The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource for Today's Communicators

by Craig Brian Larson

A Comprehensive Resource for Today's Christian Communicators.This extensive encyclopedia is the most complete and practical work ever published on the art and craft of biblical preaching. Its 11 major sections contain nearly 200 articles, comprehensively covering topics on preaching and methodology,Sermon structure and "the big idea."The art of introductions, transitions, and conclusions.Methods for sermon prep, from outlining to exercising.Approaches to different types of topical, expository, evangelistic, and more.Best practices for sermon delivery, speaking with authority, and using humor.Leveraging effective illustrations and stories.Understanding audience.and much more.Entries are characterized by intensely practical and vivid writing designed to help preachers deepen their understanding and sharpen their communication skills. The contributors include a virtual Who's Who of preaching from a cross section of denominations and traditions, such as Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, Rick Warren, Warren Wiersbe, Alice Mathews, John Piper, Andy Stanley, and many others.Haddon Robinson and Craig Brian Larson--two of today's most respected voices in preaching--provide editorial oversight.Includes audio CD with preaching technique examples from the book.

Genres: Reference, Theology, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian, Church

736 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2005

About the author

Craig Brian Larson is chief editor for Christianity Today's PreachingToday.com, an online journal and illustration service. He also pastors a church in Chicago, Illinois. His books include Contemporary Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers, and Writers; Preaching That Connects; and The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching. He and his family live in the Chicago suburbs.

Reviews

[Ryan Rench · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of articles provides quick insights by dozens of authors. Each article is categorized and indexed by topic, providing a quick reference for topics such as hermeneutics, application, delivery, structure and more. You can pick and choose your favorite topics, so it's a hard one to rank. :)

While its flaws come from so many different theological positions in one book (although still a narrow field of fairly conservative evangelical preachers), the variety brings strength, too. Each author is distilling his strength and experience into one article, so we get specific “coaching” in that one area that they are excellent at.

[Brandon Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is composed of topical articles. Very accessible if you are looking for particular needs. Not all pastors or preachers are they type that I would look to for modeling, so take some and leave some.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talbot Course: Contemporary Biblical Preaching

This is the MOTHER of ALL Preaching books! It's a collection of essays from all the preaching greats out there. Must have!

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book suffers from its strength, a huge array of widely disparate contributors.

[William Chamberlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Must read for people in the preaching aspect of church life

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have actually read this book, although it is not necessarily intended to be a read-through resource, twice now. It contains excellent examples of all components of preaching. From audience to invitation, it contains not just theory, but examples of how to effectively preach God's word. It is also a handy resource for those who listen to sermons and want to listen more effectively. It contains an audio CD of some of the world's best English speaking preachers as well as instruction, encouragement, and correction when needed. Whether you use it as a coffee table book to peruse in your down time, or read it through, it can be a help.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some meat. Lots-o’ bones.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really good nuggets, but you have to sift through too much other stuff.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. I'm not actually finished reading it, but this is the kind of book you never finish reading. It is a resource that will continue to be valuable for years to come.

This is essentially a practical encyclopedia of everything you could want to know about preaching. Great advice and direction about nearly every aspect of preaching, from preparation to the pulpit to your personal life is covered by some of the greatest communicators of our day. The book is broken up into 11 sections, each one addressing an important facet of preaching. Within each section you'll find dozens of short chapters (or articles) that address some part of that area of preaching.

This book is an editorial collection from a very wide variety of pastors and authors from diverse theological backgrounds. So naturally, you will not agree with everything in this book, as some of the contributing authors would disagree about what constitutes "good preaching." But there is such a wealth of good practical advice in this book, regardless of your theological background, you will surely find it to be a tremendous resource in your growth as a preacher of the Word.

For example there are a couple of contributions from pastor Rob Bell. I personally differ from Rob Bell on a theological basis, but I must admit that he is a fantastic communicator. So while I don't always agree completely with his message, he delivers his messages very effectively and he has some very valuable instruction in this book. His advice in that respect has been very helpful to me, and I plan on making good use of it.

Other names you will recognize in this book are Chuck Swindoll, Bill Hybels, Jack Hayford, Warren Wiersbe, John Piper, John Koessler, Rick Warren and many others. I'm big fans of some, and less so of others, but they all have some very valuable things to say about how to preach effectively. I highly recommend this book to any pastor, seminary student or christian speaker who wants to grow in their ability to impact lives with the truth of scripture.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost all of these articles are short enough to be read quickly. I read them as a devotion this year and many were very good and very helpful. I probably will come back to this book from time to time. I would highly encourage others to read this book.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic resource with articles from leading communicators in the church.
Anyone who finds themselves preaching would benefit greatly from this book.
John Beaukema's chapter on using humor is particularly commendable.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal. So many Biblical and homiletical "one-liners" that make me want so strongly to be a better preacher.

[Andy]

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[James Denny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tools and resources for preachers and pastors. Stays on the shelf to access.