Countdown to Sunday: A Daily Guide for Those Who Dare to Preach

by Chris Erdman

Chris Erdman remembers a time when preparing his weekly sermon left him frustrated and uptight. Twenty years later, he found a new way to prepare sermons that changed his life. In Countdown to Sunday, he shares the lessons he has learned. A seasoned preacher and instructor of new preachers, Erdman breaks down his methods of preparation and delivery from Monday through Sunday. Believing that preaching is something lived, he shows not only how sermons grow gradually but also how preachers can learn to preach "on the run." With practical advice and insight, Erdman also covers preaching for weddings and funerals, around the time of elections and wars, on the street, and in the hospital. The result is an invaluable guide that will become a daily companion for preachers, whether experienced or not.

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is one of the better preaching books I've read; maybe I enjoyed it more than any other, at least any other I read cover to cover. Erdman is a fine and inspiring writer and a real pleasure to read, as well as being quite pragmatic.

There were some frustrating moments -- when he talks about preaching a funeral he seems to make it clear you don't want the sermon to be a eulogy (or really any portion of it) nor do you want it to be an altar call, but you want to "preach Christ hard" for ten minutes. But then he says, "No, I don't mean you can't mention the person who died in your sermon," and then has a strong opinion about whether a eulogy should be earlier or later in a funeral, etc. That's the one criticism I have -- he occasionally sets down an absolute but then proceeds to back down on whatever it is. But maybe that's one reason I like him -- he isn't very good at absolutes, and neither am I. (He also appears to work six almost-full days per week, and makes the dubious claim that Sundays are truly days of rest for him, which I just flat-out don't believe; Saturday is errands and housecleaning, etc. -- and it really does appear that the guy works 70 hours a week; then he ends with a chapter on "don't work too hard," which, unfortunately -- since it's the last chapter -- is perhaps the least convincing of all).

Later I may include some great quotes -- and there are many of them -- but suffice it to say that I liked this book very much. And if any of my preacher friends actually read this review and want a copy, I ended up with two brand-new copies somehow, and am happy to send my extra to you.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all time favorite book on pastoral ministry is the book Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry by William Willimon. Chris Erdman's work on preaching reads very much like William Willimon's work.

This is the book I needed at this time in my ministry. I've done a lot of thinking and struggling over the first three years of my ministry on the place and purpose of preaching. In a world of preaching to meet felt needs, Erdman offers meaningful reminders regarding the centrality of the biblical text and that the essential purpose of the text is to form the people of God.

The book is not a sit down and read through from cover to cover sort of book, but rather an offering of meditations on the purpose and role of preaching within the context of the people of God. Especially helpful are the chapters that offer a glimpse into the way Erdman prepares to preach the text...a helpful and simple structure that any "busy" preacher could easily adapt.

If you are tired of your message preparation usurping the actual intent of the biblical text then this book is for you.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read - great content. Realistic preaching method that takes God's Word seriously, but also realizes that pastors have a lot more to do than sit around for 20 hours a week studying for a sermon. Passionate, and prophetic, I think, calling pastors away from Dr. Phil-esque sermons on "How To Have a Great Family" and into the depths of God's Word.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great practical guide for preaching. I loved how grounded in reality it was, since advice that assumes ideal conditions (as opposed to real life chaos) is basically pointless. Erdman zeroes in on what he believes is most important in preaching, weaving homiletic theology and practice together in a very readable collection of essays.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book for those who preach or want to communicate God's Word. Lot's of practical stuff in there. I especially liked how he deals with slowing down and listening to what God has to say in preparation for preaching - one of those yeah duh moments.