Graceful Speech: An Invitation to Preaching

by Hogan, Lucy Lind

• ISBN13: 9780664228774
• ISBN10: 0664228771
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-08-30
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Pr

Summary

In this introductory text, Lucy Lind Hogan helps the reader understand the theological task of becoming a preacher, the craft of writing the sermon, and the importance of communicating the gospel in the present world. In doing so, she creates a book that is more holistic than any other homiletics text currently on the market.Hogan begins with a theological rationale for preaching, which serves as a basis for understanding the identity of the preacher. She then explores the context for preaching, showing how to interpret a scriptural text, design a sermon, and use illustrations and examples. She also discusses preaching for special occasions, the use of different technologies in preaching, and the importance of delivery. This book includes questions for reflection.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	xi
Part One: Becoming a Preacher
Chapter One Graceful Speech: Christian Communication	3	(12)
Chapter Two A Great Cloud of Witnesses	15	(16)
Chapter Three You the Preacher: Growing into the Preaching Life	31	(20)
Chapter Four The Virtuous Preacher: Even in "Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad" Weeks	51	(18)
Part Two: Crafting the Sermon
Chapter Five Fish of Every Kind: Getting to Know Our Listeners	69	(18)
Chapter Six Where to Begin: Empty Pitchers and Living Water	87	(20)
Chapter Seven Detectives of the Divine	107	(14)
Chapter Eight The Sermon Journey	121	(16)
Part Three: Communicating the Gospel
Chapter Nine Putting It Together	137	(20)
Chapter Ten Seasons and Festivals: Preaching Special Occasions	157	(16)
Chapter Eleven Open My Lips	173	(18)
Chapter Twelve Communicating the Gospel: Looking Forward	191	(14)
Epilogue Workers in the Field	205	(2)
Works Cited	207