Thematic Preaching: An Introduction

by Kenneth W. Sawyer, Jane Ranney Rzepka

Overview

This basic text focuses on "preaching as ministry", that is, preaching from themes and topics that minister to the congregation, in contrast to the more traditional sermons that spring from a biblical text. The book begins with a section on practical aspects of sermon preparation and delivery, then offers specific ways sermons become ministry. Four illustrative sermons are included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780827236530
Publisher:	Chalice Press
Publication date:	12/15/2005
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.54(d)

About the Author

Jane Rzepka is senior minister of the Church of the Larger Fellowship in Boston, Massachusetts.
Ken Sawyer is senior minister of the First Parish in Wayland, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	vii
	Introduction: "Preaching on Blue Ducks"	1
Section 1	The Art and Craft of Preaching	7
1	What Matters in a Sermon?	9
2	Preaching to Real People	15
3	Whence Ideas? Topics and Materials "At Everybody's Hand"	22
4	Finally Choosing This Week's Theme	29
5	Trusting Instant Inspiration, Words on Paper, or What?	34
6	Getting Started: Those First Words on Paper	40
7	Preparing a Sermon	46
8	Feelings That Get in the Way	52
9	Shaping a Sermon	58
10	More than a Message: The Use of Story, Examples, and Evocative Illustrations	68
11	"The Hour Draws Nigh": Immediately before You Preach	76
12	Sermon Delivery	83
13	Preaching When Children Are Present	93
Section 2	Preaching as Ministry	103
14	Sermons That Help the Healing "Forgiveness: The Hardest Act of Love"	105
15	Sermons That Tend the Institution "Those Singular Rooms"	114
16	Sermons That Engage with the Larger World "Birthing a New World"	124
17	Sermons That Build the Loving Community "Counting Our Blessings"	136
18	Sermons That Inspire "N.D.Y."	146
19	Sermons That Explain a Particular Religious Identity "Something Far More Deeply Interfused"	158
20	Sermons That Provide Intellectual Stimulation "Two Kinds of People"	172
21	Sermons That Startle, Awaken, or Amuse "Have a Jolly Holiday, or The Minister's Festive Hat"	183
Section 3	Issues in Preaching	193
22	Worthy Nonetheless: Ministerial Authority and Presence	195
23	"Can I Tell the Story about the Time I...?": The Question of Self-Revelation	202
24	"Am I a Performer or Am I Me?": The Question of Authenticity	208
	Conclusion	213
	Notes	214
	Bibliography	225
	Index	228