VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 3/15/23)—The question what shall I preach? is constant for those called to deliver God’s word, but the weight of that moment is even more pronounced when following high-profile incidents of racial injustice. From the perspective of the pulpit, the Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Wright’s new book, “The Sunday After: Preaching in Moments and Movements,” addresses this relevant and timely topic with the backdrop of what the New York Times described as “the largest civil rights movement in U.S. history.”
Referencing the work of esteemed academics, Wright begins “The Sunday After” with the biblical and theological rationale for why preaching about significant current events is an essential part of a preacher’s responsibility. He then turns to the practical, examining several sermons that were preached in response to such a major social event, namely the death of Trayvon Martin and the not guilty verdict returned in the trial of George Zimmerman. He features selected sermons from renowned Black preachers, and then he offers one of his own so the reader can see how Wright made this adjustment himself on the Sunday after.
Wright is senior pastor of Love Zion Baptist Church and assistant professor of practical theology and director of urban initiatives at Missio Seminary, both in Philadelphia. He holds several positions in ecumenical, denominational and community leadership, currently serving on the executive board of the Progressive National Baptist Convention as Pennsylvania state president; as first vice president of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity, one of the preeminent weekly ministers’ conferences in the nation; and as chairman of Chosen 300 Ministries, a cooperative of more than 100 churches for local and international missions.
Dr. Wright earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Temple University, a Master of Divinity from Missio Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from the historic Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, where he was the recipient of the Gene and Jean Bartlett Preaching Prize. At Missio Seminary, he teaches courses related to practical and pastoral theology, including homiletics and spiritual formation.
“The Sunday After” is available at JudsonPress.com.
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