Michael Dudit, executive editor of Preaching Magazine, writes in the foreword that "the reader will find in this book a valuable discussion of what persuasion really is, what the Bible has to say about it, how it is modeled in the New Testament, and what role persuasion should and should not play in our own preaching in the twenty-first century. The author has provided solid biblical content and practical guidance that will be a powerful resource for preachers and church leaders. He writes with clarity and--dare I say it?--persuasive power. I hope you will be as blessed by this book as I have been."
How can we preach persuasively without huckstering, manipulating, or coercing people? Sadly, we are seeing the fall of many pastors not for reasons of sexual immorality, but the pursuit of pride and power. The skillful use of marketing methods creates celebrity pastors who become significant influencers in the evangelical church. The lure of success is seductive, turning pastors into hucksters and Christians into consumers. We need to heed the warnings of the New Testament about the pride of rhetoric and the pursuit of power. David Christensen carefully analyzes the biblical warnings of Paul about the temptations of rhetorical sophistry in the first-century church and applies them to pastoral ministry today. God calls preachers to be ethical and effective persuaders. David develops an ethical grid for pastoral persuasion using principles drawn from the Bible and social science along with practical illustrations from his years of ministry. He calls preachers to be ethical and effective persuaders by emphasizing the centrality of the word of God while depending on the power of the Spirit of God.
Pastor, preacher, and New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet Timothy Keller shares his wisdom on communicating the Christian faith from the pulpit as well as from the coffee shop. Most Christians—including pastors—struggle to talk about their faith in a way that applies the power of the Christian gospel to change people’s lives. Timothy Keller is known for his insightful, down-to-earth sermons and talks that help people understand themselves, encounter Jesus, and apply the Bible to their lives. In this accessible guide for pastors and laypeople alike, Keller helps readers learn to present the Christian message of grace in a more engaging, passionate, and compassionate way.
Extremely rare is the preacher whose preaching could not be improved substantially by readdressing his sermon conclusions! Moreover, a sermon conclusion marks the typical preacher’s greatest need for improvement in his preaching. This most significant element of a sermon has been championed for its importance in a sermon and yet the conclusion is trivialized in, if not omitted from, the preaching of sermons. Whether textual, topical, or expository in preaching methodology, the typical preacher has a greater understanding and better implementation of everything else related to preaching in contrast to what is understood and done in concluding sermons. Much is not done, and much more is not understood to conclude sermons with clarity, strength, and persuasiveness. How Effective Sermons End provides a comprehensive approach and thorough examination of the sorely needed and long overlooked instruction regarding that most vital of all elements of a sermon—the sermon conclusion. This book fills the existing void in homiletical pedagogy about concluding sermons, a void that prevents preachers from reaching their full potential of effectiveness in the ministry of preaching the Word of God. The pathway of better preaching is knowledge and skill to effectively conclude sermons and this book floods that pathway with light.
Craig A. Loscalzo shows how to develop evangelistic sermons that will appeal to today's audiences. He includes a rationale for evangelistic preaching, sample sermons and lots of practical advice.
Duane Litfin, former president of Wheaton College, explores how Paul's theology of preaching can inform the church's preaching today. Through a detailed study of 1 Corinthians 1-4, Litfin shows how Paul's method of proclamation differed from Greco-Roman rhetoric and how Pauline preaching can be a model for the contemporary preaching task.
Homiletics: The Art and Science of Preaching is an illuminating exploration into the multifaceted world of sermon delivery. Rooted in both ancient traditions and modern scholarship, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the principles, practices, and techniques that underpin effective preaching. From the outset, the book establishes preaching as both an art and a science, blending the creative expression of theological truths with the disciplined study of communication theory and rhetorical strategies. Through this dual lens, readers gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic interplay between content and delivery in crafting impactful sermons. Beginning with the foundational elements of sermon construction, the book guides readers through the process of biblical interpretation, encouraging a holistic approach that integrates historical context, literary genre, and theological reflection. With practical exercises and examples, readers learn how to distill complex theological concepts into clear and compelling messages that resonate with congregations of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Central to the book’s approach is the recognition that effective preaching transcends mere dissemination of information; it is a transformative encounter that invites listeners into deeper engagement with scripture and the Christian faith. As such, the book emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and spiritual discernment in the preaching process, urging preachers to cultivate a deep connection with God and their congregations.
In "Preaching in HD: High Definition, Dr. Michael O. Oyedokun II invites preachers on an enlightening journey to unlock the true potential of their preaching, Drawing from his extensive experience and advanced studies in Expository Preaching, Dr. Oyedokun presents a comprehensive guide that will revolutionize the way you approach the pulpit. As proclaimers of the Gospel, our mission is to expose the Word of God with utmost clarity, relevance, and truth. In this thought-provoking book, Dr. Oyedokun reveals the key to achieving this goal: embracing the power of high-definition preaching. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the components of Hermeneutics and Homiletics, Dr. Oyedokun equips preachers with practical tools for effective sermon preparation and delivery. Through his insightful teachings, you will learn how to infuse your sermons with depth, precision, and biblical truth, capturing the hearts and minds of your audience. Challenging the notion that previous generations of preachers lacked the capacity to convey detailed and relevant messages. Dr. Oyedokun highlights the timeless anointing that has been bestowed upon proclaimers throughout history Are you ready to unleash the power of high-definition preaching? Step into the pulpit with confidence, embrace the Word of God as your high-definition source, and become the monitor through which His message resounds"
According to the Reformers, preaching is the word of God. As the word of God, preaching is a foundation for the church. It is also vital for the personal growth of a Christian. But Christians are poorly equipped to understand how preaching is the word of God. Some Christians look for preaching that closely reproduces the text in the Bible. Other Christians look for preaching that creates maximal emotional and existential impact. And there is a lot of name-calling with Christians accusing preachers of "not preaching the word." But what type of preaching is the word of God? The purpose of this book is to equip Christians to understand how preaching can be God speaking. It accomplishes this with a survey of the problem in the history of the church, a detailed overview of key biblical texts, and finally the application of the contemporary philosophical tool of speech act theory.
