Customer Reviews

Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2009 Edition

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great resource and includes not only 52 sermons along with worship aids, but also cross-references these sermons by topic and by scripture. The nourishment tips for pastors, stats, stories, and more, and the bulletin aids (information on this date in History) are very helpful and informative. Music suggestions include contemporary music as well as a few older hymns.

Examples:
For the Bulletin - On May 3, 1675, a state law was enacted in Massachusetts requiring that church doors be closed and locked during worhsip serices to prevent attendees from getting up and leaving church before the lengthy sermons were complete.
Quote for the pastors wall - "There are two ways of being creative. One can sing and dance. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flouris - Warren Bennis

While I appreciated the book as a whole, I found two problems with this particular resource.

First, if you are looking for a resource that follows the revised common lectionary - this isn't what you are looking for. Rather this is a collection of independent sermons on common topics.

Second, this particular resource contains a CD with a software program called Libronix (created by LOGOS) rather than interactive pdf files. The software runs automatically and is included for Windows, however it is not compatible with Macintosh. To purchase the software to run it on a Mac currently costs between $59 and $70. In windows, you must register and receive a user code before you are permitted to actually use the software included with the book. The software does not download the book automatically (just the program) and you have to re-insert the CD each time you want to use it.

Most likely, I will read through the sermons for my own nourishment, along with the aids that are included. I'll probably note a few items for use in the bulletins, examples in sermons, or worship aids.

This is the third book in this series that I have purchased over the years. I find the sermons uplifting but I especially value the illustrations given. The event specific sermons are very helpful. There are so many sections dedicated for the encouragement of pastors that I am constantly being lifted up.