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‘Nice sermon, vicar, but…’ - New book argues the whole church is responsible for inspirational preaching

1 June 2008

 

Congregations should offer their preacher a healthy dose of constructive feedback rather than the well-intentioned acknowledgments traditionally offered to vicars at the door of the church, argues a new book from the Church of England’s official publishers.

A practical guide aimed at priests and others who preach, Preaching with Humanity challenges churches to make arrangements for more feedback from churchgoers, including the use of weblogs, and also suggests that clergy create opportunities for the congregation to contribute their own reflections on the theme of forthcoming sermons.

The book, published today by Church House Publishing, argues that congregations’ own expectations can sometimes affect the extent to which the true message of a sermon is heard. It suggests that churchgoers approaching services with a ‘spiritual hunger’ and a genuine desire to listen is just as important as the content of the preacher’s speaking notes.

“I do think the Church could offer its ministers more guidance on what they value about preaching. ‘Nice sermon, vicar’ is always pleasant to hear, but doesn’t really help priests shape their sermons to share Jesus’ message for today,” comments the Rt Revd John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford, reflecting on the themes of the new book. “This book encourages all Christians to take preaching seriously – and to help us all to raise our game.”

The authors are Geoffrey Stevenson, author and trainer on the subject of theology and practice of communication; and the Revd Stephen Wright, Tutor in Biblical Studies and Practical Theology at Spurgeon’s College, London. In the book, they explore the role of each of the ‘players’ in the act of preaching: Scripture, the traditions of the Church, the congregation, and the personality and skills of the preacher themselves. They argue that all these play vital, interweaving parts, which culminate in the act of ‘witness’ shared by both the preacher and the wider Church.

Preaching with Humanity covers topics as diverse as how best to use digital projection equipment to enhance the preacher’s message, to breathing and voice warm-up exercises, and reflections on preaching in various denominational settings. It also contains a wealth of practical tips on selecting and structuring material when preparing a sermon.

The title points to the types of preaching that the authors wish to “describe, advocate, aspire to and facilitate”: Preaching with Humanity aims to help clergy relate to people’s everyday lives while reflecting something of what it means for humankind to be made in the image of God. It is, write the authors, “a book of theory that expects to be put into practice, and of practice that needs to be reflected upon afterwards.”

The Rt Revd John Pritchard adds: “This is a thoroughly accessible and energizing book to feed the preaching of both the new enthusiast and the more experienced practitioner. It answers the questions you only half dared articulate, and is sure to stimulate those who preach to fresh resolve. This book should be on every preacher’s reading list.”

Preaching with Humanity, priced £14.99 (ISBN 978-07151-4136-6), is available from Christian bookshops including Church House Bookshop, or by mail order via the web.