Preaching Better: Practical Suggestions for Homilists

by Ken Untener

Most homilists could do better, says the author. And he should despite extensive experience as both homilist and homiletics professor, for four years he's also participated in a sermon critique group. In the weekly group, the author and several other priests submit tapes and transcripts of their previous week's sermon to each other, to a journalist, and to a systematic theologian; then all meet to discuss what works, what doesn't, why, and how the homily can better become a part of the community's prayer. The result is this "nuts-and-bolts" book that shows how to make any sermon better. Practical and realistic, the book explains what a homily is and what it is not, how to prepare to write, how to begin and end sermons, how to use stories and props, how to preach about sin, and how to edit. The book also shares the moving testimony of what it means to be a bearer of God's word. Clear, simple and honest, Preaching Better is for preachers of all faiths, priests and ministers, seminarians, deacons, ministers-in-training, students of homiletics, parish staffs, liturgy- and homily-planning groups. It's also interesting reading for anyone who has ever wanted to know what goes on "behind the scenes" in the writing of a sermon.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1999

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Marius-Petru Pop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eccezionale!

[Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone involved in preaching

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.

Highly recommended book.

[Kim Padan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[BJ Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise, easy to read, helpful -- a little didactic, but then again, Untener was a bishop.

[Nancy Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Andrew Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Great advice and story telling.

[C. Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short chapters, directly written, full of useful information for Catholic ministers who give homilies at Mass.