Melanie Cave speaks with Peter about his book Collaborative Sermons and the Living Stories approach to preaching, where sermons become facilitated conversations rather than one-way monologues. They explore how this emerged from St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, why it fits intergenerational worship, and how it changes what a congregation can hear, remember, and carry into the week. They also discuss trust, authority, silence, children’s contributions, and how to keep the conversation open without losing theological depth or pastoral care.
Key topics
In this episode, Peter shares the backstory of Living Stories, which began during the pandemic when his parish regathered through Godly Play and Eucharist in a parking lot. The sermon format moved from children’s formation into adult Sunday worship by using the actual lectionary text, wondering questions, and visual anchors for the whole congregation. Melanie and Peter unpack what makes a sermon a conversation rather than a monologue, and why that requires the preacher to become a facilitator instead of an orator. Peter explains the importance of mirroring back what people say so quieter voices, especially children, are heard clearly and valued in the room. They discuss how to respond to off-base, strange, or theologically awkward comments without shutting people down, but instead gently “retraining the vine.” Children’s contributions are presented as a strength, not a distraction, because they often give adults fresher, more visceral ways to hear Scripture. The conversation frames intergenerational worship as radical hospitality, especially in light of Jesus’ teaching about welcoming children. Peter argues that collaborative preaching answers modern suspicion of institutional authority by leaning into relational authority and shared discernment. They talk through the learning curve for churches, including how to start with turn-and-talk, wondering questions, and experimental Sundays. Peter also addresses practical concerns like phones, AI, analog worship spaces, visibility, microphones, and when not to rely on screens.
Chapters
00:00 - Why Peter was invited and what Living Stories is
00:38 - Pandemic beginnings at St. Gregory of Nyssa and the parking lot Eucharist
02:04 - From experimentation to a named sermon practice
03:13 - What Godly Play looks like in adult Sunday worship
04:06 - Using the lectionary text and tailoring wondering questions
05:29 - Why the questions begin with empathy and move toward theological reflection
06:23 - How multiple good-news takeaways deepen connection in the congregation
07:39 - Sermon as conversation instead of monologue
08:41 - The preacher’s shift from orator to facilitator
09:11 - Trusting local congregations to adapt the scripts
Key frameworks
Living Stories - Peter’s collaborative sermon format built around wondering questions and shared interpretation.
Wondering questions - Open questions that move from empathy to reflection to personal and communal takeaway.
Trust - Trusting scripture, the congregation, and the Holy Spirit rather than controlling the outcome.
Relational authority - Authority grounded in relationship and facilitation rather than institutional status alone.
Radical hospitality - Treating children and adults alike as full participants in worship.
Show Notes
www.rootsforchurches.com
To buy Peter's book: UK: https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/the-church/preaching/collaborative-sermons-a-guide-to-authentic-interactive-worship-through-living-stories/
In Australia: https://www.dymocks.com.au/collaborative-sermons-by-peter-levenstrong-9781640659193
In North America: https://churchpublishing.org/products/9781640659193-collaborative-sermons
