A Little Book for New Preachers: Why and How to Study Homiletics (Little Books)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
One of the central tasks of pastoral ministry is preaching the Word of God. Yet those who are called to ministry may feel unprepared, unable, or unwilling to step into this role. Moreover, the discipline of homiletics sometimes gets lost amid the exegetical questions, theological debates, and denominational disputes that overwhelm our attention. In this brief introduction to preaching, Matthew Kim helps to prepare those called to preach the Word. A seasoned preacher himself, Kim provides proven insight and guidance about the importance and history of preaching, the characteristics of faithful preaching, and the personal habits of a faithful preacher. With his help, both those training for ministry and those new to the pastoral task will be encouraged as they undertake their calling.
- Provides proven insight and guidance about the importance and history of preaching
- Helpful for those training for ministry and those new to the pastoral task
- Focuses on the characteristics of faithful preachers and preaching
Part I: Why Study Preaching?
- Preaching: The Forgotten Discipline
- Preaching: A Great Legacy
- Preaching: Making Disciples
Part II: Characteristics of Faithful Preaching
- Faithful Interpretation
- Faithful Cultural Exegesis
- Faithful Application
Part III: Characteristics of Faithful Preachers
- Being Pastoral and Loving
- Being a Person of Character and Integrity
- Being Prayerful and Spirit-Led
Top Highlights
“To learn how to preach effectively requires thick skin. If we allow ourselves to ride the homiletical roller coaster every Sunday in experiencing the highs and lows based on listeners’ praiseworthy or critical comments, our preaching ministry will fizzle out quickly. We will ultimately give less glory to God even though we believe our preaching is an act of obedience. Constructive criticism comes with the preaching territory. We cannot take ourselves and others’ remarks too seriously. We remind ourselves that we are preaching for an audience of one. Indeed, God’s people matter, but every time we stand to preach, we desire to faithfully and lovingly deliver God’s message because that is what really matters. Is my preaching faithful to God?” (Page 25)
“Heralds were not overly concerned with pulpit eloquence, with charisma, or with being liked and respected, but rather their chief motivation was to correctly and directly proclaim God’s very Word in the Scriptures.” (Page 39)
“We gather together as the church not to enjoy preaching eloquence (or to criticize its lack) but to hear and heed the Word of God. We come to be exhorted, not entertained.’” (Page 34)
“Rather, in preaching, we are concerned ultimately with the glory of God and drawing listeners closer to him” (Page 37)
“We preach because God has something to say to his people—” (Page 29)
Matthew Kim’s excellent primer for new preachers is precisely what I needed as a new preacher—not homiletical tidbits but solid food to nourish the young preacher’s soul. What makes for faithful preaching? And more importantly, what makes for a faithful preacher? As a seasoned preacher and skilled teacher of preachers, Dr. Kim speaks with both truth and grace in this genuinely inspiring book. Let me encourage you to get a copy as a gift for the young preacher you know—and don’t forget to get one for yourself. Highly recommended!
—Todd Wilson, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians
New preachers (and those of us who’ve been at it a while!) will be encouraged by Matt Kim’s wisdom, challenged by his counsel, and moved by his vulnerability. An introduction not just to the preaching act but the preaching life.
—Mary S. Hulst, college chaplain, Calvin College
- Title : A Little Book for New Preachers: Why and How to Study Homiletics
- Authors: Matthew D. Kim
- Series: Little Books
- Publisher: IVP
- Publication Date: 2020
- Pages: 110
- Resource Type: Introduction
- Topic: Preaching Resources