It was through the suggestion of a colleague that Pastor Scott Maxwell came across WorkingPreacher.org.
“Out of desperation, I asked some colleagues what resources they used to prepare their sermons. Many suggested the typical journals, but then someone told me that Luther Seminary was doing some cutting-edge work and that I should check out Luther’s online resources. So I did.”
In his search, Maxwell, a 1999 graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, found Working Preacher.
“I discovered great content to get me thinking about the week’s text, the craft of preaching and the world in which we live,” he said. “Then I found Sermon Brainwave (a Working Preacher podcast
on Scripture for the coming Sunday). I was instantly hooked!”
Maxwell, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Erie, Penn., felt that Working Preacher had such a tremendous impact on his ministry that in 2009 he began making gifts to support the site.
This spring, he chose to take his giving a step further. Maxwell and his wife, Candy, gave a $2,500 challenge-match gift specifically for donors who have never before made a gift to Working Preacher.
Within 48 hours, the full gift was matched by loyal Working Preacher users.
“This was an incredible affirmation of how valuable this site is for the thousands of people who use it every week,” said Lisa Cohen, director of Luther Seminary’s Sustaining Fund. “Through Scott’s gift, we were able to get several new donors who love this site to support it. It’s such a great testament to the value of this resource!”
Maxwell is grateful to those who took him up on his challenge.
“Thanks to all who gave a gift to support biblical preaching. The investment is monetary, but the return is heavenly.”
To join Maxwell, and the hundreds of others who support Working Preacher, give a gift today by going to
workingpreacher.org/support.aspx