Preaching on Your Feet: Connecting God and The Audience in the Preachable Moment

by Fred Lybrand

“Preaching on your feet” is the phrase public speaker and pastor Fred Lybrand uses to describe his unique method of pulpit communication. In layman’s terms, it involves being “in the moment,” not solely relying on pre-written notes (though they can still be helpful), and staying open to what God might have in store during any given preaching appointment. It all adds up to a heart-to-heart style of delivery that makes preaching a joy for both the orator and listener time and again. Aspiring and veteran pastors alike will find much to consider and implement in this refreshing new volume on homiletics.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2008

Reviews

[Kenneth Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads as an extended dare.
The author provides example upon example and preacher upon preacher in the support of his claim that not only is extemporaneous preaching a higher and more effective form of preaching, but that it is truly the only form of preaching in the Bible, and is the form that provides the greatest opportunity for a "heart to heart" exchange between the Spirit, the preacher, and the listener. I have studied the practice of preaching without notes, but this is something far different; to preach without notes often simply means to preach with one's points, outline, etc. memorized. It is argued that a memorized sermon removes the distractions of note-reading, allowing for more face-to-face interchange and freedom in the sermon delivery. Dr. Lybrand argues that such an (incorrect) understanding of preaching extemporaneously is still a form of serving the congregation the ideas and concepts that were very meaningful to the preacher sometime during the week, when he/she prepared the sermon. Thus, to preach Wednesday or Friday morning's notes and thoughts is a form of serving academic leftovers to the listener. He argues that the abandonment of notes, along with a clear sermonic goal/Big Idea, derived from an engaged, often rigorous week of study--will open the door for greater effectiveness in the sermon, and a greater impact in the lives of the listeners. The examples cited are impressive: All preachers in Scripture as mentioned), Augustine, Chrysostom, Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Wesley, Whitfield, Finney, Thielicke, G. Campbell Morgan, and, yes, Charles Spurgeon, who wrote, "You must continually practice extemporizing, and if you should frequently speak the word in cottages, in the school-rooms of our hamlets, or to two to three by the wayside, your profiting shall be known unto all men." (Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students).
Lyland commends his subject with such missionary zeal and enthusiasm, and an unwavering conviction that preaching must be conducted extemporaneously, "on the feet," the reader may very well find himself taking up the dare!
Highly recommended for all who speak/preach, and are sick and tired of managing paperwork in front of their congregations on Sunday morning, when they could be looking them straight in the eye.

[J.E. Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the methods described in this book were essentially the methods I’ve come to use week-by-week, with just a little bit of modification. This made the book less groundbreaking than confirming and refining for me, though it might be groundbreaking (and quite freeing) for many— especially if you are the type of preacher who feels compelled to complete a full manuscript and try to preach from it. At times, he takes a bit too firm a stance of defense for his methodology, which I suppose is understandable, though it distracts from the important stuff (I’m already reading your book, Fred, so you don’t have to try to sell it to me again).

[Jesse Blevins · Rating 4 out of 5]

On your feet preaching

I come from a family of preachers and have observed most methods used to proclaim the word of God and have found them all enjoyable. Even if you don't agree with the authors main premise there is still much gold to be mined out of the pages of this book. No matter what method you may prefer to use in your preaching there is material here that if applied will help you improve in your preaching ministry.

[Nick Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars because it goaded me a whole lot, as I'm a lowly, terrified manuscript preacher. Of course he does basically say that no notes (and no real internalized outline even) is the only Biblical way to preach, which is first irrelevant and second nonsense. Like I say, 3 stars for goading me, not for writing excellence.

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

The strength is: he starts arguing from a biblical perspective on preaching w/o notes.
I came firstly to the book cynical, but every chapter was convincingly supported by the next.
A great & challenging read

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preaching

A wonderful thought provoking challenge to learn to preach extemporaneously. The author advocates a type of marinating in scripture that allows for a heart felt presentation.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far a great reference guide for facilitator training class I am teaching next month. Great book for those who do public speaking.