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The Heart of the Preacher: Preparing Your Soul to Proclaim the Word
You can teach the craft, but you must first form the heart.
Many preachers want to preach better, but they don't always know how to go about improving, and most books on preaching focus on the mechanics of the craft.
But preaching involves more than the steps from a text to a sermon, because every time a preacher stands up to preach, their character shines through-for better or for worse.
In The Heart of the Preacher, Rick Reed focuses on the personal heart preparation required before any preacher is ready to preach. He explores issues preachers often wrestle with-like discouragement, insecurity, and pride. He then offers practices to fight these challenges and form a heart that carries the fruit of the Spirit into the pulpit.
It takes more than a good speaker to preach. It takes a Spirit-filled person. This book will help you check your heart and cultivate the most important aspect of your character.
Many preachers want to preach better, but they don't always know how to go about improving, and most books on preaching focus on the mechanics of the craft.
But preaching involves more than the steps from a text to a sermon, because every time a preacher stands up to preach, their character shines through-for better or for worse.
In The Heart of the Preacher, Rick Reed focuses on the personal heart preparation required before any preacher is ready to preach. He explores issues preachers often wrestle with-like discouragement, insecurity, and pride. He then offers practices to fight these challenges and form a heart that carries the fruit of the Spirit into the pulpit.
It takes more than a good speaker to preach. It takes a Spirit-filled person. This book will help you check your heart and cultivate the most important aspect of your character.
- GenresLeadership
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2025
About the author
Rick Reed
27 books58 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 25, 2026
Full of short yet pithy chapters. I'm not a preacher but this grew my empathy for them as well as included good soul, heart, and mind checks for anyone looking to teach the Bible. The chapters were easy to read and understand and Reed makes plain what should feel like a no brainer at times yet can be overlooked. Definitely a book to come back to.
June 29, 2020
Written with no pretensions. A helpful guide for preachers who want to stay in pulpit ministry for the long haul. Thankful for Reed's heart and ministry.
October 17, 2019
This book for the preacher is one of the best I’ve seen come along in a long time. Rick Reed from his own preaching experience and that of teaching homiletics knows precisely the path to the heart of the preacher as well as the deadends away from it. His mantra of the preacher preparing his soul is no hyperbole. This isn’t self-help pointers but vital issues that throb the preacher’s heart. Mr. Reed does something for preachers today that Ralph Turnbull did for others in previous generations in his A Minister’s Obstacles. Some of those obstacles are exactly the same while others are peculiar to our day and Mr. Reed knows the difference.
The book is divided into two parts, which he defines as the testing and the strengthening of the preacher’s heart, that could just as easily be called the negative and positive heart issues preacher’s face. After Brian Chapell’s foreword that is itself worth reading, Mr. Reed gives a clear introduction to what he is attempting to do. Some of the chapters include key subjects like ambition, comparison, insignificance, laziness (one of the best and not at all what you expect), fear, criticism, failure, and pain (another jewel). Part two continues at the high level he began by explaining personal soul care, championing expository preaching, developing internal security, doing the work of an evangelist, and in a timely chapter on taking care of yourself that he creatively calls “don’t kill the horse”. There wasn’t a dud in any of these 25 chapters and everything he discussed made you want to re-dedicate your efforts to the work of preaching for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Mr. Reed wrote with the humbleness that pushed his material deeper into your heart. He was never afraid to say that he struggled in some of these areas. You felt like you were listening to a brother in arms! The book is easy-to-read but never shallow. Every preacher ought to read it. I’m glad I did.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The book is divided into two parts, which he defines as the testing and the strengthening of the preacher’s heart, that could just as easily be called the negative and positive heart issues preacher’s face. After Brian Chapell’s foreword that is itself worth reading, Mr. Reed gives a clear introduction to what he is attempting to do. Some of the chapters include key subjects like ambition, comparison, insignificance, laziness (one of the best and not at all what you expect), fear, criticism, failure, and pain (another jewel). Part two continues at the high level he began by explaining personal soul care, championing expository preaching, developing internal security, doing the work of an evangelist, and in a timely chapter on taking care of yourself that he creatively calls “don’t kill the horse”. There wasn’t a dud in any of these 25 chapters and everything he discussed made you want to re-dedicate your efforts to the work of preaching for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Mr. Reed wrote with the humbleness that pushed his material deeper into your heart. He was never afraid to say that he struggled in some of these areas. You felt like you were listening to a brother in arms! The book is easy-to-read but never shallow. Every preacher ought to read it. I’m glad I did.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
February 2, 2022
Homiletical books are often crafted to teach better structure, deeper exegesis, or show how to find Christ in all of Scripture. Rick Reed believes all these things are essential (as I have learned in his classroom through the many hours he spends diligently and lovingly teaching us the craft). What Reed does beyond that is the focus of this book: Building the heart of a preacher up.
