Preacher and Cross: Person and Message in Theology and Rhetoric

by André Resner

Numerous books are available on the meaning and methods of preaching, but nothing has been written that specifically addresses the character of those who would preach. Preacher and Cross helps fill this gap in homiletic studies by examining the relationship between the message of Christian proclamation and the preacher, with specific attention to ministerial character and the preacher's use of self in sermons. Andr? Resner discusses the two dominant approaches to homiletics-the rhetorical approach typified by Augustine and the theological approach typified by Barth-and then compares and contrasts these approaches to what the apostle Paul says on the issue. Essential reading for those involved in ministry, this work offers invaluable insights into the relationship between preachers and the message they proclaim.

215 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

About the author

André Resner (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is Professor of Homiletics and Worship at Hood Theological Seminary.

Dr. Resner is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He transferred his ordination from the Church of Christ in 2001 after serving churches in California, New Jersey, and Texas, as well as serving as Assistant Professor of Bible and Preaching at Abilene Christian University. He taught preaching at New Brunswick Theological Seminary from 2001 to 2004 and has been at Hood Theological Seminary since 2004. At Hood, Dr. Resner teaches Preaching and Worship classes and is the director of the chapel.

As Parish Associate for First Presbyterian Church in Salisbury, North Carolina André helped organize and launch their Life Center Worship service in 2004 and 2005, serving as worship leader for the alternative service of worship before becoming the Stated Supply Pastor for Cleveland Presbyterian Church in 2006.

Dr. Resner has been a member of the Academy of Homiletics since 1989. He convened the Pedagogy Work Group of the Academy for fifteen years and also served as the webmaster for a term while functioning as a member of the executive committee. He also serves as Affiliate Faculty in the Ph.D. program in African-American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Reviews

[Corey Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent discussion on the place of rhetoric and the preacher’s ethos in the proclamation of the gospel. Resner brings in the homiletic and theological perspectives to give a realistic view of what is happening in the sermon. Should be read in every homiletics class.

[Ryan Tinetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the number one oversight from the bibliography for my book, “Preaching by Heart.” Resner adeptly summarizes the classical rhetoric tradition and its appropriation within homiletics. He identifies the central tension: should preaching be viewed through the rhetorical framework or the theological? Historically there have been exponents on both sides.

Drawing on St. Paul’s epistolary preaching in 1 Cor. 1-4, Resner makes a case for a third way that he dubs “reverse-ethos”: “A theologically-informed rhetorical category which describes the nature and function of the preacher’s person in the rhetorical situation of Christian proclamation” (4). You might think of it as “baptized rhetoric”—i.e., rhetoric that has died according to the flesh, and been raised with Christ according to the cross.

For anyone who appreciated “Preaching by Heart,” or is otherwise interested in the intersection of rhetoric and homiletics, this book is a must-read. My apologies to Dr. Resner for not incorporating it into my book!

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid introduction to the place of rhetoric in homiletical training, especially the concept of ethos. Although I think Resner overstates his usage of 1 Corinthians 1-4 as a theological and conceptual framework (he fails to mention the theme of ethos that runs all throughout the Thessalonians correspondence), he argumentation is overall sound. This text provides a grounded theory for understanding the communicative side of preaching and how the preacher's personality and spiritual journey impacts the preaching event.