I am very impressed with the way Dr. Ellingsen outlines this Lectionary Preaching Workbook... Here is a splendid workbook. It is rich in detail and theological insight. Ellingsen writes clearly, is sensitive to context, and widens [our] horizons... This book should be required reading for all pastors, seminary students, and other lay people who are involved in ministry with adults and youth. It should be regarded as a textbook to enhance one's knowledge about the meaning of the seasons or major festivals of the [church] year.

Reverend Jesse Averett Jr.

Presiding Elder, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

If a preacher is looking for quick and easy sermons, this tool is not what s/he is seeking. But if a preacher is looking for solid biblical scholarship, thoughtful exegesis, a possible preaching theme for each of the appointed lessons for each Sunday in the lectionary year accompanied by a variety of ideas for how that theme might be developed, then CSS' latest Lectionary Preaching Workbook will be a valuable resource. Built around the Revised Common Lectionary and the Christian church year, Pr. Mark Ellingsen has put together a highly useful resource.

Ellingsen's passion for justice and equality as applied to the social issues of the day comes through clearly in some of his "sermon moves" as well as the socio-economic and political illustrative connections he offers. Incorporating insights and quotations from a variety of sources -- everything from modern brain research to Luther, Calvin, Liberation Theology, Bonhoeffer, Pascal, and Barth -- Ellingsen strives to connect God's word to our world in ways that the preacher will find stimulating and inspirational.

Glenn L. Simmons

Assistant to the Bishop

Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

When it comes to preaching from a lectionary, it can often be a daunting task to create new ways of preaching about a passage that has been around for thousands of years. It would seem that, after a while, there would be no new ways of looking at a scripture passage. A different perspective, however, can be most beneficial in finding a new way to help your congregation see each of the readings.

This is the inspiration behind the Lectionary Preaching Workbook series and this special edition for Lent and Easter. By providing new insights into each of the readings in the Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal Lectionaries, Mark Ellingsen has given pastors everywhere the tools they need to effectively relate the heart of the scriptures to their congregations, combining the best of scholarly techniques with pastoral experience. Each of these illustrations and thematic explorations provide the perfect jumping point for pastors to take a text and create thought-provoking, inspirational messages. Its easy-to-use format and illuminating commentary make the Lectionary Preaching Workbook an essential addition to any pastor's library.

Mark Ellingsen, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), has been a professor at Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1993. He graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) and Yale University, from which he received three master's degrees in divinity, arts, and philosophy, as well as his Ph.D. He has authored seventeen books. He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.