Thomas G. Long develops a comprehensive theological vision of preaching (i.e., preaching as "bearing witness"). He then develops all the practical material about sermon creation that comes out ofthis unified understanding. The result of his deft integration of the theory and practice of homiletics is this basic guide to putting together a good sermon.
Ministers and preachers come from within the church, not to it from the outside. Basing his book on this premise, Long shows seminary students and pastors how to reach beyond themselves and the congregation to the greater reality of God's presence and concern for all the world. His clear writing style will appeal to ministers and students from all churches and denominations.
This thorough and detailed revision of this classic text is even clearer and more helpful than the first edition. Long has updated the language, expanded the key chapter on biblical exegesis, incorporating many additional examples of textual interpretation, and included more examples of sermon forms, illustrations, and conclusions. He continues to critically engage the best thinkers in the field of homiletics, bringing into the conversation both important new voices and the latest works of those who appeared in the first edition. In addition, he addresses some of the new forces at work, such as the use of video clips and PowerPoint presentations in sermons. As in the first edition, Long allows the theological image of bearing witness to the gospel to govern and organize every aspect of the process of creating a sermon from beginning to end-from the interpretation of a biblical text to the oral delivery of the sermon. This book will be of value to both seminary students and the veteran preacher.
"A fascinating book written with precision and clarity. Tom Long's years of preaching, teaching, and research are evident. Of significant value to the beginning student but of equal value to the seasoned veteran. Easy reading but every chapter calls for prolonged and serious reflection. Among basic homiletics texts this is a surefire winner." -James O. Chatham, Highland Presbyterian Church, Louisville, Kentucky
"I read Tom Long's books with great enthusiasm. This work will prove to be a valuable introductory study to homiletics. I can't imagine how it could be improved. I am delighted to endorse it." - P. C. Ennis, Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta
THOMAS G. LONG is one of the most popular preachers in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), as well as a premier teacher of preachers. He has pastored churches and taught homiletics at Columbia Theological Seminary, and most recently he was Francis Landey Patton Professor of Preaching and Worship at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is Director of Congregational Resources and Geneva Press for the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Long is the author of Hebrews (Interpretation series), Matthew (Westminster Bible Companion), and The Senses of Preaching, and coeditor of Preaching as a Theological Task, all published by Westminster John Knox Press.
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