Author: Administrador

One of the most painful yet intensely gratifying tasks of the minister is to be involved in the planning and delivery of the funeral sermon. It is painful because of the deep amount of work involved in guiding the grieving family through this complicated time in their life, not to mention that the pastor has … Continue reading “Reconsidering the Funeral Sermon”

Even though 1992 is a tough year for many businesses across the nation, there’s one thing that continues to receive increased funding each year: training and continuing education programs. This year alone, corporate America will spend more than $200 million on training.Whether it’s bringing new employees “up to speed” on company practices, or helping mid-career … Continue reading “Continuing Education is Essential Tool for Effective Preaching”

The scene is a small farm in south Alabama sometime in the late 1940’s. The farm house is situated on a knoll about 100 yards from the gravel road that runs through the country community. Behind the house and under the hill lies a large field. The farmer, Red Rucker, doggedly works the field with … Continue reading “How Do You Keep Preaching When Nobody’s Listening?”

Suburban Minneapolis is not known as a hot-bed of radicalism — religious or otherwise. But Leith Anderson, whose very name evokes a memory of the area’s northern European heritage, says that the church is literally Dying For Change. That is, in fact, the title of his recent book (Bethany House, 1990) and a prominent theme … Continue reading “Dying for Change: An Interview with Leith Anderson”

One of the most prolific writers among evangelicals, Warren Wiersbe’s books are eagerly awaited by preachers as well as laypersons who admire his insightful interpretation and useful application of scripture.Born in the Chicago area and raised in the industrial area of northern Indiana, Wiersbe made his commitment to Christ at a Youth for Christ rally … Continue reading “A Preaching Interview with Warren Wiersbe”

Many years ago a young seminarian in his first pastorate became disturbed about the complacency of his congregation and decided to do something about it. He prepared a very assertive sermon and stood up to deliver it. But he felt intimidated by the presence of certain ones in his audience — Mr. So-and-So, the financier, … Continue reading “An Uncertain Sound? A Call to Preaching with Authority”

Given the fact that there is much interest in story preaching, two questions must be addressed to aid the preacher in exploring the possibilities of narrative preaching. First, what is the definition of a “narrative sermon,” and second, what are the strengths and weaknesses of this type of preaching?Pure NarrativeA pure narrative sermon is just … Continue reading “Narrative Preaching: Possibilities and Perils”

Born April 21, 1897, in a tiny farming community in the hills of western Pennsylvania, Aiden Wilson Tozer influenced the evangelical community as few have. His ministry included roles as pastor, author, editor, Bible conference speaker, denominational leader and, to many, a reliable spiritual mentor. For thirty-one years he achieved prominence as pastor of Southside … Continue reading “The Preaching Ministry of A. W. Tozer”

More than 300 participants enjoyed a time of inspiration and new insights during the fourth annual National Conference on Preaching, February 18-20 at the First United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. The National Conference for Ministry Wives took place simultaneously with the preaching conference.Participants came from eighteen denominations, thirty-four states, and three foreign countries (Great … Continue reading “Highlights of the 1992 National Conference on Preaching”

Recent homiletics textbooks tend to view the teaching sermon as a specialized type of preaching, sometimes equating the teaching sermon with the doctrinal sermon. In this view, the purpose of the doctrinal sermon is to inform the congregation concerning some aspect of Christian doctrine. For instance, a teaching sermon on the Christian understanding of prayer … Continue reading “The Sermon as Teaching Event Today”