Craft of Preaching Workshop

Pastors,

The task of preaching is continually before you. By 'it' you proclaim the promises of God in Christ to the church and the world. Though it is a weekly duty, pastors rarely get the opportunity to step back and consider the broader mission of preaching and receive continued encouragement in preparation for the task.

With this in mind, we invite you to join other pastors for a three-day workshop on the task and craft of preaching. Our instructor will be Dr. Peter Nafzger. The sessions will center around No Lonely Listeners: Preaching from, in, and toward Community. 

There is no such thing as an individual Christian. Not if we take seriously one baptism by one Spirit into one body (Eph. 4:4-6). Indeed, to believe in Jesus is to belong to the community of believers that includes all Christians of all times and places—including the specific members of your congregation. But therein lies the problem. A spirit of individualism runs deep in the North Atlantic region. Many believers find themselves detached, disconnected, and alone—even those who attend worship regularly. The problem is bigger than the church, of course. Harvard Magazine recently addressed the more problematic “loneliness pandemic” (2021), and the National Academy of the Sciences has begun measuring health based on a new “social frailty index” (2023). They notice that as a social problem, what we, in the church, recognize is a theological problem. Unfortunately, as Charles Arand put it, we Lutherans are often “ecclesiologically challenged” (Concordia Journal, 2008). We have unwittingly contributed to the problem by the way we have allowed the individualism around us to shape our conception of preaching. But there is good news, too. Lutherans have the theological and biblical resources to rediscover our communal identity and help Christians grow closer together in faith and life. Our preaching, in other words, can help restore and reinvigorate genuine Christian community. In this workshop, we will (1) consider the causes (both philosophical and practical) of the rampant individualism infecting our culture and church; (2) take a close look at how preaching has unintentionally contributed to the problem, and (3) discuss specific and practical ways in which your preaching can foster a more communal life in your congregation. This workshop includes an opportunity for preachers to review and reimagine some of their recent sermons to see how they could more intentionally build community in their congregation. 

Dr. Nafzger is an Associate Professor of Practical Theology, International Seminary Exchange Program Coordinator, and Director of Student Life at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

VENUE

St. James Lutheran Church is our gracious host for this event. Registration fees include the workshop, several meals, and some books from 1517 Publishing. The registration does not include travel, lodging, and the remainder meals are on your own. You can find directions HERE. 

LODGING / TRAVEL

The closest airports:  

• ORD  (Chicago O'hare International) about 13 miles (45min) from church  (UBER is best ground)  
• MDW  (Chicago Midway International Airport ) about 13 miles (45min) from church  (UBER is best ground)  

There are many lodging options, some less than 2 miles away. Here are a few for your consideration; booking is on your own.

• Villa D'Citta Bed and Breakfast  2230 N. Halsted St.  Chicago, IL 60614 (.3 miles)
• Hotel Lincoln - JDV by Hyatt     1816 N. Clark Street,   Chicago, IL 60614  (1.0 miles)
• The Neighborhood Lincoln Hotel  2616 N. Clark Street,  Chicago, IL 60614 (1.1 miles)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Monday, August 4   

• 6:00p   Dinner Provided & informal fellowship @ St. James Lutheran 

Tuesday, August 5

• 8:00a    Breakfast on your own
• 9:00a    Devotions w/Rev. Paul Koch & Morning Sessions with Dr. Nafzger
• 11:30a   Box-Lunch provided (Jimmy Johns)
• 1:00p    Afternoon Sessions with Dr. Nafzger
• 5:00p    Dinner on your own (we will pick a location for all who want to attend)

Wednesday, August 6  

• 8:00a     Breakfast on your own   
• 9:00a    Devotions w/Rev. Paul Koch & Morning Sessions with Dr. Nafzger (close at 11:30a)