It is common enough to equate preaching that challenges people to be thought ‘prophetic’ (and preaching that encourages people to be thought ‘pastoral’). But prophetic proclamation is not a heralding of people’s need to improve their behaviour (nor is pastoral exhortation assuring people that they’re doing okay). Prophetic preaching is an invitation to turn and …
A sound understanding of what the Gospel is forms a reliable foundation for understanding the form and nature of preaching. With true Gospel the focus is on God, the implications of which are the basis of human response. Gospel is not a set of ideas, a precious something tucked into our hearts, a decision we …
When the word of God is heard in preaching it always demands a response of movement. Continuing movement toward God, or a course correction to respond to God’s call. Jesus ensured that listening to him would bring comfort to the faithful, but it is not about the faithful being comfortable. From Will Willimon: Preaching is …
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 …
