Each week pastors craft a sermon from a biblical text to feed their congregations. For many churches following the Revised Common Lectionary, the text most often preached on is the Gospel reading. In this book, the author encourages pastors to explore other parts of the lectionary. During the summer in Cycle C the lectionary gives us an alternative Old Testament text, a semi-continuous journey through the Hebrew prophets. The prophets were not crystal ball gazers predicting a distant future. They were astute social commentators who spoke truth to power and called people to faithful covenant living.
A summer series with these Hebrew prophets can help build interest and continuity throughout the summer. They have a message that is still powerful and relevant for our world today.