In a moment marked by societal upheaval and spiritual searching, PSR alumnx Rev. Lucas Hergert (he/him) offers a timely and transformative vision in his new book, Impassioned: A Guide to Progressive Preaching (Skinner House Books). With his book, Hergert invites preachers to rediscover the sacred power of affective passion in the pulpit—not as manipulation, but as a faithful expression of deeply held convictions.
Hergert recalls being struck by a comment made years ago by a fellow churchgoer: “I wonder if we are really committed to our progressive values… because sometimes I can’t feel it in worship.” That moment planted a seed, eventually growing into a deep inquiry into the history, theology, and practice of passionate preaching in progressive traditions.
A lifelong Unitarian Universalist and graduate of PSR’s Doctor of Ministry program in homiletics, Hergert’s perspective on preaching was shaped by both the heady, intellectual traditions of liberal religion and the fiery expressiveness of evangelical traditions he encountered elsewhere. In Impassioned, he argues for a path that converges both: preaching that is grounded in rigorous theology and scholarship, yet alive with the emotive power that moves people to action.
Hergert’s approach reflects a foundational PSR belief: that ministry is at its best when it is authentic, justice-oriented, and grounded in lived experience. “The good news must be preached not only with our intellect, but also with our whole being,” he says. “In times like these, when the headlines are terrifying, preachers must ask: What am I feeling? And why wouldn’t I bring that truth into the pulpit?”
The book offers practical tools for integrating emotion into preaching while remaining authentic to each preacher’s style and congregational context. Drawing from diverse traditions and disciplines—including affect theory, drama, music, and philosophy—Impassioned serves as a resource for ministers navigating the tension between rational engagement and emotional resonance.
Importantly, Hergert approaches this task with humility and respect for cultural specificity. He does not advocate appropriating styles from other traditions but encourages progressive preachers to learn from and be inspired by the best of what passionate preaching can be—citing voices like Bishop Yvette Flunder, Rev. James Forbes, and Dr. Cornel West.
“The goal isn’t to preach like someone else,” he insists. “It’s to find your own voice—one that can speak with both conviction and compassion.”
In his current ministry at North Shore Unitarian, Hergert is inspired by a congregation deeply engaged in social justice, from LGBTQ+ inclusion to immigrant rights to environmental advocacy. “They’re the ones who inspire me to get up and preach every Sunday,” he says.
His time at PSR, too, played a pivotal role in shaping his approach. Through historical research and faculty mentorship, he was able to trace the theological roots of liberal preaching styles and reimagine a new way forward. “It gave me the freedom to say, ‘Maybe I can try something different,’” he recalls.
Impassioned is not just a guide for preachers, it’s a call to the broader church. As Hergert sees it, progressive Christianity has a responsibility to be as clear, bold, and emotionally compelling as the voices that so often dominate the religious landscape.
In his words, “We already know that our message is good. But to make it resonate. We must make people feel it.”
Explore Rev. Hergert’s work and purchase Impassioned HERE.
