How do you summarize 26 years of pastoral ministry in one final sermon? That's the challenge Pete Scazzero faced in this week's sermon—"Lessons after 26 Years of Planting Seeds." This is a powerful, practical sermon from a wise mentor about four "seeds" of pastoral ministry that will change your life. Here's a sample from the sermon: "The greatest lessons that have come out of New Life Fellowship have come out of failure and suffering. So don't be discouraged by small beginnings, and don't be discouraged when you feel like God is hidden and you can't find him. It's the way he works … Stay with him even when you see nothing. The kingdom has always been a mustard seed, but then all of a sudden it becomes a massive tree."

Last week, we posted a previously unpublished Martin Luther King Jr. sermon called "Guidelines for a Constructive Church." This week we also feature remarkable short reflections about Martin Luther King Jr. Three seasoned preachers—Dr. George C. Waddles Sr., Rev. Bryan Loritts, and Pastor John Ortberg address this question: "How has the life and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. impacted your preaching and pastoring?" The answers in this week's skills article are profound and moving.

This week to help you in your preaching efforts we offer the following:

• Preaching Skills Article: How Has Dr. King Impacted Your Preaching? By Dr. George C. Waddles, Rev. Bryan Loritts, and Pastor John Ortberg.
• Featured Illustration: Outcast Meets the God of Justice
• Video: Justice: The Dream Has Not Yet Been Fully Realized

In Christ,

Matt Woodley
Managing Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.