How can leaders best address sensitive issues with love?
Karl Barth famously told young theologians to “take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.” Newspapers may not be the most relevant reference for our times, but the spirit of Barth’s statement accurately reflects the aims of a thoughtful and engaging new resource by Leah Schade: “Preaching and Social Issues.” Schade is a seasoned preacher and scholar who explores how faith leaders can address urgent social issues like poverty, racial injustice, climate change and gender inequality within the context of the weekly sermon.
Schade’s book could not be timelier as many pastors wrestle with how to interpret the gospel’s call for justice in politically “purple” congregations, and younger generations increasingly wonder if the church has a credible response to issues that challenge their faith.
“Preaching and Social Issues” offers practical guidance for preachers on how to incorporate social issues into sermons in ways that are theologically faithful and culturally relevant. Schade helps clergy talk about kitchen-table topics without sounding politically partisan. For example, it’s important to deliver the sermon with empathy and compassion and to create space for dialogue and reflection. People are more likely to truly listen to a sermon if they think the preacher is willing to attend to their perspective and life experiences.
Preaching is a privilege and a sacred responsibility. Those who proclaim the gospel have an obligation to speak the truth and even to address controversial issues. But this task must balance honesty with sensitivity. Schade reminds the reader to understand the importance of pastoral care: if you’re going to delve into sensitive issues, be prepared to be both a bold prophet and a loving shepherd. |
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| Informed by years of research with clergy and congregations, in her new book Leah D. Schade provides practical and pastoral guidance for preachers to find their prophetic voice for their context. |
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| The brown church has been deconstructing and reconstructing Christianity since the colonial period, says a professor and author.
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Interview with Robert Chao Romero |
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| An environmental justice activist from Lowndes County, Alabama, talks about the intersection of civil rights, history, environmental activism and the fight for poor people across the country.
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Interview with Catherine Coleman Flowers
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I’m sure you’ve heard people say that politics doesn’t belong in the church. When I hear this, I’m never quite sure what people mean. Jesus’ first sermon in Luke 4 addresses issues of poverty, incarceration, healthcare and oppression. Each of these issues is affected by the policies and platforms that shape the political landscape in our nation. To say that the church should not be concerned with political issues is to ignore the needs of the people that Jesus told us to feed, clothe, visit and love. Preaching today must take into account the complexity within the congregation, but it cannot ignore the social concerns that impact people’s daily experiences. “Preaching and Social Issues” is enormously helpful for the novice and the experienced preacher because Schade calls us to resist despair. Preaching about societal challenges isn’t just about saying how bad things are in the world. It’s about tapping into the prophetic vision of Scripture to offer people a new vision of justice, peace and reconciliation that puts faith into action. You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading! |
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| Editor Alban at Duke Divinity |
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