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The Shape of Preaching: Theory and Practice in Sermon Design
Many pastors are just too busy to fellow the latest theories on preaching and sermon form. In The Shape of Preaching, Dennis M. Cahill seeks both to educate the working pastor on the current issues of sermon design and enable them to use this design in a way that can change their preaching.
After first laying the theoretical groundwork with discussions of the theological, cultural, and literary roots of the new approaches to sermon design, Cahill expertly guides the preacher through a practical process for designing sermons that speak to people in the world today.
After first laying the theoretical groundwork with discussions of the theological, cultural, and literary roots of the new approaches to sermon design, Cahill expertly guides the preacher through a practical process for designing sermons that speak to people in the world today.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
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37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 23, 2019
Misguided rehashing of Robinsonian homiletics that claims to embrace contemporary and relevant forms of preaching that only promotes a traditional, deductive form of sermon form. One is better to stick with the scholars Cahill cites rather than work through this frustrating rehashing.
Where the book is strong, it is so only because he accurately regurgitates the arguments of the scholars he cites. Where the book is weak (primarily his discussions of inductive and narrative preaching), it is abysmal, mostly because he mostly uses Robinsonian disciples as his foundation.
Where the book is strong, it is so only because he accurately regurgitates the arguments of the scholars he cites. Where the book is weak (primarily his discussions of inductive and narrative preaching), it is abysmal, mostly because he mostly uses Robinsonian disciples as his foundation.
April 9, 2020
A practical book for preaching. A helpful part of his perspective is some of the middle roads he takes in preaching debates (like stating that preaching can be both communication of truth and an event).
October 30, 2017
Great book on Preaching
I found this an enjoyable and easy read on preaching forms. It was fun to learn about different forms and to push myself in my own preaching.
I found this an enjoyable and easy read on preaching forms. It was fun to learn about different forms and to push myself in my own preaching.
July 14, 2016
I almost gave this book three stars. There were a lot of things I did not like about it. The first section, "Theory of Sermon Design" was particularly disappointing. I think the sermon is a distinct form of communication that has its own rules, structures, etc. In theory the author agrees, but in reality the sermon is like a sponge that can (should?) absorb the various genres and cultures around it. In fairness the author tries not to tip too much to the culture, but I think he fails in this regard. I did not find his arguments for certain types of sermon forms compelling nor did I think he added much to the two main forms: inductive and deductive.
But his second section on how to form a sermon was tremendously helpful. He gives clear direction on how to design sermons, which was my reason for getting the book. I will return this section as I prepare sermons.
My Rating System
1 Star-Terrible book and dangerous. Burn it in the streets.
2 Stars-Really bad book, would not recommend, probably has some dangerous ideas in it. Few books I read are 1 or 2 stars because I am careful about what I read.
3 Stars-Either I disagree with it at too many points to recommend it or it is just not a good book on the subject or for the genre. Would not read it again, reference it, or recommend it. But it is not necessarily dangerous except as a time waster.
4 Stars-Solid book on the subject or for the genre. I would recommend this book to others and would probably read it again or reference it. Most books fall in this category because I try not to read books I don’t think will be good. There is a quite a variety here. 3.6 is quite different from 4.5.
5 Stars-Excellent book. Classic in the genre or top of the line for the subject. I might also put a book in here that impacted me personally at the time I read it. I would highly recommend this book, even if I do not agree with all that it says. Few books fall in this category. Over time I have put less in this category.
But his second section on how to form a sermon was tremendously helpful. He gives clear direction on how to design sermons, which was my reason for getting the book. I will return this section as I prepare sermons.
My Rating System
1 Star-Terrible book and dangerous. Burn it in the streets.
2 Stars-Really bad book, would not recommend, probably has some dangerous ideas in it. Few books I read are 1 or 2 stars because I am careful about what I read.
3 Stars-Either I disagree with it at too many points to recommend it or it is just not a good book on the subject or for the genre. Would not read it again, reference it, or recommend it. But it is not necessarily dangerous except as a time waster.
4 Stars-Solid book on the subject or for the genre. I would recommend this book to others and would probably read it again or reference it. Most books fall in this category because I try not to read books I don’t think will be good. There is a quite a variety here. 3.6 is quite different from 4.5.
5 Stars-Excellent book. Classic in the genre or top of the line for the subject. I might also put a book in here that impacted me personally at the time I read it. I would highly recommend this book, even if I do not agree with all that it says. Few books fall in this category. Over time I have put less in this category.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews