Breathing Patterns: A Teacher's Reflections on Calling Equipping and Sending

Preaching to the choir is always complicated but especially so when that choir happens to be a seminary community. In this collection of sermons delivered in the chapel of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (PCUSA) Robert P. Hoch Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Worship weaves together life experiences careful readings of the Scripture and pastoral wisdom for the benefit of seminarians pastors and educators. Often poetic Dr. Hochs sermons are crafted so that they speak not only to the peculiar life of a seminary community but more broadly to the larger life of the church. Beyond the sermons themselves readers will hear Dr. Hochs reflections on individual sermons reflections that sometimes betray the sermon behind the sermon. Whether as a student seasoned pastor or officer in the church readers will find in these pages a partner with whom they can share the journey of faith. Any one who cares about issues of ecclesial-missional vocation in the teaching and practice of preaching will find in Robert Hochs Breathing Patterns challenge encouragement and wise counsel for the living of these days. Here the church and the academy are made mutually critical partners in proclaiming Christ crucified the running fire of glory beneath all the faults and foibles that plague their common life. And Hochs preaching--local church sermons divinity school chapel sermons university occasional sermons--leap off the page and sing with tones of prophetic urgency humor pastoral care and passionate goodwill. Hoch spares no one-least of all himself-the throes of divine judgment but always he finds in that very judgment the mercy that quickens faith hope and love. Hochs biblical exegesis and interpretation consistently are theologically scrupulous careful and precise; yet at the same time they often prove startling. Read this book and you may find yourself as I did laughing weeping gnashing your teeth and crying Amen! all at the same time. --Charles L. Bartow Princeton Theological Seminary More than a collection of good sermons Robert Hochs Breathing Patterns offers reflection that forms the soul. These evocative sermons and the reflections that accompany them usher us into that unique relationship between preacher and congregation classroom and church sanctuary and world where the living word transforms individual and community; its impression is felt upon the soul as well the mind. --Beth Lindquist McCaw University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Robert P. Hoch is the Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Worship at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.