How to Preach - Print

How to Preach:
Times, Seasons, Texts and Contexts

By Samuel Wells

An insightful guide that explores preaching as an act of worship and prayer, offering practical wisdom for various contexts and occasions.

This book, which equips preachers to deepen their understanding and practice of delivering sermons:

• Explores preaching as an act of worship and prayer.
• Provides guidance for preaching on contemporary issues like politics, society, freedom, disability, and war.
• Offers insights into preaching during church seasons such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost.
• Discusses approaches to various biblical texts, including Old Testament narratives and poetry, Gospel miracles and parables, and Pauline writings.
• Addresses preaching at key life events like baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
• Includes sermon examples and practical guidelines for each topic.
• Encourages attentiveness to God, Scripture, the world, hearers, and oneself in preaching.

Features

• Comprehensive exploration of preaching in diverse contexts and occasions.
• Reflection on the demands and opportunities of various preaching topics.
• Practical advice and sermon examples for each subject area.
• Guidelines to inform and shape effective preaching.
• Authored by a renowned preacher and theologian.

Soft cover 320pp.
1.9cm H x 23.4cm L x 15.6cm W (0.52 kgs).
ISBN 9781786225214.
Canterbury Press (2023).

[Allow 4 weeks]

Description

Wells delves beyond the traditional aspects of sermon preparation and delivery, presenting preaching as a profound act of worship and prayer.

He emphasizes the importance of being attentive to God, Scripture, the world, the congregation, and oneself to craft messages that resonate deeply.

The book is structured into four main sections:

1. Times: Addresses preaching on contemporary issues such as politics, society, freedom, disability, and war.
   
   
2. Seasons: Provides insights into preaching during significant periods of the church year, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost.
   
   
3. Texts: Explores approaches to various biblical writings, encompassing Old Testament narratives and poetry, Gospel miracles and parables, and the epistles of Paul.
   
   
4. Contexts: Offers guidance on preaching during pivotal life events like baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

Each section offers reflections on the unique challenges and opportunities presented, practical advice for preparation, sermon examples, and a set of dos and don'ts to guide preachers in their ministry.

Wells' thoughtful and intelligent approach provides a comprehensive resource for those seeking to enrich their preaching practice.

About the Author

Sam Wells is the Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, and a renowned public theologian. He is well-known for his broadcasting and writing, and is the author of more than thirty books.

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Times
   • Politics
   • Society
   • Freedom
   • Disability
   • War
3. Seasons
   • Advent
   • Christmas
   • Lent
   • Easter
   • Ascension
   • Pentecost
4. Texts
   • Old Testament Narratives
   • Old Testament Poetry
   • Gospel Miracles
   • Gospel Parables
   • Pauline Epistles
5. Contexts
   • Baptisms
   • Weddings
   • Funerals