Collaborative Sermons - by Peter Levenstrong (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A guide to a transformative, interactive worship experience where every voice contributes to the sermon, creating authentic intergenerational connection and belonging.

Based on the real-world success of St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco's creative interactive church community, this unique formation program reimagines the traditional sermon as an intergenerational, participatory experience. Adhering to the Revised Common Lectionary, it transforms the Liturgy of the Word into a communal exploration of scripture, which uses tactile storytelling materials, open-ended wondering questions and facilitator-guided conversations to invite participants of all ages to co-create the sermon. The book serves as a foundational theological guide with step-by-step instructions on how to implement collaborative sermons in any congregation to foster deep spiritual belonging across generations and reflect Christ's radical hospitality.

Review Quotes

"Collaborative sermons are so much more than a style of preaching. Peter Levenstrong opens the way to an accessible, transformative, and wonder-filled experience of worship and formation for all ages. Living Stories promises to refresh and deepen your relationship with the word of God and the people of God."

-- "Stephanie Spellers, author of Church Tomorrow? and The Church Cracked Open"

"Levenstrong builds a strong case for collaborative sermons and offers detailed guidelines for leading all ages through a dialogical process which he calls "Living Stories Sermons." His winning descriptions, colorful anecdotes, and qualitative data support his claim that faith formation is actively created rather than passively transferred. If you are a preaching minister for a church that is seeking to become more intentionally intergenerational, this book will help you transform your sermons into more engaging, formative experiences that will appeal to all generations."

-- "Holly Allen, PhD, co-author, Intergenerational Christian Formation"

"In Collaborative Sermons, Levenstrong offers everything needed to begin practicing Living Stories: a clear description of the method, a thoughtful exploration of what it means to trust Scripture, one another, and the Holy Spirit, and an invitation to recognize those marginalized by traditional preaching as vital sources of insight, and practical guidance for adapting Living Stories within a variety of ministry contexts. This comprehensive, provocative, and practical book is sure to expand the homiletical imaginations of preachers and faith communities alike."

-- "David M. Csinos, PhD, associate professor of Practical Theology at Atlantic School of Theology and author of A Gospel for All Ages"

"Levenstrong keeps the 'why' of a community-created sermon grounded in Gospel discoveries. This, as he notes, is what Jesus did: 'ask a real question, and trust the people in front of him with the answer.' More than just a sermon method, Collaborative Sermons genuinely welcomes readers into a surprising, effective, and holy experiment in the living, heart-opening, generous practice of 'hearing God's word revealed through our shared act of listening, speaking and wondering.'"

-- "Donald Schell, president of All Saints Company"

"Of the many ways collaborative preaching is practiced, this is by far the most genuinely intergenerational approach I've seen. Nurtured by a theology of play and grounded in trust, preaching becomes an imaginative 'wondering' space for discerning how scripture connects meaningfully with sermon-participants."

-- "John S. McClure, Charles G. Finney Emeritus Professor of Preaching and Worship, Vanderbilt Divinity School"