How do we preach in the midst of a struggling congregation? Two mainstream Minnesota churches, Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church and the United Church of Fairmont, were struggling. The first, a small congregation, struggles because of its size and financial limitations; the second, a large historic congregation, struggles because of an overwhelming loss of leadership and membership due to death and attrition. This thesis proposes that doxological sermons have the potential to move struggling congregations from survival to celebration. Homiletics inspired by Frank Thomas, Howard Hanchey, and John Calvin contributed to the formation of various doxological sermons. Each explore celebrant preaching in a manner that reframes the struggle by focusing on God's presence and power to do more than we can imagine. Using musical images, these sermons seek to give voice to the congregation's blues, proclaim the gospel, and move the heart to join in singing God's praise. Feedback and reflections from both Shepherd and Fairmont give positive evidence that celebrant preaching and doxological sermons have the potential to lift the spirit of a congregation. Whether an installed or an interim minister, in a small or larger congregation, you will benefit from and celebrate these findings.
