Podcast Launch!

Welcome to Lectionary Kick-start. In response to frequent requests, Concordia Seminary has developed a new resource to support sermon writing and lesson planning based on the lectionary texts. Listeners can tune in each week to podcast episodes that feature a discussion-based look at the texts in the 3-year lectionary series. Concordia Seminary homiletics professors, Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger will share their initial impressions of the texts and discuss the themes they might choose when crafting a sermon. The podcast is hosted by Jessica Bordeleau, coordinator of digital publishing.

We are so excited to offer this new resource for preaching and teaching, said Dr. Erik Herrmann, dean of Theological Research and Publication. Schmitt and Nafzger are excellent professors and two of our best preachers. In this unique podcast they offer insights and spark ideas for the weekly proclamation of the Gospel.

Lectionary Kick-start launches on Monday, May 22nd with a 25-minute episode to prepare listeners for Pentecost Sunday. The launch date includes an additional introductory episode that gives listeners the opportunity to get to know Schmitt, Nafzger and Bordeleau, and discover more about this new resource.

Writing a sermon is a journey and these are the first steps that give a preview of potential paths toward Sunday’s sermon. Schmitt said.

While there are many lectionary-based podcasts, Lectionary Kick-start offers a uniquely Lutheran perspective on the texts and includes the voice of a parishioner. Bordeleau interacts with the preachers in the room, raising questions that listeners might have and sharing feedback as they discuss their sermon ideas.

Preparing to preach is hard work especially when you do it alone, Nafzger said. Hearing other voices reflect on thoughts and ideas about a text can help spark your own imagination for what your hearers need next Sunday.

Hearing insights on the lectionary text helps me prepare to teach Sunday school and guides my lesson plans. added Bordeleau. I’m thrilled to share these conversations with others.

Episodes are live now! Each Monday a new episode will drop on concordiatheology.org and be available across most major podcast platforms and on CSL Scholar.

Introductory Episode

Episode 1 – Pentecost Sunday