Ingenuity: Preaching as an Outsider

by Lisa L. Thompson

Publisher:

Abingdon Press

, 2018

Ingenuity introduces a theology and practice of preaching that emerges from the faith and wisdom of black women. Preaching has been resourced and taught from a narrow field of cultural or gendered experiences, historically. Without much support from established channels, black women are left to “figure it out” on their own, and others discern how to preach from a limiting scope.

The best preachers understand their own voices and the voices of others. They stretch and grow, and this enables them to preach more effectively. Ingenuity equips readers to negotiate tradition, life experiences, and theological conviction in the creative work that makes way for sacred speech.

With Ingenuity, Lisa Thompson offers deep insights for anyone seeking to enlarge their understanding, their language, and their sense of lived experiences, and offers practical help through “In Practice” segments for those who preach.

"Written from the deep well of the spirituality of Black women, Thompson has given us a remarkable guide for what preaching should be and must be for the times we are in. Accessible, thoughtful, probing, pastoral, prophetic—all come together in this text. A must read for anyone committed to faithful excellence in proclaiming the word." -Emilie M. Townes, Dean and E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Womanist Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Divinity School

Features

The book operates from an 'on the ground' point of view - it starts with the assumption that the reader will actually be preaching. It is practical, useful, and helpful.

The book intersects the practical with the theoretical and methodological, providing not just practical help but foundational understanding.

The book uses examples from 'real' sermons as illustrations throughout, so the reader can witness the main arguments of the book at work.

Product Details

• Title : Ingenuity: Preaching as an Outsider
• Author: Thompson, Lisa L.
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 2018
• ISBN: 9781501832604

About Lisa L. Thompson

Lisa L. Thompson, a native of Cedar Grove, North Carolina, is associate professor of Black Homiletics and Liturgics at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. She is the author of Ingenuity: Preaching as an Outsider.