Pastors are far more than scriptwriters or stage performers. Pastors are instruments of God to deliver the message of the gospel and the text of the Bible to the people of God. Pastors need to bend to the text, rather than letting the text bend to the preacher. This book focuses on the character a preacher needs to have. There are two major sections: The temptations and the preventative measures. Every chapter is short, easy to understand, and truly God-honouring.
If you want a technical manual, do not get this book. There are other excellent resources like Bryan Chappell's Christ Centered Preaching for that. If you want a book that focuses on the preacher himself, there are few books that deserve the top slot as this one does. Short, practical, and godly. May God continue to be glorified through the continued reading of this book.
Pastors are far more than scriptwriters or stage performers. Pastors are instruments of God to deliver the message of the gospel and the text of the Bible to the people of God. Pastors need to bend to the text, rather than letting the text bend to the preacher. This book focuses on the character a preacher needs to have. There are two major sections: The temptations and the preventative measures. Every chapter is short, easy to understand, and truly God-honouring.
If you want a technical manual, do not get this book. There are other excellent resources like Bryan Chappell's Christ Centered Preaching for that. If you want a book that focuses on the preacher himself, there are few books that deserve the top slot as this one does. Short, practical, and godly. May God continue to be glorified through the continued reading of this book.
November 26, 2025
This is a wonderfully helpful book for anyone who is called to be a pastor and preacher. I felt like he was talking personally to me with the struggles and strains that come with this calling. I did disagree with him on one thing though. He said we need to preach the Gospel to ourselves. We actually need someone outside ourselves to preach the Gospel to us. Preachers need preachers. Aside from that, I highly recommend this book!
October 28, 2025
Why are so many Christian books written in that soulless, padded out, artless, conveyor belt style? This book had helpful, practical, soul feeding substance which I appreciated, but it was in amongst poorly written prose, churned out for the lowest common denominator. Books don't need to be esoteric, but they need to be written with thought.
Definition of irony: when you write a chapter telling us to be faithful to the true meaning of a text, don't blatantly misunderstand and misinterpret Thomas Frost's Road Not Taken poem to make your point!! Reed literally twists a poem to make his point.
Definition of irony: when you write a chapter telling us to be faithful to the true meaning of a text, don't blatantly misunderstand and misinterpret Thomas Frost's Road Not Taken poem to make your point!! Reed literally twists a poem to make his point.
June 27, 2025
I genuinely believe this book is indispensable for pastors and preachers. I strongly encourage you to read it.
February 4, 2024
An excellent little volume on the personal spirituality of the preacher.
November 19, 2019
This past year has given me many preaching opportunities. While I typically teach Sunday School, I have been open to speaking where God would have me go. While I appreciate books that help me with the style and substance of preaching, I must not neglect to examine my heart. The Heart of the Preacher by Rick Reed is a book that I believe is helpful and crucial for my spiritual formation as I am given and take more opportunities to preach.
Preparing Your Soul
Author Rick Reed is the president of Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. He was also the plenary and seminar presenter for Billy Graham’s School of Evangelism and is a master coach for the Global Proclamation Academy in Dallas, Texas with REACH ministries. These qualifications alone seem staggering for a small-town teacher like me, but he writes in a way that is accessible, pastoral, and practical.
The book is divided into two halves. The first half is all about Testing the Preacher’s Heart, and it calls us to examine our heart motives and attitudes. The second half is about Strengthening the Preacher’s Heart, and it offers encouragement and practical help to preachers. He keeps his chapters and paragraphs short by sticking to the point.
Reed typically opens his chapters with a personal real-example or anecdote. He then takes us to Scripture to see what it has to say. He cuts the text clearly and points out what we need to notice. He then offers encouragement and gives advice grounded in wisdom.
Proclaiming the Word
The issues that this book tackles are not surface-level or cliche. Chapter 5 is about laziness. While many might think they are busy, Reed cuts deeper and reveals how busyness may be a sign of laziness, especially in preaching.
Reed challenges his readers to become excellent preachers. In Chapter 8, he uses the memorable example of music soloists foregoing their music in order to establish a deeper connection and better communicate with the audience. In the same way, he challenges preachers to combat fear and try speaking without sermon manuscripts and notes.
While this book offers much introspection, Reed also teaches our hearts how to rightfully respond to others. For example, chapter 11 deals with disengaged listeners, and he writes about preaching to the dozing and the disgruntled.
