Author: Administrador

Robert Short opined, The situation today is: Lots of knowledge, but little understanding. Lots of means, but little meaning. Lots of know-how, but little know-why. Lots of sight, but little insight. A certain bumper sticker conveyed a similar sentiment with these words, “You are only young once, but you can be immature your whole life.”1 … Continue reading “Preaching Wisdom”

We are living in cyclonic times for preachers. Students of the history of preaching realize that such seasons for the craft have occurred sporadically across the centuries but we seem to be experiencing some especially poignant pressures and stresses right now. Many preachers feel themselves to be caught in a vicious and violent vortex of … Continue reading “The Preacher Under Pressure: Crunch-time For The Christian Communicator”

As things change, they stay the same. When one reflects back twenty years have things changed that much? Consider some of the names of preachers that were prominent in 1985: Billy Graham, Robert Schuller, Charles Stanley. While their names are still prominent in 2005, their sons have assumed the mantel of leadership (Franklin Graham, Robert … Continue reading “Constant Change: Where Preaching Has Been In The Last 20 Years and Where It Is Going”

Preachers prepare sermons in the hope that congregations will listen attentively. However, a few years ago it occurred to me that ministers seldom ask listeners, “What qualities in a sermon engage you and disengage you?” Preachers turn to a variety of helps to develop faithful sermons that communicate with congregations – e.g. biblical and systematic … Continue reading “How Do People Listen To Sermons?”

My parents grew up in a tradition that viewed preaching notes as a sign that the preacher was not under God’s anointing.  I joked with them about that when I preached from notes in my first pastorate, which was also my home church.  That was over twenty years ago.  Since then, I have tried many … Continue reading “To Note Or Not To Note?”

Each Sunday, the average pastor preaches to several different culture groups.  These groups speak different languages, have different values, dress differently, think differently and often have difficulty communicating with each other. These cultural groups are more commonly known as generations.  Louis B. Hanks has noted: “The five generations born during the 20th century will align … Continue reading “Transgenerational Preaching”

The process of assembling this 20th anniversary issue of Preaching has been an enjoyable yet challenging process. It’s been fun to dig back through many of the 120 past issues we’ve produced since 1985 – to read the old interviews, sermons, and articles. I’ve even read through some of my old Back Page Pulpit columns, … Continue reading “Things I’ve learned In The Past Twenty Years”

For 20 Years, Preaching Magazine Has Interviewed the Nation’s Premier Preachers The very first Preaching magazine interview appeared in the September-October 1986 issue, our second year of publication. It was an interview with David Allen Hubbard, then President of Fuller Theological Seminary. Then came interviews with Fred Craddock, John R.W. Stott, John MacArthur . . … Continue reading “Talking Preaching: The Nation’s Premier Preachers”

One of my favorite musicals is My Fair Lady. About halfway through the film, the title character, played by Audrey Hepburn, makes a head-turning appearance at a grand ball. All eyes in the room are on this former ugly duckling as she floats down the main staircase in a white gown with the largest diamond … Continue reading “Extreme Makeover-from the Inside”

H.B. London Jr. is vice president of Ministry Outreach/Pastoral Ministries for Focus on the Family. A pastor for 31 years, he now communicates with thousands of pastors and church leaders each week through “The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing” (via email) and produces a bimonthly Pastor to Pastor cassette. In his work at Focus, London serves as … Continue reading “When Pastors Need A Pastor: An Interview With H.B. London”