Crafting a Sermon You Can’t Wait to Preach
A Five-Day Intensive on Christmas Sermon-Writing and Preaching
The Rev’d Rhonda Rogers
December 11-15, 2023, 11 am- noon EST

Register Now.

Apply Backstory Preaching’s foundational sermon prep framework to craft a Christmas sermon you believe in and can’t wait to preach—and finish well ahead of the busy festivities of Christmas week. In this process, rooted in prayer and practical tools, you will discover a framework you can rely on week after week to prepare sermons more efficiently and with more joy. You will discover:

• How to experience sermon prep as a spiritual respite, versus as a purely academic exercise
• New ways to approach scripture to unlock fresh insights—no matter how many times you have encountered a text
• Strategies to keep your exegesis focused so you do not spend hours down unnecessary rabbit holes
• A filter to ensure your sermon offers one clear message of Good News
• A variety of new perspectives through opportunities to workshop sermons with classmates

In daily workshops, you will apply the 5-step process in real time with the structure and guidance you need to finish your Christmas sermon by Friday. Confident in and finished with your sermon, you will be free to enjoy the many activities and family events of the season. Please plan on 1-2 hours of independent prep daily beyond our time together.

About Backstory Preaching:

In 2016, the Rev’d Lisa Cressman, DMin founded Backstory Preaching to be the first and only online “conference center” where Episcopal/Anglican and Mainline Protestant preachers can thrive in the craft, process, and spirituality of their preaching.

About the Rev’d Rhonda Rogers:

Rhonda is Vicar at St. Francis of Assisi, Prairie View in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. She is a member of the Executive Committee and Racial Justice Committee in the diocese.

Rhonda is an Associate with the Order of St. Helena, a monastic community of women in the Episcopal Church. She is a member of Daughters of the King and Union of Black Episcopalians Reverend John D. Epps Chapter. She is also a member of the Province VII Anti-Racism Committee.

Prior to ordained ministry, Rhonda worked for Mobil Chemical and ExxonMobil Chemical for over 38 years as a Chemical Engineer. In addition to her technical career, Rhonda led employee workshops for Organizational Development, Diversity and Inclusion at Mobil Chemical Films Division.

Rhonda has three adult children who live in Maryland and California. Her hobbies include traveling, going to the theatre, music, golf, and reading.

Note: If we have enough registrants for 2 cohorts, the second cohort will be led by the Rev’d Melinda Quivik, PhD.

Melinda has been an ordained ELCA pastor for over 30 years. She has a PhD in worship and preaching from Graduate Theological Union. She taught worship and preaching at a Lutheran seminary for several years, edits the quarterly journal Liturgy, and has published multiple books and articles.