Pulpit Swings

Discover the art of preaching through the soulful, improvisational wisdom of jazz, where the Spirit leads, the rhythm flows, and authentic voice is found. In every stage of American history since the late nineteenth century, jazz has been the soundtrack of the American story and the American struggle with race. What might preachers learn from the improvisational practices of jazz, particularly as a theological and pedagogical model? What do they need to learn about this music as a true art form that has so much to say to the preacher about freedom of expression? Skip Walker, an Episcopal priest and jazz musician, weaves together the art of Anglican and Episcopal preaching with the soul of jazz, showing how improvisation can renew the preaching moment with creativity and Spirit-filled vitality. He invites preachers to see sermons not as static speeches but as living, breathing acts of faith—responsive to the movement of the Holy Spirit, the needs of the congregation, and the pulse of the biblical text. Like jazz musicians who listen and adapt to the rhythm around them, preachers can learn to trust the sacred groove of God’s presence at work in real time. Drawing on the sounds and stories of jazz, the richness of the Black church tradition, theological reflection, and Episcopal liturgy, this book envisions preaching as an embodied, authentic, and creative act. When preachers learn to “swing” with the Spirit, their sermons become more than spoken words—they become holy performances of grace that move hearts, foster community, and keep faith in rhythm with God’s redeeming love.