The Future of Preaching

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The future of Preaching? It has a past, but does it even have a 'present'? In this book fourteen writers emphatically declare that it does. Engaging with the realities of Christian preaching across the spectra of theologies, worship styles, and church cultures of twenty-first century Britain, the essays face the challenge of preaching's 'present' and boldly and imaginatively propose principles and practices of preaching to meet that challenge. All the contributors write with fervent hope for the future of preaching. As one put it, if the Christian church in the West returns to the resurrection form of her Lord, (as she has time and again) it is not only possible but probable that preaching will not be far behind. Beginning with a recognition of the cultural and ecclesiastical contexts for preaching, the book moves to a consideration of the future of preaching by looking at such fundamentals of homiletics /the study of preaching/ as: the theology of preaching, using the Bible, pulpit language, the form of sermons and the preacher's spiritual life. This is followed by views of the practice of preaching today from widely varying angles: psychology, reaching all ages, news and current events, all-age preaching, and the training of preachers. The book concludes with a provocative Afterword from across the pond by American Anglican and teacher of preaching, David J Schlafer. Geoffrey Stevenson is an adjunct lecturer in preaching, communication and media studies at New College, University of Edinburgh. 'This is a masterly collection of essays addressing the future of preaching within a culture of declining biblical literacy, suspicion of the Christian faith and bewildering social change. The contributors are all experienced practitioners with a gift for subjecting received wisdom to rigorous examination. Between them they explore most of the key issues which vex today's preachers and do so with authority, critical scrutiny and passion. The treatment is encouragingly optimistic without being naïve and realistic without ever lapsing into despair. For those who doubt if preaching has a future this book will stimulate fresh thinking and rekindle enthusiasm.' David Day, former Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham 'It's been said that the future will be different if we make the present different, which is why this book should be in the hands of all contemporary preachers. They will have much to learn, and even more to put into practice, gained from the insights and wisdom of the various contributors, if preaching is to be future orientated, compelling and transformative both for those who preach and those who engage with the sermon. Highly recommended.' Russell Bowman-Eadie, Fellow and Tutor of the College of Preachers and Canon Emeritus of Wells Cathedral