The Roundtable Pulpit: Where Leadership & Preaching Meet

by John S. McClure

Collaboration is one of the best ways to make a difference when leading a congregation. Now John S. McClure shows how collaborative preaching is the best way to inspire and guide a congregation.

Most preachers use a sovereign leader-centered style or an inductive (consultative) style of preaching. John McClure shows why these styles are sometimes manipulative and ineffective: they do not take seriously the spiritual wisdom and tested experience that are present in God's people - the laity. In collaborative preaching, a revolving, expanding roundtable is established, where a pastor and as many as ten church members meet to discuss the concerns and ministries of the congregation. The pastor speaks prophetically each Sunday on behalf of this roundtable and honors the Holy Spirit who is at work among the whole people.

127 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Seth Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent idea for promoting a level of interaction in the sermon writing process, as well as delivery. Essentially, McClure applies ethnography to homiletics, though mostly with a rotating focus group within the congregation. Readers would do well to supplement this reading with ethnographic works to gain a deeper philosophical framework before pursuing this model--mostly because writing ethnography is a tricky art to master.

I did feel his sample sermon used the word "roundtable" a lot which might confuse visitors, or make those outside of the roundtable feel left out. Plus that could easily become repetitive from week to week. I also think a weekly meeting may be unrealistic, unless done online. Perhaps a roundtable for the sermonic year, done over a couple days might work better.

Good stuff.

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent discussion about how to bridge preaching and pastoral leadership! My only critique is that I had hoped for a bit more sample material. While the book does provide a case study in the final chapter, it would have been helpful to provide samples of the theory throughout the theoretical chapters. Otherwise, an extremely helpful book!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially, I was skeptical of Dr. McClure's idea of a roundtable pulpit using congregational collaboration in the homiletical process. Though I have read the research showing that missional churches are reflecting the post-modern shift by moving to polycentric leadership models, the idea of a pre-sermon brainstorming session with congregation members seemed like it would be complicated and tedious. However, as Dr. McClure unpacks the ideology behind the roundtable pulpit, explains its strengths (and weaknesses), lays out the parameters of the exercise, and demonstrates the process in this book, I am intrigued and inspired to explore the idea further. This is an accessible, practical book with thought-provoking concepts.