“Lectionary Kick-start,” a new podcast hosted by the faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will debut Monday, May 22, on most major streaming services with a goal of sparking the thoughts of pastors and teachers as they take the first steps in developing sermons and lessons plans for the week’s lectionary readings.

New 20-minute episodes will be added weekly each Monday. Each episode will feature two Seminary professors, Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger, discussing their initial impressions of the upcoming lectionary texts. Schmitt serves as the Gregg H. Benidt Memorial Professor of Homiletics and Literature, professor of Practical Theology and also as chairman of the Department of Practical Theology. Nafzger is an associate professor of Practical Theology. 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” follows the three-year lectionary, or collection of readings from Scripture, of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Lectionary readings are arranged according to the church-year calendar and are intended to be read at the regular, weekly gathering of God’s people.

The first episode will prepare listeners for Pentecost Sunday, May 28, and will include 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.

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

Bordeleau, a Sunday school teacher, added: “Hearing insights on the lectionary text guides my lesson plans and helps me prepare for Sunday. I'm thrilled to share these conversations with others.”

“Lectionary Kick-start” can be found on most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts and streamed on most devices. It also can be found on the Concordia Theology website at concordiatheology.org.

About Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit csl.edu.