Forming Our Hearts
This book offers excellent content on topics that are pertinent to preachers for congregations of all sizes and shapes. What I appreciate most, however, is that Reed does not seek to make himself the hero of his book. He lets us learn from his examples, typically embarrassingly awkward failures, and encourages us. He exhorts us to trust in God. He causes us to look to Christ. He asks us to depend on the Holy Spirit. And when I read his writing I can perceive his heart. It is the heart of a humble preacher. And it is one that I want to cultivate for myself.
I was provided a complimentary copy of The Heart of the Preacher in exchange for an honest review.
Preparing Your Soul
Author Rick Reed is the president of Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. He was also the plenary and seminar presenter for Billy Graham’s School of Evangelism and is a master coach for the Global Proclamation Academy in Dallas, Texas with REACH ministries. These qualifications alone seem staggering for a small-town teacher like me, but he writes in a way that is accessible, pastoral, and practical.
The book is divided into two halves. The first half is all about Testing the Preacher’s Heart, and it calls us to examine our heart motives and attitudes. The second half is about Strengthening the Preacher’s Heart, and it offers encouragement and practical help to preachers. He keeps his chapters and paragraphs short by sticking to the point.
Reed typically opens his chapters with a personal real-example or anecdote. He then takes us to Scripture to see what it has to say. He cuts the text clearly and points out what we need to notice. He then offers encouragement and gives advice grounded in wisdom.
Proclaiming the Word
The issues that this book tackles are not surface-level or cliche. Chapter 5 is about laziness. While many might think they are busy, Reed cuts deeper and reveals how busyness may be a sign of laziness, especially in preaching.
Reed challenges his readers to become excellent preachers. In Chapter 8, he uses the memorable example of music soloists foregoing their music in order to establish a deeper connection and better communicate with the audience. In the same way, he challenges preachers to combat fear and try speaking without sermon manuscripts and notes.
While this book offers much introspection, Reed also teaches our hearts how to rightfully respond to others. For example, chapter 11 deals with disengaged listeners, and he writes about preaching to the dozing and the disgruntled.
Forming Our Hearts
This book offers excellent content on topics that are pertinent to preachers for congregations of all sizes and shapes. What I appreciate most, however, is that Reed does not seek to make himself the hero of his book. He lets us learn from his examples, typically embarrassingly awkward failures, and encourages us. He exhorts us to trust in God. He causes us to look to Christ. He asks us to depend on the Holy Spirit. And when I read his writing I can perceive his heart. It is the heart of a humble preacher. And it is one that I want to cultivate for myself.
I was provided a complimentary copy of The Heart of the Preacher in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2021
As the title indicates, this is a book about the heart or soul of a preacher and not about his craft. It is divided into two parts. In this first section, the author lists some of the things that "test" a preacher's heart, in the second he unfolds how a preacher's heart may be strengthened.
Although there is an abundance of material on preaching itself, there is not as much on the preacher's heart, even though who he is in his soul is inseparable from his influence as a preacher. So this book makes an important contribution to the literature of pastoral ministry.
The greatest weakness of this book is that to a great extent the pastor's soul is discussed only in relation to him as a preacher and not in the broader perspective of the preacher as a pastor. For those who believe that preaching is only one aspect of the ministry of a pastor, some of the reflections in this book will be too narrow. A good example is the chapter on fear. This chapter focuses on the preacher's fear of preaching without notes. While this is a legitimate fear, it is certainly minor compared to the kinds of fears that a pastor has as he ministers over time.
This book addresses an essential aspect of service in a way that is direct and practical. Preachers and others who serve in the church will profit from it.
Although there is an abundance of material on preaching itself, there is not as much on the preacher's heart, even though who he is in his soul is inseparable from his influence as a preacher. So this book makes an important contribution to the literature of pastoral ministry.
The greatest weakness of this book is that to a great extent the pastor's soul is discussed only in relation to him as a preacher and not in the broader perspective of the preacher as a pastor. For those who believe that preaching is only one aspect of the ministry of a pastor, some of the reflections in this book will be too narrow. A good example is the chapter on fear. This chapter focuses on the preacher's fear of preaching without notes. While this is a legitimate fear, it is certainly minor compared to the kinds of fears that a pastor has as he ministers over time.
This book addresses an essential aspect of service in a way that is direct and practical. Preachers and others who serve in the church will profit from it.
July 25, 2022
4.5 stars.
Reed does a great job of toeing the line between spiritual and practical advice that applies specifically to preachers. I think this does a good job of mirroring the nuance of the challenges that preachers face on a week-to-week basis. Sometimes the issues are completely spiritual in nature and sometimes you're trying to figure out how to best lay out your schedule. But all of the issues are important in developing a right heart for the ministry of preaching. This was an easy read that was full of insight that only years of experience could produce. I think this would be a great book for preachers of any age/experience to read to refresh their minds on the basics of the ministry of preaching.
