Sermon/Service Prep Links

• http://www.textweek.com/
  This is a massive like site to every imaginable internet resource for preaching and teaching, arranged by lectionary weeks. Nearly every link on this page can also be found there. It has also expanded to include a movie and an art database, linked to specific texts and subjects. It is remarkably well maintained and always being updated with the latest resources. This site is the project of a Saint Paul School of Theology graduate who found herself without a ministry—so she created this one.
• http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/
  The Revised Common Lectionary texts in NRSV from Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
• http://www.bible.org/netbible/index.htm
  Free online version of the NET Bible. I don’t know much about the translation itself, but it features many, MANY footnotes from the translators and can be a wealth of information when doing exegesis.
• http://www.tniv.info/bible/passagesearch.php
  Free online version of the TNIV Bible translation. Remarkably readable and the only translation I know of other than NRSV that has attempted to use post-Feminist gender neutral language where appropriate.
• http://www.desperatepreacher.com/
  This site is mixed pay/free. For free you can access the lectionary discussion forum where pastors discuss upcoming lectionary texts and offer ideas. This site is a wealth of great ideas, but one word of warning I learned from another pastor on there: it’s very easy to get caught up in someone else’s idea. Be careful not to preach the sermon God is giving someone else while missing what God wants you to say.
• http://www.lectionary.org/
  This used to be a pay site, but they have recently put the exegesis section up for free. There’s no substitute for doing your own exegesis, but it’s also nice to compare with someone else.
• http://www.gbod.org/worship/
  GBOD’s worship website, offering a wonderfully long list of lectionary hymn suggestions (UMH, TFWS, etc.) that go beyond what you find in the worship planning handbook. They also have preaching and worship planning helps, including suggestions for prayers, etc. out of the BOW.
• http://www.sermons4kids.com/
  My favorite source for children’s sermons. They always feature one based on the lectionary, but the entire database is always accessible. Also available are coloring sheets that (usually) go along with the story and sometimes even word searches and mazes. Great to print out to welcome kids!

More ideas? Post a comment below!