The prolific Will Willimon has produced a monograph based on a series of lectures about preaching. In this excerpt he points out the freedom of a preacher who serves the word, and how that service meets the true needs of the congregation far better than the congregations’ own perceptions of what they need from a …
Preaching can be marginalised as a monologue. In pastoral ministry the sermon is part of an ongoing dialogue – the pastor hears the congregation throughout the week (and over time) and hears God’s Word; speaking in response as an ongoing dialogue. The challenge of the authority which attaches itself to pastoral office is not to …
The preaching and hearing of the word of God is spiritual warfare. I’ve mentioned in the past that some people expect preaching to make them feel bad. But feeling bad is not the same thing as experiencing change. The preaching and hearing of God’s word is a call to arms. It calls you to change, …
Faithful preaching will do more than have people glad they were there to hear the sermon; additionally the people will be looking and going outward to serve the Gospel imperative. From Will Willimon: The great enemy of mission, in countless congregations, is the temptation to reduce the church to a conclave of friendly folks who …
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