Lectionary Kick-start
Lectionary Kick-start is a weekly podcast that helps preachers and teachers prepare for Sunday's sermon. Host Jessica Bordeleau talks with homiletics professors Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger from Concordia Seminary. They discuss the lectionary texts and offer fresh ideas for sermons and lesson plans.
Episodes
Reformation Sunday: The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
Join Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger, professors of homiletics at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as they discuss preaching and teaching for Reformation Sunday with the lectionary text for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost. Producer Jessica Bordeleau, MAR, asks questions from the perspective of a person in the pew. Together, they spark thoughts for each Sunday of the church year, two
The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
Join Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger, professors of homiletics at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as they discuss preaching and teaching the lectionary text for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost. Producer Jessica Bordeleau, MAR, asks questions from the perspective of a person in the pew. Together, they spark thoughts for each Sunday of the church year, two weeks in advance. The readin
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger, professors of homiletics at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as they discuss preaching and teaching the lectionary text for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Producer Jessica Bordeleau, MAR, asks questions from the perspective of a person in the pew. Together, they spark thoughts for each Sunday of the church year, two weeks in advance. The readings
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Join Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger, professors of homiletics at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as they discuss preaching and teaching the lectionary text for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost. Producer Jessica Bordeleau, MAR, asks questions from the perspective of a person in the pew. Together, they spark thoughts for each Sunday of the church year, two weeks in advance. The readings
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger, professors of homiletics at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as they discuss preaching and teaching the lectionary text for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Producer Jessica Bordeleau, MAR, asks questions from the perspective of a person in the pew. Together, they spark thoughts for each Sunday of the church year, two weeks in advance. The readings
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger, professors of homiletics at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as they discuss preaching and teaching the lectionary text for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost. Producer Jessica Bordeleau, MAR, asks questions from the perspective of a person in the pew. Together, they spark thoughts for each Sunday of the church year, two weeks in advance. The reading
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join Dr. David Schmitt and Dr. Peter Nafzger —professors of homiletics at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as they discuss preaching and teaching the lectionary text for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Producer Jessica Bordeleau, MAR, asks questions from the perspective of a person in the pew. The readings for September 13, 2026, are Genesis 50:15–21, Psalm 103:1–12, Romans 14:1–12, and Matthe
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for September 6, 2026! The readings for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost are Ezekiel 33:7–9, Psalm 32:1–7, Romans 13:1–10, and Matthew 18:1–20.
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for August 30, 2026! The readings for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost are Jeremiah 15:15–21, Psalm 26, Romans 12:9–21, and Matthew 16:21–28.
The Thirteenth Sunday in Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for August 23, 2026! The readings for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost are Isaiah 51:1–6, Psalm 138, Romans 11:33–12:8, and Matthew 16:13–20.
The Twelfth Sunday in Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for August 16, 2026! The readings for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost are Isaiah 56:1, 6–8, Psalm 67, and Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32, and Matthew 15:21–28.
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for August 9, 2026! The readings for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost are Job 38:4–18, Psalm 18:1–6 (7–16), Romans 10:5–17, and Matthew 14:22–33.
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for August 2, 2026! The readings for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost are Isaiah 55:1–5, Psalm 136:1–9 (23–26), Romans 9:1–5 (6–13), and Matthew 14:13–21.
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for July 26, 2026! The readings for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost are Deuteronomy 7:6–9, Psalm 125, Romans 8:28–39, and Matthew 13:44–52.
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for July 19, 2026! The readings for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost are Isaiah 44:6–8, Psalm 119:57–64, Romans 8:18–27, and Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43.
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for July 12, 2026! The readings for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost are Isaiah 55:10–13, Psalm 65:(1–8) 9–13, Romans 8:12–17, and Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23.
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for July 5, 2026! The readings for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost are Zechariah 9:9–12, Psalm 145:1–14, Romans 7:14–25a, and Matthew 11:25–30.
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for June 28, 2026! The readings for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost are Jeremiah 28:5–9, Psalm 119:153–160, Romans 7:1–13, and Matthew 10:34–42.
