Revising the Agenda: Sermons for Pentecost through Proper 17 Based on the Gospel Texts

The reality is that the vast majority of people in a typical congregation do not want themselves or their world to be transformed by the gospel. Instead, they want the minister to help them make life easier to manage while they and their world stay the same in every important respect. The Christian life is a life of continuing conversion. Baptism may claim us as God’s own beloved, but the children of God must grow up and mature. Jesus invites his followers to “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” (Matthew 11:29). This is a life of ongoing transformation, not merely by our own effort, but by welcoming Christ’s Spirit to make us more like him. In every sense, we are Christians who are still becoming Christians. If there was a governing theme for the sermons, that seems to be it.

-From the introduction

William G. Carter has served as pastor and head of staff of the First Presbyterian Church, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania for over 25 years. He received his BA degree from the State University of New York and his MDiv degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. An accomplished jazz pianist, Carter has extensive experience as a composer and arranger, having studied and performed with noted jazz artists such as Phil Woods and Bob Brookmeyer. He is the author of several books, including Water Won't Quench the Fire(CSS), Praying for a New World (CSS), The Gifted (CSS), and God in the Present Tense (CSS). He is married with four adult children and is also a professional jazz musician. His Presbybop Quartet ( www.presbybop.com ) tours nationally, presenting concerts and jazz vespers around the country. His sermons and articles have appeared in Journal for Preachers, Presbyterian Survey, Preaching, Lectionary Homiletics, The Christian Ministry and Best Sermons (Harper-Collins, 1994).