The Pulpit Swings - by Skip Walker (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Discover the art of preaching through the soulful, improvisational wisdom of jazz, where the Spirit leads, the rhythm flows, and authentic voice is found.

In every stage of American history since the late nineteenth century, jazz has been the soundtrack of the American story and the American struggle with race. What might preachers learn from the improvisational practices of jazz, particularly as a theological and pedagogical model? What do they need to learn about this music as a true art form that has so much to say to the preacher about freedom of expression?

Skip Walker, an Episcopal priest and jazz musician, weaves together the art of Anglican and Episcopal preaching with the soul of jazz, showing how improvisation can renew the preaching moment with creativity and Spirit-filled vitality. He invites preachers to see sermons not as static speeches but as living, breathing acts of faith--responsive to the movement of the Holy Spirit, the needs of the congregation, and the pulse of the biblical text. Like jazz musicians who listen and adapt to the rhythm around them, preachers can learn to trust the sacred groove of God's presence at work in real time. Drawing on the sounds and stories of jazz, the richness of the Black church tradition, theological reflection, and Episcopal liturgy, this book envisions preaching as an embodied, authentic, and creative act. When preachers learn to "swing" with the Spirit, their sermons become more than spoken words--they become holy performances of grace that move hearts, foster community, and keep faith in rhythm with God's redeeming love.

Review Quotes

I first met Skip Walker at our alma mater, Berklee College of Music. Even then, he had an unmistakable presence among the student community. Like so many of us, he was exploring his artistic identity and searching for his unique voice in the world of music. What distinguished Skip was the depth of his wisdom, his sincere commitment to the art of jazz improvisation, and his deep appreciation for the craft of preaching.

It comes as no surprise that his remarkable journey has culminated in The Pulpit Swings. Drawing on the rich traditions of jazz and the liturgical heritage of the Episcopal Church, Skip Walker has created a fresh and compelling work that invites preachers to discover and confidently embrace their own authentic preaching voice. This is more than a book about preaching; it is an inspiring guide to finding the rhythm, freedom, and integrity that transform proclamation into a living art.

-- "Karen A. Bell, associate dean, Professional Performance Division, and Chair, Performance Studies Department, Berklee College of Music"

Skip Walker rightly sees that the most affecting art arises from a creative tension between improvisation and structure. By couching concrete techniques of jazz musicians as homiletic advice, this book transformed the way I think about communication. It not only helped me remain open to the polyrhythm of the Spirit, but now I hear theology in my Monk and Coltrane records. Highly recommended for preachers, teachers, and pew aficionados.

-- "J. R. Hustwit, professor of Philosophy and Religion, Methodist University, and author of Interreligious Hermeneutics and the Pursuit of Truth"

"An innovative, dynamic, rich, and revitalizing work, The Pulpit Swings invites readers into a homiletical jam session where tradition meets jazz legends and discographies play theology. As a priest, scholar, and jazz musician, Skip Walker has the chops to make the pulpit swing, and his excellent book can help preachers do the same. This book is essential for anyone looking to grow their preaching voice, reimagine tradition, and better attune themselves to the moving of the Spirit in community."

-- "Rev. Dr. David M. Stark, director of Preaching for Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church; editor of the International Journal of Homiletics; and author of Preaching that Confronts Confederate Monuments"