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for June 21, 2026! The readings for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost are Jeremiah 20:7–13, Psalm 91:1–10 (11–16), Romans 6:12–23, and Matthew 10:5a, 21–33.
The Third Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for June 14, 2026! The readings for the Third Sunday after Pentecost are Exodus 19:2–8, Psalm 100, Romans 5:6–15, and Matthew 9:35–10:8 (9–20).
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Join us for a conversation about the text for June 7, 2026! The readings for the Second Sunday after Pentecost are Hosea 5:15–6:6, Psalm 119:65–72, Romans 4:13–25, and Matthew 9:9–13.
Holy Trinity Sunday
Join us for a conversation about the text for May 31, 2026! The readings for Holy Trinity Sunday are Genesis 1:1–2:4a, Psalm 8, Acts 2:14a, 22–36 and Matthew 28:16–20.
Pentecost Sunday
Join us for a conversation about the text for May 24th! The readings for Pentecost Sunday are Numbers 11:24–30, Psalm 25:1–15, Acts 2:1–21, and John 7:37–39.
The Seventh Sunday of Easter
Join us for a conversation about the Seventh Sunday of Easter using the text for Ascension Day; Acts 17:16–31, Psalm 66:8–20, 1 Peter 3:13–22, and John 14:15–21.
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Join us for a conversation about the text for May 10th! The readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter are Acts 17:16–31, Psalm 66:8–20, 1 Peter 3:13–22, and John 14:15–21.
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
Join us for a conversation about the text for May 3rd! The readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter are Acts 6:1–9, 7:2a, 51–60, Psalm 146, 1 Peter 2:2–10, and John 14:1–14.
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
Join us for a conversation about the text for April 26! The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter are Acts 2:42–47, Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:19–25, and John 10:1–10.
The Third Sunday of Easter
Join us for a conversation about the text for April 19! The readings for the Third Sunday of Easter are Acts 2:14a, 36–41, Psalm 116:1–14, 1 Peter 1:17–25, and Luke 24:13–35.
The Second Sunday of Easter
Join us for a conversation about the text for April 12! The readings for the Second Sunday of Easter are Acts 5:29–42, Psalm 148–1, 1 Peter 1:3–9, and John 20:19–3.
Easter Sunday
Join us in a conversation about the texts for April 5th! The readings for Easter Sunday are Acts 10:34–43 or Jeremiah 31:1 –6, Psalm 16, Colossians 3:1 –4, and Matthew 28:1 –10.
Palm Sunday
Join us in a conversation about the texts for March 29! The readings for Palm Sunday are Isaiah 50:4–9a, Psalm 118:19–29 or Psalm 31:9–16, Philippians 2:5–11, and John 12:12–19.
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Join us in a conversation about the texts for March 22! The readings for the Fifth Sunday in Lent are Ezekiel 37:1–14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:1–11, John 11:1–53 or John 11:17–27, 38–53.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Join us in a conversation about the texts for March 15! The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent are Isaiah 42:14–21, Psalm 142, Ephesians 5:8–14, and John 9:1–41.
The Third Sunday in Lent
Join us in a conversation about the texts for March 8! The readings for the Third Sunday in Lent are Exodus 17:1–7, Psalm 95:1–9, Romans 5:1–8, and portions of John 4 (5–26, 27–30, 39–42).
The Second Sunday in Lent
Join us in a conversation about the texts for March 1st! The readings for the Second Sunday in Lent are Genesis 12:1–9, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1–8, 13–17, and John 3:1–17.
The First Sunday in Lent
Join us in a conversation about the texts for February 22! The readings for The First Sunday in Lent are Gen. 3:1–21, Psalm 32:1–7, Rom. 5:12–19, and Matt. 4:1–11.
Transfiguration Sunday
Join us in a conversation about the texts for February 15, 2026! The readings for Transfiguration Sunday are Exodus 24:8–18, Psalm 2:6–12, 2 Peter 1:16–21, and Matthew 17:1–9.
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Join us in a conversation about the texts for February 8, 2026! The readings for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany are Isaiah 58:3–9a, Psalm 112:1–9, 1 Corinthians 2:1–12 (13–16), and Matthew 5:13–20.
