Preaching Resources and Sermons
Materials to help you preach ... and sermons to read
Linked Lectionaries
These websites link the weekly Revised Common Lectionary texts with care for creation themes:
In addition, numerous groups do linked lectionaries for Season of Creation. Look in the section on Season of Creation resources. For a while, Creation Justice Ministries did a ‘Green Lectionary Podcast’ with Biblical scholars discussing the weekly texts. The Readings are primarily Year B, but worth a listen at any time.
Also worth a read: Revd Peter Sawtell’s Eco-Justice critique of the Revised Common Lectionary.
Sermon Starters
‘Sermon starters’ give the germ of an idea, ready for you to flesh out.
Take a look below to find sermon starters listed by theme and by book of the Bible.
| Link to Sermon Starter | Topic |
|---|---|
| Worship and Awe (Awareness of creation leads to a sense of awe and transforms our worship - EcoJustice Ministries) | Creation |
| Tending to the Garden (God seen and celebrated in creation, the call to care - CRCNA/EEN) | Creation |
| "Restoration is coming" (creation, redemption - CRCNA/EEN) | Creation |
| "Shout it from the Mountain Top - Praise God" (Creation belongs to and witnesses to God; we are called to tend it - CRCNA/EEN) | Psalms, Creation |
| Transfiguration ideas | Transfiguration |
| Sermon on the Prodigal Son | Lament, Stewardship, Repentance, Creation |
Top tips
Some general guidance that can help you begin – or refresh – your creation care preaching.
- From Revd Peter Sawtell, a guide to “Three layers’ of environmental preaching”
- From Holmes Rolston III, Presbyterian minister and Templeton Prize winner, “Preaching on the Environment”
- Revd Dr Leah Schade, “How to preach a sermon about climate change and your congregation”and “10 Principles for Environmental Preaching: How to Craft Eco-Sermons”
- From the US Conference of Catholic Bishops “Pastoral Aids and Homily Helps”
Sermons
A variety of sermons to read or listen to …
Individual Sermons – by author
- Richard Bauckham, “The Community of Creation”, “God the Farmer”
- Dave Bookless, Hope for Creation” (6 sermons prepared for Time for Creation 2008, using RCL Year A)
- Hannah Malcolm, “The End of the World As We Know It“, “Living with Science, Loving with Faith“, “The Moon Landing” (Hannah Malcolm’s brilliant website is now private; you need to log into WordPress.com to request access)
- Peter Sawtell, Reconciling the World
- Revd Sally Bingham’s “Love God, Love neighbour” was preached in a particular context, but offers a good general framework for an introductory creation care sermon
Sermon Collections
- A Rocha International has an interesting group of sermons, including several from Indian NGO EFICOR. A Rocha Canada also has a small sermon collection.
- Green Christian has a collection of sermons by various authors
- Sustainable Preaching often includes whole sermons alongside its sermon notes
