When it comes to preaching from a lectionary, it can often be a daunting task to create new ways of preaching about a passage that has been around for thousands of years. It would seem that, after a while, there would be no new ways of looking at a scripture passage. A different perspective, however, can be most beneficial in finding a new way to help your congregation see each of the readings.
This is the inspiration behind the "Lectionary Preaching Workbook "series. By providing new insights into each of the readings in the Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal Lectionaries, Mark Ellingsen has given pastors everywhere the tools they need to effectively relate the heart of the scriptures to their congregations, combining the best of scholarly techniques with pastoral experience. Each of these illustrations and thematic explorations provide the perfect jumping point for pastors to take a text and create thought-provoking, inspirational messages. Its easy-to-use format and illuminating commentary make the "Lectionary Preaching Workbook" an essential addition to any pastor's library.
Each Sunday's material includes:
* a listing of applicable lectionary texts for all the major lectionaries
* a daily theme
* commentary on each lesson -- Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel
* various preaching approaches
* a collection of illustrations to help explain the message
Mark Ellingsen, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), has been a professor and department chair at International Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1993. He graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) and Yale University, from which he received three master's degrees in divinity, arts, and philosopy, as well as his Ph.D. He has authored sixteen books. He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.