Postils for Preaching: Commentaries on the Revised Common Lectionary

In this review of Postils for Preaching: Commentaries on the Revised Common Lectionary, Year B, the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, imaginative companion for preachers who want concise, theologically rooted sermon-starters rather than polished sermons. John Rollefson provides readable essays that assist ministers and lay leaders in reflecting on appointed texts with pastoral sensitivity and some generous humor. Readers seeking brief, disciplined exegesis and homiletical prompts will find this work most valuable.

Key Features

• Lectionary-focused: Each essay engages the Revised Common Lectionary texts, helping preachers relate readings to the rhythm of the church year.
• Sermon-starters: The entries are designed as goads and incitements, offering starting points rather than finished sermons to stimulate a preacher's creativity.
• Exegetical depth: Rollefson dips into a lifetime of practice, providing thoughtful reflections that connect text and congregation without overcomplication.
• Pastoral imagination: The essays consider the context of congregational life and community, aiding preachers in making the texts relevant to real pastoral situations.
• Readable tone: The writing balances serious imagination with good humor, making theological material accessible for regular study and planning.

Who It's For

This book is best suited for clergy, seminarians, and lay preachers who work with the Revised Common Lectionary and want concise, trusted prompts to jump-start sermon preparation. It is also useful for worship planners and Bible study leaders who appreciate lectionary-linked reflection.

Those looking for fully developed sermons, liturgical rubrics, or exhaustive academic commentary should look elsewhere; Postils for Preaching aims to provoke and suggest rather than provide sermon manuscripts or comprehensive technical exegesis.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical sermon-starters tailored to the Revised Common Lectionary that save planning time.
• Balanced exegetical insight that ties texts to congregational life without heavy jargon.
• Engaging, often humorous prose that makes theological reflection approachable.

Cons

• Not a source of fully written sermons, so additional preparation is required before preaching.

Specifications

Title	Postils for Preaching: Commentaries on the Revised Common Lectionary, Year B
Author / Brand	John Rollefson
Focus	Revised Common Lectionary, Year B
Purpose	Sermon-starters and commentaries for appointed texts
Intended audience	Preachers, seminarians, lay worship leaders
Tone	Exegetical, pastoral, and occasionally humorous

Our Verdict

Postils for Preaching is a strong value for ministers who want compact, lectionary-centered reflection to spark their own sermon development. Its strength is helping preachers translate text into congregational care without prescribing finished homilies, making it a reliable addition to weekly preparation resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book a collection of ready-to-use sermons?
Answer. No; the essays are intentionally written as sermon-starters and prompts rather than fully drafted sermons.

Which lectionary year does it cover?
Answer. It is focused on the Revised Common Lectionary, Year B.

Who wrote these commentaries?
Answer. The author is John Rollefson, offering reflections from his pastoral and exegetical experience.