"Preaching: A Simple Approach to the Sacred Task" (Daniel Overdorf)

TITLE: Preaching: A Simple Approach to the Sacred Task
AUTHOR: Daniel Overdorf
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2022, (pages).

Preaching is one of the most challenging tasks for those of us in ministry. That is why many seminaries teach students about the science and art of preaching. The curriculum includes practice sessions to incorporate academic learning with actual practice. Unfortunately, it is another challenge altogether to help students bridge theory with practice. If there is something in-between, like a simple framework to remember, that will help students of preaching. Recognizing a need for a simple framework for beginner students of preaching, author Daniel Overdorf has written a simpler approach to preparing and deliver sermons. There is a total of eight steps:

1. Conviction about Preaching the Word
2. Researching the Text
3. Focusing on the Single Idea
4. Shaping the flow of thought
5. Developing each segment
6. Bookend with Introduction and Conclusion
7. Polish with descriptive language
8. Embody the sermon

The book follows a familiar process for preaching. It begins with the preacher and the need to be convicted by the Spirit about the Word. Our beliefs greatly inform our preaching. In research, we are reminded about the importance of the diligent study of reading and researching the texts. This has strong implications for preaching with integrity. Using the Big-Idea preaching method, Overdorf shows us the way to focus on a single big idea. I appreciate the way he simplifies the approach, especially the part about using as few words as possible to state our thesis. Following the focus comes the shaping of the message. We are urged to think from the listeners' perspective and experience. In that way, the sermon instead of simply being information will become fodder for formation. One helpful section is about the differences between deductive and inductive sermons. The author shows us to use deductive methods when the thesis is confusing or intriguing, and inductive when the thesis sounds boring or controversial. Honestly, this can work either way. The more important thing is how the thesis statement is worded in the first place. The chapter on developing the sermon segment uses various techniques such as humour, illustrations, storytelling, and transitions. Even experienced preachers will find them helpful. Finally, we get to read about polishing and evaluating our own sermons.

Each chapter explores the techniques as well as the uniqueness of preaching. Filled with many engaging pointers and exercises, this book combined theory and practice into one. There are bonus articles to shore up the key points in each chapter. That is not all. Toward the end are appendices to help prepare and learn from a sermon sample and worksheet

My Thoughts
I have always been a fan of Big-Idea Preaching. This book not only incorporates this powerful method, but it also brings out the many different ways in which we can implement it. Some readers might be tempted to jump straight into the practical lessons. I would advise readers to be patient. It is rewarding to first understand the key theories and concepts behind them. Once the key ideas are understood, the practice will flow easily. Overdorf has made this book highly readable. He is right. Many preaching books tend to be heavier on the theory aspect. In this book, there is a good balance of theory and practice. That balance will be appreciated by the busy person in ministry. 

There are several strengths in this book. I appreciate the key concepts being highlighted in clear big boxes. Like the big idea in each segment of the book, it is a good way to emphasize key pointers to remember. Another observation is the low amount of citations which is common in many scholarly books. While some academics might frown over that, most laypersons and beginner preachers will appreciate the readability that is not bogged down by footnotes. Overdorf has acknowledged this and I think it is ok. Do not belittle this book because of the subtitle that states: "simple approach." While the concepts are laid out in a simple form, the pointers could punch above their weight. 

What I appreciate most is how the author reminds me about being audience-sensitive. Regular preachers can sometimes get carried away with their content preparation, to the point that they forget to listen from the audience's point of view. Not only is that a good reminder, it is also a nudge to remind us that preaching is not just between the preacher and the listeners. It is a spiritual work that requires the preacher to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. God's work needs to be done in God's way through God's empowerment. 

I recommend this book highly to all preachers and anyone interested in preaching. 

Daniel Overdorf has a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has over ten years of pastoral experience, and presently teaches preaching and pastoral ministries. Since 2005, he has taught at Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee, where his current position is Professor of Pastoral Ministries and Director of Preaching Programs. He has been married to his lovely and gifted wife, Carrie, for twenty-five years. They have two sons and a daughter. Overdorf is a member of the  Evangelical Homiletical Society. His previous publications include Applying the Sermon.

Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Kregel Academic without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.