This volume contains two best-selling books on preaching by internationally respected pastor John Stott - "The Preacher's Portrait" and "Between Two Worlds".
John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
This book contains two books in one. In the first book, The Preacher's Portrait, the author gives a breakdown of the role of the preacher in the church (Steward, herald, witness, father, and servant). The second book, Between Two Worlds, the author goes through the various considerations often encountered with preaching: history, objections, theological foundations, philosophy of communication, studying, preparing, and attitudes (sincerity, earnestness, courage, and humility).
I appreciated the second book more than the first. I have struggled a bit with understanding the place of preaching as compared to teaching, and Stott does a good job of addressing this issue. The chapters on philosophy of communication (Preaching as Bridge-building) and studying (A Call to Study) were particularly good and insightful. Stott does a great job of incorporating quotes and practical examples. Now I need to go back through and take some notes.