A Preacher’s Guide to Topical Sermon Series
Jessica Miller Kelley, editor
Westminster John Knox, 234 pages | Published January 20, 2026
Seasoned preachers from varied perspectives offer detailed plans for sermon series, with Scripture, reflection and worship notes for four (or more) Sundays. Churches that ordinarily follow the lectionary often turn to a sermon series for summer respite, a fresh approach to Advent or Lent, or in response to contemporary issues. A Preacher’s Guide to Topical Sermon Series provides thoughtful options — some thematic (Hell, Sabbath and rest), seasonal, spiritual practice-driven, or simply creative.
This book is a practical work aimed at busy preachers, yet the sheer variety of options invites dreaming, as pastors explore new ways of preaching and churches imagine bringing art, lighting and fresh liturgy or music to their services. A Preacher’s Guide to Topical Sermon Series would also be a terrific resource for a clergy group or for a church’s worship committee. After reading about a church that intertwines Scripture with Dolly Parton songs or a preacher who explores faith through the five senses, including the tasting of communion bread and scents of incense, churches might feel ready to try something new.
Of Course I’m Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving
Shelby Forsythia
Broadleaf Books, 235 pages | Published March 31, 2026
What to say to someone experiencing loss, trauma or grief?
Of course. I’m here. Right now.
These three phrases make up the title of grief coach Shelby Forsythia’s helpful guide to supporting others through tough times. We expect churches to be places of solace, yet church folks are often at a loss for words (and, unfortunately, some pastors as well).
Of Course I’m Here Right Now provides language to support grievers, as well as ways to understand if a comforter’s approach is helpful. Forsythia breaks up her advice with exercises to help imagine how these approaches might play out, creating a practical guide for individual reading or for a group – such as deacons, Stephen Ministers or a pastoral team – to use together.
Seeing and Being Jesus in the World: How to Live God’s Radical Welcome as a Family
Mihee Kim-Kort
Westminster John Knox, 197 pages | Published April 14, 2026
As a pastor, Mihee Kim-Kort shares her experiences becoming a Matthew 25 church; as a parent, she imagines how her family can serve the “least of these” in community, while recognizing their own vulnerabilities that, at times, place them among the “least.” This creates a sense of urgency: if the actions Matthew describes represent wholeness and shalom, are we forming the kind of humans the planet needs? And what kind of world will we leave them?
Seeing and Being Jesus in the World invites everyone into the practice of seeing Jesus everywhere, simply by showing up, slowing down and asking curious questions about others (“Who is God placing in my path today?”) and ourselves (What is my role? What are my gifts?”). Kim-Kort takes a broad view, addressing this approach to everything from poverty and racism to climate change and militarism. Each chapter concludes with opportunities to reflect and respond, with options for children, youth and everyone.
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