To Preach or Not To Preach: The Church's Urgent Question

by David Norrington, Timothy L. Price (Editor), Jon Zens (Introduction)

To Preach or Not to Preach? questions one of the scared cows in the modern church, namely “the sermon,” and the preeminence it’s given. Norrington’s premise is not built on novelty or questioning just to question. He goes back to the New Testament and shows that there is no evidence for a “a regular weekly” sermon that believers are to lean upon, and the whole “church” experience is to be wrapped around. This book also shows how “the sermon” as it has come to be practiced supplants the one-another ministries of everyday believers, and stifles the expression of Christ in the ekklesia. To Preach was originally published in Britain by Paternoster Press in 1996. It had virtually no circulation in the States. Norrington died in 2007, and his book nearly passed into oblivion. However, several supporters banded together to reoffer this work. And with it, a large additional section was added where Norrington responds to reviews of his book. To Preach is a well-documented study that will challenge traditional ideas, restore hope and function in the body of Christ, and help us understand that "preaching" in the NT was primarily a vital evangelistic activity directed toward unbelievers.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2013

Reviews

[Reggie Byrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

This is a very detailed study of the sermon, its origins and its deficiencies. You would do well to read this book with an open mind and consider seriously the arguments presented. Just because we have done something for centuries, doesn’t mean its God’s best. God will use whatever means He can to accomplish His purposes, but there is a better way. This book shows you that better way.