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Join us in a conversation about the texts for February 1, 2026! The readings for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany are Micah 6:1–8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18–31, and Matt. 5:1–12.
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Join us in a conversation about the texts for January 25, 2026! The readings for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany are Isaiah 9:1–4, Psalm 27:1–9 (10–14), 1 Cor. 1:10–18, and Matt. 4:12–25.
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Join us in a conversation about the texts for January 18, 2026! The readings for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany are Isaiah 49:1–7, Psalm 40:1–11, 1 Cor. 1:1–9, and John 1:29–42a.
The Baptism of Our Lord Sunday
Join us in a conversation about the texts for January 11, 2026! The readings for the Baptism of Our Lord Sunday are Isaiah 42:1–9, Psalm 29, Romans 6:1–11, and Matthew 3:13–17.
The Second Sunday after Christmas
Join us in a conversation about the texts for January 4, 2026! The readings for the Second Sunday after Christmas are 1 Kings 3:4–15, Psalm 119:97–104, Eph. 1:3–14, and Luke 2:40–52.
The First Sunday after Christmas
Join us in a conversation about the texts for December 28, 2025! The readings for the First Sunday after Christmas are Isaiah 63:7–14, Psalm 111, Galatians 4:4–7, and Matthew 2:13–23.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Join us in a conversation about the texts for December 21, 2025! The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent are Isaiah 7:10–17, Psalm 24, Romans 1:1–7, and Matthew 1:18–25.
The Third Sunday of Advent
Join us in a conversation about the texts for December 14, 2025! The readings for the Third Sunday of Advent are Isaiah 35:1–10, Psalm 146, James 5:7–11, and Matthew 11:2–15.
The Second Sunday of Advent
Join us in a conversation about the texts for December 7, 2025! The readings for the Second Sunday of Advent are Isaiah 11:1–10, Psalm 72:1–7, Romans 15:4–13, and Matthew 3:1–12.
The First Sunday of Advent
Join us in a conversation about the texts for November 30, 2025! The readings for the First Sunday of Advent are Isaiah 2:1–5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:(8–10) 11–14, Matthew 21:1–11 or Matthew 24:36–44
The Last Sunday of the Church Year
Join us in a conversation about the texts for November 23, 2025! The readings for the Last Sunday of the Church Year are Malachi 3:13–18, Psalm 46, Colossians 1:13–20, and Luke 23:27–43
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for November 16, 2025! The readings for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost are Malachi 4:1–6, Psalm 98, 2 Thessalonians 3:(1–5) 6–13, and Luke 21:5–28 (29–36).
Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for November 9, 2025! The readings for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost are Exodus 3:1–15, Psalm 148, 2 Thessalonians 2:1–8, 13–17, and Luke 20:27–40.
All Saints' Day and The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
Spark your thoughts for Sunday! November 2, 2025 is All Saints' Day and The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost. The readings for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost are Isaiah 1:10–18, Psalm 130, 2 Thessalonians 1:1–5 (6–10) 11–12, and Luke 19:1–1. The readings for All Saints' Day are Revelation 7:(2–8) 9–17, Psalm 149, 1 John 3:1–3, and Matthew 5:1–12.
Reformation Sunday
Spark your thoughts for Sunday! October 26, 2025 is Reformation Sunday and the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost.
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for October 19, 2025! The readings for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost are Genesis. 32:22–30, Psalm 121, 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5, and Luke 18:1–8.
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for October 12, 2025! The readings for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost are Ruth 1:1–19a, Psalm 111, 2 Timothy 2:1–13, and Luke 17:11–19.
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for October 5, 2025! The readings for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost are Habakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4, Psalm 62, 2 Timothy 1:1–14, and Luke 17:1–10.
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for September 28, 2025! The readings for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost are Amos 6:1–7, Psalm 146, 1 Timothy 3:1–13 or 1 Timothy 6:6–19, and Luke 16:19–31.
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for September 21, 2025! The readings for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost are Amos 8:4–7, Psalm 113, 1 Timothy 2:1–15, and Luke 16:1–15.