Reed does a great job of toeing the line between spiritual and practical advice that applies specifically to preachers. I think this does a good job of mirroring the nuance of the challenges that preachers face on a week-to-week basis. Sometimes the issues are completely spiritual in nature and sometimes you're trying to figure out how to best lay out your schedule. But all of the issues are important in developing a right heart for the ministry of preaching. This was an easy read that was full of insight that only years of experience could produce. I think this would be a great book for preachers of any age/experience to read to refresh their minds on the basics of the ministry of preaching.
February 27, 2020
I heard about it this book from a friend and was glad for the recommendation. Rick Reed does a great job in this book giving preachers helpful reflections on issues of the heart that we all face.
The highlights:
The book is full of great quotes and wise admonitions for preachers. It also very biblical. Almost all the issues he addresses he goes right to the Bible to help us. Particularly helpful for me was the chapter on the incremental rates of growth and the parable of the sower. I also found his prayer prompts for sermon development really solid.
The highlights:
The book is full of great quotes and wise admonitions for preachers. It also very biblical. Almost all the issues he addresses he goes right to the Bible to help us. Particularly helpful for me was the chapter on the incremental rates of growth and the parable of the sower. I also found his prayer prompts for sermon development really solid.
March 11, 2020
The Heart of the Preacher
Reed’s pastoral honesty is a breath of fresh air that all pastors need to hear. I especially was convicted by the first couple chapters that discussed the challenge of bitterness and how to protect your heart from falling into these traps. Very easy and accessible read. Recommend for pastors.
Reed’s pastoral honesty is a breath of fresh air that all pastors need to hear. I especially was convicted by the first couple chapters that discussed the challenge of bitterness and how to protect your heart from falling into these traps. Very easy and accessible read. Recommend for pastors.
February 1, 2022
A great little book for preachers. The chapters are short and I really enjoyed reading 1 or 2 a day with my morning devotions. Dr. Reed has a desire to see preachers not only change their congregation but to have themselves changed in the process of preaching. Recommended to young and seasoned pastors!
January 29, 2020
This is an excellent window into the pastoral soul. Convicting and encouraging.
June 26, 2020
A straight-forward and grace-giving list and exposition of places to protect in the preacher's lifestyle as well as places to watch out for. A very good devotion for those in preaching.
August 11, 2020
Excellent. Really practical. The author addresses subjects that only a preacher-pastor could address, and he does it with pastoral wisdom.
January 16, 2021
Very helpful, wise advice. Will write more soon.
November 2, 2023
Like the man himself, warm.
November 12, 2024
Best book on pastoring I've read so far
January 15, 2026
Helpful book.
March 20, 2026
Some things here and there I didn't think were thoroughly explained or thought out enough, but all in all there is still a great amount of helpful advice in here that I think renders it useful.
October 27, 2020
Really excellent, encouraging work.
Helpful in confronting the particular discouragements a regular preacher faces, and rebuking and comforting as required. The 'negative' half of the book, addressing these was pastorally gentle and firm. I kept thinking one of these little chapters would feel like it didn't apply to me as much as the others, but Reed does good work of exposing the heart issues underlying things--so even if the chapter title isn't something you feel like you struggle with, it was an edifying read. The 'positive' half of the book was good, practical wisdom on how a preacher can take proactive steps in order to persevere in faithfully preaching the Word.
My one critique of the book would be that the role (or blessing) of fellow elders for a man's preaching ministry wasn't really ever mentioned. One could leave this book with a view of a preaching ministry that is more isolated than a preacher needs to be.
I plan to reread this book again and again over the years. Recommend to anyone doing or aspiring to regular preaching.
Helpful in confronting the particular discouragements a regular preacher faces, and rebuking and comforting as required. The 'negative' half of the book, addressing these was pastorally gentle and firm. I kept thinking one of these little chapters would feel like it didn't apply to me as much as the others, but Reed does good work of exposing the heart issues underlying things--so even if the chapter title isn't something you feel like you struggle with, it was an edifying read. The 'positive' half of the book was good, practical wisdom on how a preacher can take proactive steps in order to persevere in faithfully preaching the Word.
My one critique of the book would be that the role (or blessing) of fellow elders for a man's preaching ministry wasn't really ever mentioned. One could leave this book with a view of a preaching ministry that is more isolated than a preacher needs to be.
I plan to reread this book again and again over the years. Recommend to anyone doing or aspiring to regular preaching.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews