituality of preaching for their entire ministries.
Ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1993, before BsP Lisa served congregations in Indiana, Minnesota, and Texas. She is a member of The Academy of Homiletics, workshop leader, keynote speaker, and author of the books Backstory Preaching: Integrating Life, Spirituality, and Craft (The Liturgical Press, 2018), and The Gospel People Don't Want to Hear: Preaching Challenging Messages (Fortress Press/Working Preacher Books, 2021).
She received her D.Min. in Practical Theology from Christian Theological Seminary in 1999, and M.Div. from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in 1992.
She is a wife, mom, mixed media artist, musician, outdoor enthusiast, yogi, and swinger of kettlebells.