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for September 14, 2025! The readings for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost are Ezekiel 34:11–24, Psalm 119:169–176, 1 Timothy 1:(5–11) 12–17, and Luke 15:1–10.
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for September 7, 2025! The readings for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost are Deuteronomy 30:15–20, Psalm 1, Philemon 1–21, and Luke 14:25–35.
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for August 31, 2025! The readings for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost are Proverbs 25:2–10, Psalm 131, Hebrews 13:1–17, and Luke 14:1–14.
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for August 24, 2025! The readings for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost are Isaiah 66:18–23, Psalm 50:1–15, Hebrews 12:4–24, (Hebrews 12:25–29), and Luke 13:22–30.
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for August 17, 2025! The readings for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost are Jeremiah 23:16–29, Psalm 119:81–88, Hebrews 11:17– 31 (32–40), 12:1–3, and Luke 12:49–53 (54–56).
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for August 10, 2025! The readings for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost are Genesis 15:1–6, Psalm 33:12–22, Hebrews 11:1–16, and Luke 12:22–34 (35–40).
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for August 3, 2025! The readings for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost are Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12–14, 2:18–26, Psalm 100, Colossians 3:1–11, and Luke 12:13–21.
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for July 27! The readings for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost are Genesis 18:(17–19), 20–33, Psalm 138, Colossians 2:6–15, (16–19), and Luke 11:1–13.
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for July 20! The readings for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost are Genesis 18:1–10a (10b–14), Psalm 27:(1–6) 7–14, Colossians 1:21–29, and Luke 10:38–42.
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for July 13! The readings for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost are Leviticus (18:1–5), 19:9–18, Psalm 41, Colossians 1:1–14, and Luke 10:25–37.
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for July 6! The readings for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost are Isaiah 66:10–14, Psalm 66:1–7, Galatians 6:1–10, 14–18, and Luke 10:1–20.
The Third Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for June 29! The readings for the Third Sunday after Pentecost are 1 Kings 19:9b–21, Psalm 16, Galatians 5:1, 13–25, and Luke 9:51–62.
The Second Sunday after Pentecost
Join us in a conversation about the texts for June 22! The readings for the Second Sunday after Pentecost are Isaiah 65:1–9, Psalm 3, Galatians 3:23–4:7, and Luke 8:26–39.
Trinity Sunday
Join us in a conversation about the texts for June 15, Trinity Sunday. The readings are from Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31, Psalm 8, Acts 2:14a, 22–36, and John 8:48–59
Pentecost Sunday
Join us in a conversation about the texts for June 8, Pentecost Sunday. The readings are from Genesis 11:1–9, Psalm 143, Acts 2:1–21, and John 14:23–31.
The Seventh Sunday of Easter
The texts for June 1, the Seventh Sunday of Easter are Acts 1:12–26, Psalm 133, Revelation 22:1–6 (7–11) 12–20, and John 17:20–26.
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
The texts for May 25, the Sixth Sunday of Easter are Acts 16:9 – 15, Psalm 67, Revelation 21:9–14, 21–27, and John 16:23–33, or John 5:1– 9.
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
The texts for May 18, the Fifth Sunday of Easter are Acts 11:1–18, Psalm 148, Revelation 21:1–7, and John 16:12–22 or John 13:31–35.
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
The texts for May 11, the Fourth Sunday of Easter are Acts 20:17–35, Psalm 23, Revelation 7:9–7, and John 10:22–30.
The Third Sunday of Easter
The texts for May 4, the Third Sunday of Easter are Acts 9:1–22, Psalm 30, Revelation 5:(1–7), 8–14, John 21:1–14 (15–19).
The Second Sunday of Easter
The texts for April 27th, the Second Easter of Sunday are Acts 5:12–20 (21–32), Psalm 148, Revelation 1:4–18, and John 20:19–31.
Easter Sunday
The texts for April 20th, Easter Sunday are Isaiah 65:17–25, Psalm 16, 1 Corinthians 15:19–26, and Luke 24:1–12.
