Table of Contents
Foreword to the 25th Anniversary Edition Thomas G. Long 6
Preface 10
Part I Preaching: An Overview
1 Introduction 13
Purpose and Format 13
Basic Assumptions About Learning to Preach 16
Fundamental Convictions About Preaching 22
2 The Sermon in Context 31
The Historical Context 33
The Pastoral Context 37
The Liturgical Context 41
The Theological Context 47
3 A Theology of Preaching 51
Proceeding from Silence 52
Heard in a Whisper 55
Shouted from the Housetop 60
Part II Preaching: Having Something to Say
4 The Life of Study 69
The Importance of the Life of Study 69
Hindrances to the Life of Study 71
Suggestions for a Life of Study 75
5 Interpretation: The Listeners 84
The Listeners as Audience 86
The Listeners as Congregation 90
6 Interpretation: The Text 99
Selection of the Text 101
First Reading of the Text 105
Establishing the Text 107
Detemining the Parameters of the Text 110
Setting the Text in Its Several Contexts 112
Being Aware of One's Point of Contact with the Text 117
Putting the Text in One's Own Words 121
7 Interpretation: Between Text and Listener 125
The Task of the Preacher as Interpreter of Scripture 127
Methods Available to the Preacher as Interpreter 136
Part III Preaching: Shaping the Message into a Sermon
8 Qualities to Be Sought in the Sermon 153
Unity 155
Memory 157
Recognition 159
Identification 162
Anticipation 165
Intimacy 168
9 The Formation of the Sermon 170
The Many Functions of Form 170
The Selection of a Form 176
Creating a Form 182
Putting the Form on Paper 189
10 Enriching the Form 194
The Language of Preaching 196
Description 200
Illustration 203
11 Delivering the Sermon 210
Pre-delivery Considerations 211
The Delivery Itself 214
Suggested Resources for the Preacher 223
