Preaching to a Shifting Culture: 12 Perspectives on Communicating That Connects

Editor Scott Gibson has compiled several selections on homiletics from different authors, with each one having value of its own. Some the contributions are excellent. Topics range from the impacts of postmodernism on preaching, to connecting with congregations, to utilizing the Old & New Testaments with contemporary relevance, to preaching with hostile/anti-authority attitudes in the environment. Like any compilation book, the value varies from essay to essay. Good: Haddon Robinson's contribution (to no surprise) is an excellent word on being relevant while also being true to the text, and has had a very big impact on my preaching. David Hansen's piece, entitled "Who's Listening Out There?" is also a must-read for insights on the preacher's need for knowledge of his people. Most of the other essays are useful. In particular, Alice Mathews piece offers a strong critique on how some Christian preaching widens the gender gap and limits the church's overall impact on men in our culture. And Ray Lubeck has some good insights on revitalizing preaching from the Old Testament. Bad: Two of the essays are largely a waste of time to read - one on the shape of the sermon, and the other on connecting with the congregation. Both were mundane, and (ironically) failed to connect with me as a reader. Overall: Those two essays are the only exceptions to what it otherwise an excellent compilation. The strengths certainly outweigh the weaknesses in this book, and preachers could do a lot worse than to read it. It certainly has made some positive contributions to my understanding and practice of preaching. Best quote: (from David Hansen) "Preachers who do not take the ungodliness of their congregations seriously will not be taken seriously by their congregations. And preachers cannot take their congregations' sins seriously unless they take their own sins seriously." Rating: 4 stars