In a sense, Psalm 51 is emblematic of the Old Testament. It struggles with sin and the distance it creates from God—a distance King David is very nervous about personally experiencing—but it doesn’t offer a path to reunion and redemption except through the offering described at the end of the Psalm.
David Roseberry is the founder of LeaderWorks and the LeaderWorks Trust, equipping churches and clergy for faithful and effective ministry. He writes regularly on Substack at The Anglican, where he reflects on faith, leadership, and the Anglican tradition.
David is the author of several books for Anglican pastors and leaders, including The Rector, the Vestry, and the Bishop.
We Believe: God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God, Begotten, Not Made
In 1994, my sister died from heresy. That’s not hyperbole. It’s not a metaphor. It’s the plain truth. Leslie had contracted HIV from a botched artificial insemination procedure in the late 1980s. She kept it hidden from most everyone, and in the secrecy of her illness, she searched desperately for healing. Leslie tried everything—strict diets,…
Does the Pope Matter for Anglicans?
Jesus once asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” It was Peter—bold, impetuous Peter—who stepped forward with the answer: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In response, Jesus made a staggering promise: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” (Matthew 16:18). It was…
Five Duties of a Rector
The following overview of the duties of the rector comes from my years of experience as a rector and my observations from working with congregations.
10 Ways to Preach the Advent Sunday Sermon
Here, I offer ten sermon prompts for the first Sunday of Advent, or Advent Sunday, which can also apply to the following three Sundays of Advent.
10 Ways to Preach the Church Year
10 Ways to Preach the Church Year is a practical guide for pastors looking to revitalize their preaching through the liturgical calendar. Whether you’re new to the Church Year or seeking fresh inspiration, this book provides ten sermon ideas for each of the key seasons and events—Advent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and more. With thoughtful suggestions for…
10 Ways to Preach the Christ the King Sermon
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and…
10 Ways to Preach the All Saints Sermon
the Feast of All Saints gives the Church a way to celebrate and honor all known and unknown saints who have faithfully served Christ.
10 Ways to Preach the Holy Cross Sermon
There is power in the proclamation of the cross. The Feast of the Holy Cross is observed on September 14th to commemorate Constantine’s mother Helena’s discovery of the True Cross on that day in 330 AD. The feast sometimes features expressions of great devotion, such as kissing, bowing, genuflecting, participating in processions, and other forms…
Why Do Bishops Wear Purple?
Why do bishops wear purple? As a symbol of authority, sobriety, and boldness in the gospel. Please note: this article offers a theological rationale for the practice rather than a historical explanation. As a historical matter, Anglican bishops have more commonly worn scarlet, black, and white; episcopal purple was a relatively recent development. Purple and…
