Preaching to a Postmodern World: A Guide to Reaching Twenty-first Century Listeners

by Graham Johnston

While growing churches dot our urban centers and country landscapes, church-goers and students today are actually less likely to maintain a Christian worldview than in the past. In fact, the majority of society does not even believe in objective truth. A minister out of touch with this culture is like an uninformed missionary trying to teach in a foreign country. To communicate God's Word effectively in the twenty-first century, teachers need to know how to connect with and confront an audience of postmodern listeners.

In Preaching to a Postmodern World, Johnston shows pastors, seminary students, professors, lay teachers, and church leaders can reach the present age without selling out to it. The book discusses how
• distinguish between modernism and postmodernism
• understand postmodern worldviews
• change the style of preaching without compromising the substance
• take advantage of new opportunities provided by the cultural shift
• show an inattentive society the relevance of God's truth

The author's keen insights into contemporary pop and media culture also help equip speakers to address today's listeners with clarity and relevance.

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

Reviews

[David Wargo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done book, with many practical insights into how to reach a post modern world with the hope of the gospel in a way that makes sense to them. It speaks well to much of our cultural moment. Definitely would recommend it to Pastors or anyone looking to reach this generation for Christ.

[David Cowpar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Johnston is both committed to faithful biblical, expository preaching, but is also deeply committed to seeing people come to Christ in this postmodern age, with postmodern sensibilities.

Johnston’s suggestions are in line with some of the other theorists on preaching to a postmodern world I have had the pleasure of reading this past couple of months. What makes Johnston’s book different though is his practical applications for the preacher. Breaking every major idea down into some practical methods or steps preachers in the Christian church can use to help keep their preaching relevant in a changing cultural context. A must-read for any preacher wishing to be culturally relevant while remaining biblically faithful.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "school read", but a good one. It is always helpful to be able to "exegete" our audience, whether a room full of people on Sunday morning or a friend in Starbucks. Johnston does an admirable job of pointing out the characteristics (both strengths and weaknesses) of postmoderns, while maintaining the prophetic and counter-culture of the Kingdom.

[Todd Boddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

His mother and father gave it to me in their living room as a gift when I explained my literary projects. They briefly shared with me his life and ministry. Isn't it wonderful how a book keeps the mind of the author alive for others to enjoy? Very helpful as written with a pastors heart and scholar's touch. Great footnotes.

[Daniel Alvers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makes me think. I still look at it today.