Session 7: Preaching, Teaching, and Song Resources

Presenter: 
Bishop Darren Ferguson

Discussion Questions

  • Biblical Interpretation and Hermeneutics for Preaching: In addressing the complexities of racialized policing through preaching, how can we apply biblical hermeneutics to interpret and communicate scriptural texts in a way that speaks directly to contemporary social justice issues, particularly those surrounding racialized policing? Reflect on examples of scripture that can be reinterpreted in the context of modern challenges and discuss how these interpretations can be effectively integrated into your preaching to engage and mobilize your congregation towards action.
  • Community Engagement and Music: Music can be a powerful tool for community engagement and raising awareness about social issues like racialized policing. Reflecting on Bishop Ferguson's use of music as a medium for advocacy, discuss how music can be incorporated into your ministry or community work to create a deeper understanding and response to social justice issues. What types of songs or musical themes would resonate with your community and why? How can music facilitate a connection between faith, justice, and action in the context of racialized policing?

Resources

  • Mass Incarceration Preaching Guide: https://dev-ccda.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/LIS-Preaching-Resource.pdf 
  • Preaching the Word: https://sojo.net/preaching-the-word/subscribe-preaching-word  
    https://sojo.net/ 
  • Gilliard, Dominique DuBois. Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice That Restores. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2018.
  • Gilliard, Dominique DuBois. Subversive Witness: Scripture’s Call to Leverage Privilege. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Reflective, 2021.
  • Goode, W. Wilson, Charles E. Lewis, and Harold Dean Trulear. Ministry with Prisoners & Families: The Way Forward. 1st ed. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2011.
  • Powery, Luke A. Dem Dry Bones: Preaching, Death, and Hope. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2012.
  • Stevenson, Bryan. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. Spiegel&Grau trade paperback edition. New York: Spiegel & Grau, 2015.
  • Thomas, Frank A. The God of the Dangerous Sermon. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2021.
  • Thompson, Lisa L. Preaching the Headlines: Possibilities and Pitfalls. Working Preacher Books. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2021.
  • Thurman, Howard. Jesus and the Disinherited. Boston, Mass: Beacon Press, 1996. 
  • Trulear, Harold Dean. Healing Communities USA Training Guide: Balancing Justice With Mercy. Edited by Denise Strothers. Kindle., 2021.
  • Trulear, Harold Dean. Welcome Home: Essays and Reflections from Confinement to Community. United States: Heritage Publishing, 2022.
  • Williams, Reginald W. Moving the Masses: 3 M’s of Prophetic Preaching. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2021.
  • Just Mercy. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, 2020.
  • When They See Us. Netflix, Inc, 2019. 

Next Steps

  • Choose one of the preaching resources listed under this session to help you prepare sermons that are sensitive to legal justice reform and families that are caught in the web of the system. In the forum, share which resource you chose and why. Feel free to share your sermon outline as well. 
  • To prepare for the last session, consider watching 13th directed by Ava Duvernay or Just Mercy.