Good Faith Media continues to foster strategic partnerships with other thriving organizations, believing that a rising tide lifts all boats. The Festival of Homiletics 2024 was a perfect example of how collaboration and collegiality benefited both organizations and Jesus’ Gospel of inclusion, freedom and justice.
The Festival of Homiletics 2024, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a testament to the remarkable growth and impact of this event. With nearly 1,000 attendees in person and another 1,000 tuning in to the livestream, the festival has evolved from a modest gathering of 400 pastors in 1992 to a global platform for the preaching community.
Clergy from all corners of the globe flocked to this year’s Festival of Homiletics, eager to absorb the wisdom of renowned preachers. The event was graced by the likes of Amy Butler, Anna Carter Florence, Willie James Jennings, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Jacqueline J. Lewis, Brian D. McLaren, Otis Moss III, and many more, each delivering powerful sermons that left a lasting impact.
The Festival began with Karoline M. Lewis, Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Her sermon, centered around the theme of faith, resonated deeply with the audience. She reminded them that even “little faith is sometimes enough” to overcome the world’s challenges.
Four years after the global pandemic, the 2020 justice marches after George Floyd’s murder and the political fray from the 2020 election, clergy are tired and worn out. Lewis acknowledged that reality, saying, “After a while, loving your neighbor is often much easier than loving yourself.”
Emilie Townes, Dean Emerita at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, encouraged clergy to “live into the ‘God is with us’ vibe.” Stressing collaboration, she emphasized, “We can be more and accomplish more.”
Townes then challenged listeners to preach boldly. “We need a religion and a church that understands that its mission is not to make us feel better,” she said, “but to guide us into a robust and endless faith.”
During an informative presentation, Sojourners president Adam Russell Taylor addressed the 2024 contentious election: “The Golden Rule is on life support in our body politic.” Sojourners – along with organizations like Good Faith Media – are working hard to advocate for faith and democracy, providing civil dialogue on issues and stories that matter.
Russell Taylor warned the crowd about the dangers of Christian nationalism: “Christian nationalism (is) a dangerous distortion of our faith and patriotism, possessing a particular threat to the witness of the church and our democracy.”
Addressing the importance of biblical interpretation, Anna Carter Florence told the crowd: “It’s not enough to offer a scripture; we must teach them how to interpret it.” Biblical illiteracy is rampant, feeding into misinterpretations that lead to dangerous theology such as Christian nationalism and white male supremacy.
Amy Butler brought her sly humor and prophetic voice to the Festival. Butler offered this analysis of the church: “The church is coming apart at the seams right before our eyes. Stop duct-taping the past and listen! A sower went out to sow.”
Butler, a local pastor in Hawaii as well as a national voice, connected with those present. Clergy have been struggling mightily over the last four years.
Many have left the pulpit or are on the verge of burnout. Butler encouraged the clergy and church to think outside the doors of the church—sowing seeds in their community.
Grace Ji-Sun Kim pointed out the biggest problem with theology and politics in the United States: “The U.S. has a big problem—or problems: this country was built on racism—all in the name of God— a white male God.”
However, Kim was not discouraged because she spoke about the joy of giving of oneself. She pointed out that even in the midst of marginalization and oppression, giving from within can bring joy. “When we give of ourselves,” she said, “there is joy and excitement–the energy of God within us.”
Brian McLaren had an honest conversation with attendees. Speaking from the heart to his colleagues, McLaren offered this sage advice: “It’s a gift to realize you’re not good at everything.”
He gave the crowd permission to face reality and declare an emergency. He recalled the moment he came to an honest assessment of himself: “I realized I was self-employed and I was working for a jerk.”
He encouraged clergy to disengage from the systems that demand we stay busy. He explained the importance of sitting in silence by offering, “When we center ourselves in silence, we often hear dreams deep within us.”
McLaren’s thoughts resonated with those in attendance. For 365 days a year, clergy can never truly set down the collar to recalibrate their spirits, refresh their souls and renew their minds.
The Festival of Homiletics provides clergy an entire week when they can get away from the busyness of church life to be fed by excellent preaching and inspired by clerical collegiality.
Overall, the entire week provided an opportunity for clergy to open their ears and hearts to encouraging words. Clergy can feel isolated and alone at times. To know that others feel the same way, and to be able to find community in isolation, offer balm for the soul.
As Rev. Butler reminded the crowd this week, we need to “listen” to Jesus. Jesus created a community for all those weary and burdened. His good news was the reality that we are not alone, but together we advocate for justice to bring rest and peace for every soul.
