Monthly Archives: March 2009

by | March 31, 2009

Disadvantage Us?

Here’s a quote worth pondering, wherever you sit theologically.  It is quoted in a book that is more mainstream and liturgical in orientation than the more evangelical books I tend to quote from.  It is a quote by P.T.Forsyth in … Continue reading →

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by | March 30, 2009

The Aim of Preaching Easter

What is your aim as you preach this Easter?  In his book, Sacred Rhetoric (p119-120), Michael Pasquarello makes the following comment about Martin Luther: Luther’s homiletic aim was to demonstrate, by means of the Gospel, that the resurrection is more … Continue reading →

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by | March 28, 2009

Surfacing Needs vs Felt Needs vs No Needs

Which approach do you take in your introduction?  If you are typical, you probably fall into the third category – no needs.  Most preaching tends to begin with some form of engaging content followed by the text, or even just … Continue reading →

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by | March 27, 2009

Preaching Means Picking Words – Part 4

Alright, I think this will be the last in the series.  Yesterday I made mention of sensory details and sufficient time for images to form on the screens of the hearts and imaginations of the listeners.  This is all true … Continue reading →

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by | March 26, 2009

Preaching Means Picking Words – Part 3

Precision is good, pride is not.  Pomposity is slightly different than lofty language.  But there’s still more to write on this issue.  When we preach, we pick words. Develop your descriptive vocabulary. The Bible text is usually quite lean and … Continue reading →

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by | March 25, 2009

Preaching Means Picking Words – Part 2

Yesterday we considered the challenge of picking the right words to convey the message when we preach.  We need to be precise rather than slack, but strive to communicate rather than to demonstrate our verbal or intellectual prowess.  Here’s another … Continue reading →

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by | March 24, 2009

Preaching Means Picking Words

It almost goes without saying, but let’s say it anyway: preaching involves choosing words.  Sometimes the words are chosen agonizingly poring over a manuscript.  Other times words are chosen at an essentially sub-conscious level during delivery.  Whether it takes an … Continue reading →

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by | March 23, 2009

Homo Homileticus

Still I withhold the name of the book I’m reading, but I’ll share another thought nonetheless.  In fact, I’ll quote (and if you want the source, you’ll have to ask, although I’m on vacation and won’t check comments until the … Continue reading →

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by | March 22, 2009

Mini-Review: Brothers We Are Not Professionals, by John Piper

Subtitle: A Plea To Pastors For Radical Ministry Just a mini-review.  I’ve cited various chapters in recent posts.  But lest I simply work my way through the book, I have not covered every one.  I would encourage you to prayerfully … Continue reading →

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by | March 21, 2009

Unhealthy Division: Style & Substance

Perhaps people like me add to the kind of division I am thinking about by the labels used in our teaching of preaching, but still, we’d do well to think about this.  Do we too easily divide elements of preaching? … Continue reading →

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