Reflections on My Call to Preach: Connecting the Dots

by Fred Craddock

Written by the distinguished preacher and storyteller Fred Craddock, Reflections on My Call to Preach gives insight into his life as a young boy and what led him to his calling as a preacher.




"I was perhaps sixteen, near seventeen, when first I felt stirrings toward the pulpit. One Sunday afternoon I privately shared the movement of my mind and heart in that direction [with my father]. He listened and then cautioned me that the decision was a big one and that I should not be too much influenced by heartwarming youth rallies or worship services. I told him I would take my time; I wanted to be sure. He said simply, 'Good, son,' and we left it at that."
-Excerpt from chapter two

Genres: Biography

117 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2009

About the author

Fred Craddock (PhD, Vanderbilt University) is a widely acclaimed preacher and author, selected by Newsweek as one of the twelve most effective preachers in the English-speaking world. He has written numerous books on preaching, several commentaries, and The Cherry Log Sermons. He lives in Cherry Log, Georgia.

Reviews

[Ethan Linder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was truly sad when I finished reading this one, because I didn’t want it to be over. Craddock is one of my favorite preachers of all time; his sermons have formed me in ways I’ll be unpacking for decades. But it’s beautiful to see the life behind the sermons… the ways he was calibrated to see the world. Truly beautiful, but probably mainly for those familiar with Craddock’s work.

[Blake Chenoweth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"As for me, I believe God called me to preach; or, to put it another way, I decided to be a preacher. Or, as Paul might put it, I seek to lay hold of him, who has already laid hold of me." -Fred Craddock

The soft voice and small stature of Fred Craddock always blesses me to hear. When I read books by him, I hear his high-pitched tenor preaching voice in my ear. This book is his journey from birth to college trying to find the moment he was called to preach, only to discover there wasn't just one moment but several small moments to be connected.

I loved this book, and would encourage you if you want a quick read about a great preacher to check it out.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this quick and easy read a lot. Craddock reflects on his life from birth to college in this insightful and thoughtful reflection on what shaped and formed him as he grew. There is very little here (directly) about the preaching life. There is just a lot about his growing up and his understanding of faith and community and the challenges and ambiguities faced along the way.

[Jolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This relatively quick read gives a sense of what compelled this brilliant and accomplished preacher to dedicate his life to preaching. It is honest, witty, insightful, and willing to ask unanswered questions. To read this work is to encounter Craddock's voice, un-embellished. A treasure.