Folly, Grace, and Power: The Mysterious Act of Preaching

by John Koessler, Bryan Chapell (Foreword)

When you stand before your congregation, what do you hope to accomplish when you preach the Word? If people have Bibles and the freedom to read and pray on their own―why do they need you? In short, what do you bring to the table?Author, pastor, and professor John Koessler answers those questions and many more. Why does one sermon have a powerful effect on the audience while another falls flat? Why should listeners heed what the preacher says? Is human language adequate for facilitating an encounter with God? What is the point of preaching a sermon?Folly, Grace, and Power is a must-read for pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders charged with the task of preaching God’s word. This essential book is both a stern reminder of the sacredness of the awesome “job” of being a preacher, as well as a how-to that reveals the key to speaking powerfully on God’s behalf.

Genres: Theology, Christian

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 6, 2011

About the author

John Koessler serves as chair of the pastoral studies department at Moody Bible Institute, where he has served on the faculty since 1994. He is an award-winning author who has written thirteen books and numerous magazine articles. He writes the monthly “Theology Matters” column for Today in the Word and is a frequent workshop leader at the Moody Pastor’s Conference. Prior to joining the Moody faculty, John served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He is married to Jane and they have two adult sons. John and Jane live in Munster, Indiana.

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the theology of preaching that I have read. Enough said.

[Jeremy Gardiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for my homiletics class at Moody Bible Institute.

I rated it 3 stars because there's nothing wrong with the book (doctrinally or advice wise) but there's also nothing particularly helpful either. I've read quite a few books on preaching and there just didn't seem to be any unique contribution in this title for why it needed to be written. If you haven't read a homiletics book, I'm sure you'll find benefit from this one. However, if you've already read a few, I'd recommend skipping it

My recommendation instead is to read "Biblical Preaching" by Haddon Robinson (which was my other textbook for this class).

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

When it comes to providing a theological basis for preaching, this book is a shot in the arm, an encouragement to appreciate the unique place and power the spoken Word holds in the body of Christ. In terms of a helpful guide to preaching in a digital age, it falls flat. I was surprised at the author’s emphasis on manuscript preaching, something I have not found effective in communicating with younger audiences in the present day. Still, the theory is good; the back-to-basics approach can be an encouragement for the preacher who may be feeling weary with his or her task.

[Steve Hazell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Chapters 8 and 9 were a little dull for me, but other than that, really solid, thought-provoking, helpful reminders and information.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Koessler, Folly, Grace, and Power: The Mysterious Act of Preaching. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 150 pp. $13.10

Most books devoted to exploring the mandate to preach the Word of God focus on homiletical method. They help young preachers craft an introduction and a conclusion. They help young theologians with good exegetical skills. They discuss tone, body language, and eye contact.

John Koessler’s new book, Folly, Grace, and Power: The Mysterious Act of Preaching is different. Koessler’s book is about the theology of preaching. The author explains, “Our preaching has the capacity to mediate the true presence of Christ. We display ‘the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ’ (2 Cor. 4:6). This dignifies preaching. But it does not elevate the preacher beyond measure. The all-surpassing power comes from God, not from us. We are nothing. God is everything.” This mindset permeates the remainder of the book as Koestler sets forth a biblical case for preaching.

Central to the message of this book is the sovereignty of God. The author observes, “We have influence over the dynamics of delivery, but not the ebb and flow of the Holy Spirit. He breathes on whomever he wills, and there are many times when we are unable to sense his presence or easily discern his purpose … A sermon which thunders in one service falls flat in another, and we cannot tell why.”

In an age where propositions have for the most part been relegated to the cemetery, Koessler argues that good preaching includes both propositions as well as story: “God’s Word, of course, includes both proposition and story, employing argument to address reason and narrative to affect the heart. Both exert an important influence on the will. But it is the Spirit, ultimately, who convicts.” Here, the author stands with Jonathan Edwards who essentially argued the same in his magisterial volume, Religious Affections.

The sovereignty of the Spirit of God is emphasized as well: “He (the Holy Spirit) works in the preacher to ‘give’ words and boldness and then through what is preached to produce faith in those who hear … God’s Spirt also uses the sermon to stir the heart. The Word of God gains entry by the gate of the mind, but its ultimate target is the heart, where faith is exercised (Rom. 10:10).” This affection-oriented theme permeates the volume and makes it especially appealing to anyone convinced by the preaching methodology of Jonathan Edwards and the New England Puritans.

The author explores the importance of authority in preaching, a subject that causes postmodern sympathizers to cringe. Koessler warns, “Preaching with divine authority does not guarantee a smooth path. We would like to think that God-given authority gives us leverage … But the same Bible that gives us our authority also offers ample proof of the congregation’s capacity for discounting that authority.” Preaching with authority will, however, be costly. Thomas Long adds, “If the word comes from God in the biblical text, the preacher remains true to that word, regardless of the reaction or the cost.”

There is much to commend in this thoughtful volume. Preachers, young and old alike should devour this work and find encouragement in John Koessler’s fresh approach to preaching.

[Kyle Hoffsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a useful book about preaching that our pastoral staff used to discuss this topic. I would recommend it. For me, one of the main take aways was the reminder of the importance of words when preaching. Sermons are made up of words so preachers must carefully craft their words when constructing a sermon.

[Pastorstevenup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as when I sat in his classes, he makes you think. But even better, he encourages you to preach, and preach well. A book that I will return to again, and often. Thanks again Dr. Koessler.

[Jamesandrobyn Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book on preaching and what it is.

I really liked the way in which preaching is viewed in such high regard. It is a monumental task to help others prepare for eternity.