The Rev. Dr. Linda L. Clader

Professor of Homiletics
lclader@cdsp.edu
510-204-0730

A.B., Carleton College
A.M., Ph.D., Harvard University
M.Div., Church Divinity School of the Pacific

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and studied classical languages at New Trier High School, Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and Harvard University. My doctorate from Harvard is in Classical Philology, and I taught classical languages for 18 years at Carleton. I received my Master of Divinity from CDSP in 1988, and was ordained a priest in 1989. I have been teaching at CDSP since 1991. I spent a few years as Dean of the Chapel, and more recently served as Dean of Academic Affairs for 10 years.

Mission Statement:
I have always been fascinated by the ways language works, both in literary and oral contexts. My doctoral dissertation on Homeric language actually led me to think about the ways we speak in “live” situations, including how we teach and, eventually, how we preach. My own reading and research often focus on how we use story in communicating our faith, and how we can open our imaginations to the guidance of the Spirit in preaching.

Courses Taught

Basic Courses

  • Introduction to Homiletics
  • Greek

Typical Elective Courses

  • Narrative and Imagination in Preaching
  • Prophetic Preaching
  • History of Preaching (for doctoral students and advanced MDiv and MA students)
  • Preaching the Questions (on ethical decision-making in the Christian community)
  • Preaching Parables
In Class

Divinity Students and Certificate Students might especially want to know this about me:
My courses in homiletics are open to any student who thinks he or she may be in a position to preach. I try to include some students from other schools in my classes to enrich the input from traditions beyond just the Episcopal Church.

Master of Arts Students may be interested in Homiletics:
I am pleased to work with students who wish to work on an M.A. in Homiletics, or who want to combine liturgical studies with homiletics.

Doctor of Ministry Students may be interested:
I have worked with DMin students on projects that include preaching as a component of congregational development.

Doctor of Philosophy Students in various GTU doctoral programs:
My areas of interest include history of preaching, narrative preaching, and application of a variety of communication theories to preaching. I have advised doctoral students in Homiletics, and have also worked with students in the areas of Art and Religion, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Liturgics. I would love to work with a doctoral student who is interested in reading St. Augustine’s sermons in Latin, or St. John Chrysostom’s in Greek.

Publications
  • Voicing the Vision: Imagination and Prophetic Preaching.  (Morehouse, 2003)
  • Helen: The Evolution from Divine to Heroic in Greek Epic Tradition (E.J. Brill, 1976).
  • “The Formation of a Liturgical Preacher” in M. Monshau, ed., Preaching at the Double Feast: Homiletics for Liturgical Worship.  Collegeville, Liturgical Press, 2006.
  • “Ascension of the Lord,” “Sixth Sunday of Easter,” “Seventh Sunday of Easter,” for Feasting on the Word, WJKP, Year A, 2010.
  • “Christmas Day,” “Christmas Eve,” and “Fourth Sunday in Advent,” for Feasting on the Word, WJKP, Year B, 2008.
Speaker's Bureau Topic
  • I offer workshops for lay preachers and preaching teams, especially in small parishes.
Some Less Obvious Things About Me
  • I have been known to play hymns on the piano for the Protestant Chapel at Napa State Hospital, and have several friends who are in various forms of ministry to prisoners, the criminally insane, and other marginalized populations.
  • I love to sing. But that is probably not “less obvious.”
  • I feel most like myselfwhen I am in Yosemite or Yellowstone.
  • I love to cook, take walks, and watch birds and other wildlife.
Favorites/Book Obsessions/Currently Reading

Book Obsessions

  • I never get tired of re-reading Homer. If you haven’t read the Odyssey since high school, please try it again—it’s not the book you remember.
  • Phil Rickman’s novels about Merrily Watkins, the diocesan exorcist in the county of Hereford, on the England/Wales border. 
  • Garry Wills, Lincoln at Gettysburg. Has a lot to do with how we preach now.
  • George Lakoff’s work on metaphor.

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