This Lent, The Work of Imagination, invites churches, families, and faith communities to practice prophetic action as resistance to dominant empire. Complementing the Advent theme, The Will to Dream, this resource also centers around the wisdom of the late Walter Brueggemann and his work on prophetic imagination.
What is Prophetic Imagination?
Brueggemann describes prophetic imagination as “the capacity to envision and articulate an alternative reality to the dominant social order—especially one shaped by injustice, oppression, and empire.”
This holy work begins with critique—naming the injustice and numbness of the ruling powers—and moves toward energizing a new consciousness grounded in God’s justice, compassion, and covenantal love.
Advocacy for All: A Free Bulletin Insert
The Work of Imagination resources offer everything a church may need, from liturgy to sermon prep to curriculum and more! Still, we wanted to provide another resource for leaders to encourage participants to show up in small yet mighty ways in their communities by practicing prophetic imagination through advocacy.
That’s why we created Advocacy for All: a free bulletin insert for the six weeks of Lent and Easter.
Each week centers on a social justice theme connected to the season’s focus. Following Brueggemann’s rhythm of critique, lament, and energizing action, these inserts guide your congregation through reflection and real-world engagement.
These small steps of advocacy are accessible for everyone—whether your community includes seasoned advocates or those just beginning to explore justice as a spiritual discipline.
If you have purchased The Work of Imagination Practices for Families, you’ll notice some overlap in these advocacy practices, helping all generations dream and act together toward a more loving world.
Why Advocacy Belongs in Lenten Worship
We acknowledge that some of you may have congregants who approach advocacy with hesitation or fear. That’s understandable! The powers of empire thrive on keeping people divided and afraid. But as Pastor Zach Lambert of Restore Austin reminds us, “This is not about partisan politics…this isn’t about right versus left. This is about right versus wrong.”
Advocacy in worship invites us to live into God’s story of courage and compassion, reminding us that faith is participatory, not passive.
Using Advocacy for All With Your Congregation
Review the weekly advocacy actions ahead of time to determine whether individuals will participate independently or collectively as a church.
For example, Lent Week Four encourages the community to be informed about the local criminal justice system. This could be done individually or by inviting someone from the local justice system to speak at your church.
To access Advocacy for All, enter your email below to receive the downloadable inserts.
Print and cut the pages in half, then distribute them however works best for your setting—inside bulletins, in a narthex stack, or handed out before worship.
We can’t wait to see the ways your community is inspired to participate in advocacy this Lent and Easter season.
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