Preaching from the Soul: Insistent Observations on the Sacred Art

by J. Ellsworth Kalas

Careful biblical interpretation; insights into contemporary life; polished delivery; humorous anecdotes; these are the building blocks of preaching that genuinely reach people. Right? Wrong, says Ellsworth Kalas. We have all encountered preachers who seem

Genres: Church, Christian

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2003

About the author

J. Ellsworth Kalas has been part of the faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary since 1993, after thirty-eight years as a United Methodist pastor and five years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council. He has been a presenter on DISCIPLE videos and is the author of more than thirty books, including the popular Back Side series as well as the Christian Believer study.

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Kalas' book is a highly readable and inspirational look at preaching. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

[Jean Marie Angelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having taken on new ministry, I write sermons and reflections on a regular basis. I now have a stack of books about sermon writing.

Here are the quotes that stayed with me from this book:

“I read that it takes 20 years to make a good sermon....”

“Soul preaching requires that not only the illustration fit the sermon, but that the illustration fit the preacher.”

“The goal, in short, is for the preacher to deliver his or her soul to the people.”

“One how-to point: Don't be afraid to wrestle with scripture.”

“A good sermon involves a sacred triangle, three love affairs.
Fall in love with the sermon you are presenting.
Fall in love with the people you are preaching to.
Be in love with Christ.”

“While every sermon surely ought to inform, it doesn't qualify unless it seeks to transform.”

“Every sermon ought to, in some way, be Christ's second coming.”