Nebraska Synod ELCA
Event
Using “A Lay Preacher’s Guide: How to Craft a Faithful Sermon” by Karoline M. Lewis, Pastor Jon Mapa will walk the occasional preacher through the book and provide the tools needed to be a good preacher. This online course will cover the basic elements of a good gospel-centered sermon, and provide conversational space and practical tips for preaching. Participants will be encouraged to craft a sermon and share with the group for feedback. This is a 5-session course offered online using Zoom. Each 90-minute session will include a conversation about the assigned chapters in the book with added insights from Pastor Jon Mapa.
“Being called to ministry is a path many have reservations to pursue. This class picks a scripture to study for five weeks and develops a spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and real-world connection between those in the class and our congregation. Classes are filled with humor, insight, and a God filled presence of a message full of His love and direction. I encourage anyone who has trouble writing or presenting a message, who is new to preaching the Gospel, or needs to be refreshed on preaching, to sign up for this class.” – Dale Hansen, Lay preacher Christ Lutheran Church, Wisner
Rev. Jon Mapa recently retired from serving as Assistant to the Bishop serving in western Nebraska. Prior to serving on synod staff, he served as Pastor of American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg and has been served as Dean of the Pony Express Cluster and on the Nebraska Synod Council. He is an artist, storyteller, and musician with a heart for preaching and teaching. Those who have worked with Pastor Jon have affirmed his skills as a good teacher and strong, faithful preacher. He is currently serving two congregations on a part time basis and rediscovering the joy of walking with a God people in a smaller congregation. Pastor Jon lives in Blue Earth, Minnesota with his retired wife, Pastor Carol Mapa who is serving a nearby congregation on a part time basis.
Dates: Tuesdays – September 10, 17, 24 and October 1 and 8.
Time: 7:30-9:00pm Central/6:30-8:00pm Mountain
Format: This is an online Zoom course. Space is limited to 12.
Materials: Zoom links, assignments and additional resource materials will be emailed to participants after September 4.
Target Audience: This Emmaus: Lifelong Learning course is designed for the occasional preacher asked to preach when a pastor is out of town, special occasions, and the lay person who may be sensing a call to preach. Congregations utilizing the gifts of the occasional lay preachers are encouraged to support interested students by providing an opportunity to preach and if possible covering the class expense. The course is open to anyone wanting to learn more about he art of preaching and have an opportunity to create a manuscript with support from an experienced pastor.
Costs:
Registration Deadline: September 4. No refunds after September 4.