How to Preach Advent Like Never Before with Vanessa Stricker

How to Preach Advent Like Never Before with Vanessa Stricker

Author: Steve Carter November 22, 2022 Duration: 41:21
For a lot of people, the holidays are physically frenetic, emotionally overwhelming, and spiritually distracting. Few slow down long enough to ponder what’s happening in their own souls, or to give more than a passing thought to the significance of this season: God coming to earth. That’s why Steve Carter is excited to introduce you to an incredible Advent devotional, written by his good friend Vanessa Stricker, who is the Pastor of Peacemaking and Justice at One Life City Church in Fullerton, California. Advent Reflections earnestly reminds individuals and families that hope, love, joy, and peace come from the God who does not shrink back from lament or suffering, but willingly embraces it to bring light into darkness. With Advent just days away, this is a great resource to guide you through the coming season, so that you might experience his nearness. EPISODE LINKS Buy Vanessa’s Advent Reflections here. Vanessa’s blog: onthesideofgrace.com Church: onelifecitychurch.org @onthesideofgrace @steveryancarter @craft_character PREACHING TODAY CHRISTMAS RESOURCES My Favorite Christmas Theme: Create Meaningful and Memorable Christmas Services, by Bri Johns Fear and Loathing in Bethlehem: As a Christian I love Christmas; but as a Preacher I dread it, by Paul Hoffman Preach Nothing New This Christmas ... And It Will Be Novel: Do we always have to find a new spin on the Christmas story?, by Mandy Smith Christmas and the Minor Prophets: For Advent let the 12 Minor Prophets lead us to Christmas, by Taylor Turkington Mary Christmas!: Exploring the lives of the 4 Marys in the Christmas story, by Scott M. Gibson Christmas Holiday Resource Page

Steve Carter hosts Craft & Character, a space where the art of preaching meets the inward journey of the preacher. This isn't about quick tips or isolated techniques; it's a deep, thoughtful exploration of how who you are fundamentally shapes what you say from the pulpit. Each episode rests on a central, challenging question: are you merely transferring religious information, or are you speaking from a place that has been genuinely and personally transformed? The conversations in this podcast argue that authentic, impactful communication of faith cannot happen without the messenger's own life being shaped by the very truths they proclaim. You'll hear Steve engage with a variety of voices on the intricate blend of skill development and spiritual formation. The discussions are grounded in practical wisdom for the craft of sermon preparation and delivery, while always circling back to the essential priority of character, integrity, and a vibrant personal walk. Designed for those in ministry, from seasoned pastors to those just starting out, this podcast offers a rare and refreshing honesty about the pressures and privileges of the role. It’s for anyone who believes that teaching well requires living well first, making Craft & Character a vital resource for personal growth and professional development within the realms of faith and leadership.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Craft & Character
Podcast Episodes
Discovering Humor in the Bible with Jelani Greenidge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:41
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews author, minister, rapper, and stand-up comedian Jelani Greenidge about the use of humor in preaching. Jelani does an incredible job breaking down how to disco…
The Heartbeat of a Local Pastor with Tyler Gorsline [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:26
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews pastor Tyler Gorsline about his love for preaching and staying put in Seattle. Tyler shares about what he's learned along the way as he and his incredible tea…
The Role of the Pastor with Diane Langberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:57
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews Diane Langberg about how a pastor must pursue truth, care for the wounded, point people to Jesus above themselves, and to resist abuse at all costs. For 50 pl…
Having the Perseverance to Finish Well with Jon Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:39
In this episode of the Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews Pastor Jon Thompson from Sanctus Church in Toronto, Canada about the importance of perseverance in pastoral ministry. Jon is one of Canada’s most…
Preaching and Plagiarism with Mike Goldsworthy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:29
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews pastor Mike Goldsworthy around the topic of plagiarism and the crafting of sermons. Mike shares ways we can easily give credit to an idea or author without sl…
The Art of Discernment with Ruth Haley Barton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:33
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter talks with author, spiritual director, and founder of the Transforming Center, Ruth Haley Barton about the importance of spiritual formation for pastoral care. Ruth Hale…
Broken to Beloved with Brian Lee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:12
In this episode of the Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews pastor and thought leader Brian Lee about healing from church hurt. Brian has a heart for those who feel like wanderers looking for a safe place t…
The Expectation Gap with Steve Cuss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:57
On this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter talks with pastor, founder of Capable Life, and author Steve Cuss about the tiny gap for preachers between our beliefs and experiences of God. Steve Cuss unpacks why thi…
The Discipleship Opportunity with Daniel Im [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:19
There is a discipleship opportunity right now that pastors and preachers must take advantage of. Pastor Daniel Im and Steve Carter discuss how we must understand the audience is different in our congregations than from 1…
Healing What You Can’t Erase with Christopher Cook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:00
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews the Win Today Podcast host Christopher Cook about how leaders can transform their mental, emotional, and spiritual health from the inside out. Christopher sha…