A new and improved version of WorkingPreacher.org a site that provides biblical interpretation resources for preachers, launched on April 11.
“For more than five years, WorkingPreacher.org has been a trusted source of inspiration, interpretation and imagination for preachers around the globe—all for free. We’re proud to announce that Working Preacher has a new look and new features. The completely redesigned site has simpler navigation, fresh design, enhanced search capabilities and one-click access to the quality content you’ve come to rely on,” said Karoline Lewis, associate professor of preaching and the Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Homiletics at Luther Seminary.
Watch a video tour of the new site with Karoline Lewis!
All of this is possible because of faithful donors and the Lilly Endowment’s generous support for Luther Seminary’s Vibrant Congregations Project.
There are many updates and new features available on the site. David Lose, the Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching, said that a new logo was essential to the site’s design. It speaks to the “‘workshop’ or ‘craft-room’ element” that has always been present in the nature and mission of Working Preacher.
Content is now searchable by keyword, author, topic or even liturgical season. The navigation has been refined and simplified, putting hundreds of resources only a click away, including 1,600 commentaries, 650 articles and reviews, 400 podcasts and 250 videos. Commenting has been enabled throughout the site and new social media connections have been added, making it easier than ever for users to share their thoughts, questions and revelations on the texts on which they’re preaching.
Ben McDonald Coltvet, project manager for web resources at Luther Seminary, said he enjoys the visual appeal of the site. “I’m really excited that WorkingPreacher.org is now able to display artwork that complements each week’s lectionary readings, he said. Much of the artwork is from Luther Seminary’s fine arts collection. Some artwork is not available for use beyond the site, so be sure to check the artwork caption for additional copyright information.
Some beta testers of the new site commented on its “clean and uncluttered look,” easy navigation, compatibility with mobile devices and accessibility. Others even called it “a true angelic gift,” “a godsend,” “a home run” and “one of the best things that has happened to preaching and worship in a long time.” Hear more comments from faithful users
None of this would be possible without the support of the wider preaching community that uses this site. Luther Seminary is grateful to the 300 contributors who shared their insights via commentaries, articles, podcasts and videos. Thanks are also due to Luther Seminary faculty, staff and student workers, who have spent countless hours reimagining all aspects of the site. Finally, thanks to the generous donors who have given faithfully in our twice-annual Working Preacher fund drives.
If you haven’t already given a gift to support WorkingPreacher.org and find value in this preaching resource, please consider a gift today Through April 30, there’s a 1:1 matching gift challenge which will double the impact of your gift to support great preaching.
Check out the new site at www.workingpreacher.org!