Kenneth Edward Untener (August 3, 1937 – March 27, 2004) was a Roman Catholic bishop, serving the Diocese of Saginaw from 1980 until his death.
In 1999, Bishop Ken Untener of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw decided to create a Little Black Book, which would use the prayer tradition of Lectio Divina to help people pray the Passion of Our Lord. Besides an English version of the book, there was also a Spanish edition, and a children’s book (Little Purple Book).
Although Bishop Untener died in 2004, he remains the inspiration for the Little Books. His Little Books staff continue to produce Little Books each year for the Advent/Christmas, Lent and Easter seasons, based on Bishop Untener’s writings. They are also producing four Stewardship books in light of the four Gospels.
The author writes based on his experience working with other preachers and from his own preaching experience. It's an easy read full of practical ideas on what to do and what to avoid when preaching, as well as opinions from the people in the pews.
Written for priests (which I am not) this gives excellent and numerous tips on how to preach effectively.
This book is on the list for Lay Dominican formation. As a speaker, I found this book to be very helpful, even though the settings in which I speak are different. Great resource!
This is an excellent book for anyone looking to improve on their preaching. After years of gathering feedback from the pews, Ken offers insightful suggestions on improving based on what the people in the pew are desiring and hoping to see in homilies from their priests.
Four and 1/2 stars. Despite Untener's overt Catholic perspective, this book offers many helpful suggestions to Protestant -- drawing from more than a decade of group review and parishioner feedback -- toward this earnest, never-ending quest.