Choosing to Preach : A Comprehensive Introduction to Sermon Options and Structures

by Kenton C. Anderson

• ISBN13: 9780310267508
• ISBN10: 0310267501
• Edition: CD
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-08-01
• Publisher: Zondervan

Summary

Traditional forms of ministry-including the sermon- are being scrutinized and challenged, leaving pastors confused over how best to communicate to today's listeners. This forward-looking textbook delivers a strong call to ministers to indeed choose to preach biblical sermons. But while preaching itself is non-negotiable, the exact form it takes can be much more flexible. Several models of sermon preparation are provided, using questions to guide the way. As you discern your message from the Bible, will you begin with the text (deductive) or with the listener (inductive)? Will you focus on the idea (cognitive) or the image (affective)? The choices you make lead to five possible sermon structures (declarative, pragmatic, narrative, visionary, and integrative), each of which is described in detail and related to well-known contemporary preachers, including John MacArthur, Rick Warren, Eugene Lowry, and Rob Bell. Includes discussion questions, practical exercises, and accompanying CD-ROM.

Table of Contents

List of Discussion Questions and Practical Exercises	9	(11)
Preface	11	(2)
Acknowledgments	13	(2)
Introduction: Preaching at a Crossroads	15	(6)
PART 1 options
First Option: Are You Going to Preach?	21	(12)
Second Option: Are You Going to Preach the Bible?	33	(14)
Third Option: How Will You Discern Your Message from the Bible?	47	(38)
Option 3A: Begin with the Text: Deductive Study	51	(18)
Option 3B: Begin with the Listener: Inductive Study	69	(16)
Fourth Option: How Will You Communicate the Message?	85	(178)
Option 4A: Focus on the Idea: Cognitive Style	89	(16)
Option 4B: Focus on the Image: Affective Style	105	(28)
PART 2 structures
Make an Argument: The Declarative Sermon
Example: John MacArthur Jr.	133	(28)
Solve a Mystery: The Pragmatic Sermon
Example: Rick Warren	161	(24)
Tell a Story: The Narrative Sermon
Example: Eugene Lowry	185	(26)
Paint a Picture: The Visionary Sermon
Example: Rob Bell	211	(24)
Sing a Song: The Integrative Sermon
Example: Kent Anderson	235	(28)
Conclusion: A Tap on the Shoulder	263	(4)
Appendix: Supporting Materials for Choosing to Preach	267	(2)
Notes	269	(6)
Index	275