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Some of the Words Are Theirs: The Art of Writing and Living a Sermon
A wise and lyrical encounter with the distinctive work of a pastor, Some of the Words Are Theirs reveals the beating heart of a life measured not just in years lived, but in sermons preached.
Given the stiff competition in today’s attention economy, many pastors feel pressured to make their sermons strikingly original. But Austin Carty, a longtime pastor and award-winning writer, has a different nothing we do or say is ever truly new. The power of a sermon is found not in novelty, but in the mandate it gives preachers to collect their thoughts every week and put them down in a succinct, coherent fashion. Seen this way, sermon writing is a built-in answer to the distinctly human quandary of making meaning from the stuff of our lives. As Carty puts it, “This is the unique gift of preaching. While all writers are blessed by self-discovery, preachers are the most blessed writers of all—for we have a deadline for self-discovery each Sunday.”
In Some of the Words Are The Art of Writing and Living a Sermon, Carty offers a masterclass in sermon writing that also explores the “why” driving this vocation. In so doing, he discovers how often his own sermons have been an exercise in trying to make sense of his own past, and how much autobiography lies beneath the themes he has been preaching throughout his pastoral career.
Ultimately, Carty shows how careful attention to the craft of writing a sermon—like careful attention to living a meaningful life—leads to greater self-awareness and humility. The Holy Spirit can use a preacher’s words and life in ways he or she never could have anticipated. A beautifully woven tapestry of homiletical instruction and memoir, Some of the Words Are Theirs will appeal to readers of Annie Dillard’s The Writing Life and Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird, and to seminarians and pastors who yearn for a more holistic understanding of the craft of sermon writing.
Given the stiff competition in today’s attention economy, many pastors feel pressured to make their sermons strikingly original. But Austin Carty, a longtime pastor and award-winning writer, has a different nothing we do or say is ever truly new. The power of a sermon is found not in novelty, but in the mandate it gives preachers to collect their thoughts every week and put them down in a succinct, coherent fashion. Seen this way, sermon writing is a built-in answer to the distinctly human quandary of making meaning from the stuff of our lives. As Carty puts it, “This is the unique gift of preaching. While all writers are blessed by self-discovery, preachers are the most blessed writers of all—for we have a deadline for self-discovery each Sunday.”
In Some of the Words Are The Art of Writing and Living a Sermon, Carty offers a masterclass in sermon writing that also explores the “why” driving this vocation. In so doing, he discovers how often his own sermons have been an exercise in trying to make sense of his own past, and how much autobiography lies beneath the themes he has been preaching throughout his pastoral career.
Ultimately, Carty shows how careful attention to the craft of writing a sermon—like careful attention to living a meaningful life—leads to greater self-awareness and humility. The Holy Spirit can use a preacher’s words and life in ways he or she never could have anticipated. A beautifully woven tapestry of homiletical instruction and memoir, Some of the Words Are Theirs will appeal to readers of Annie Dillard’s The Writing Life and Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird, and to seminarians and pastors who yearn for a more holistic understanding of the craft of sermon writing.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
144 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 21, 2026
Short, reflective yet playful—in Some of the Words Are Theirs, Austin Carty brings together his process for sermon writing through the metanarrative of his own family life. On the spectrum of resources on crafting a sermon, this really is not theological as it is a resource on creating good art. Although I would barely qualify myself for what I imagine this book's target audience to be (preachers, teachers, writers—any creative really), I was immediately taken by Carty's prose and his method for weaving personal anecdotes together with his thoughts on writing. I wish I could read the 50% of this book that Carty claims to have cut out. Sorry, I'm getting carried away.
Will probably be re-reading a lot sooner than I think. 5 stars.
Will probably be re-reading a lot sooner than I think. 5 stars.
July 10, 2025
Preaching can take many different forms. Each preacher will develop their own style and habits. They may borrow from preachers they admire or their teachers. Some preachers like to focus on topics, others draw from one of the lectionaries, or they may work through a particular book of the bible, which is called "lectio continua." Some preachers go into the pulpit without notes, and some memorize their sermons. Others take a manuscript. But whatever form we choose, we use words. Therefore, even if we don't write down a full manuscript, we will think through (hopefully) what we wish to say and how to say it.
There are lots of books that describe the ins and outs of preaching. Preachers will have read many of them. They keep coming because there is always more to say. With that in mind, I offer to you Austin Carty's "Some of the Words Are Theirs: The Art of Writing and Living a Sermon." I reviewed an earlier book by Carty, which I enjoyed---The Pastor's Bookshelf: Why Reading Matters for Ministry. Part of the reason for my enjoyment is that Carty was recommending that pastors devote time to reading and reading broadly. In this book on preaching, Carty, who is pastor of Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson, South Carolina, focuses on words and their importance. As you read both of the books, you will understand that before becoming a preacher, he taught English literature.
This particular book is not lengthy, but it covers the process of writing a sermon from preparation to the final draft. But this isn't just a how-to manual on preaching because Carty weaves into the book his own life story, especially his relationship with his father. It is a relationship that involves respect but also frustration, as his father became an alcoholic during his teen years. So, this story serves as fodder for the sermon creation.
As for the process of moving from preparation, which begins with the text, and then to the process of writing, and then to revision. He offers eighteen chapters, in which he explores each piece of a sermon. One of the important lessons here is that this process that leads to what is shared on Sunday morning can't be haphazard. One needs to make time to write and revise, keeping the audience in mind. One cannot wait until Saturday evening to prepare a sermon. What Carty recommends may be difficult for many preachers who have a day job besides their pastoral call. So, they may not be able to spend a day writing, as Carty does. My own process is different from Carty's, but like him, I start early in the week, spending time in the text before starting to write.
It should be noted that Carty is not only a preacher, but he is also a writer of both fiction and non-fiction. He's also a student of literature and writing. He brings that background to this book, written for preachers, seeking to help them create the kind of sermon that connects with congregations.
There are lots of books that describe the ins and outs of preaching. Preachers will have read many of them. They keep coming because there is always more to say. With that in mind, I offer to you Austin Carty's "Some of the Words Are Theirs: The Art of Writing and Living a Sermon." I reviewed an earlier book by Carty, which I enjoyed---The Pastor's Bookshelf: Why Reading Matters for Ministry. Part of the reason for my enjoyment is that Carty was recommending that pastors devote time to reading and reading broadly. In this book on preaching, Carty, who is pastor of Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson, South Carolina, focuses on words and their importance. As you read both of the books, you will understand that before becoming a preacher, he taught English literature.
This particular book is not lengthy, but it covers the process of writing a sermon from preparation to the final draft. But this isn't just a how-to manual on preaching because Carty weaves into the book his own life story, especially his relationship with his father. It is a relationship that involves respect but also frustration, as his father became an alcoholic during his teen years. So, this story serves as fodder for the sermon creation.
As for the process of moving from preparation, which begins with the text, and then to the process of writing, and then to revision. He offers eighteen chapters, in which he explores each piece of a sermon. One of the important lessons here is that this process that leads to what is shared on Sunday morning can't be haphazard. One needs to make time to write and revise, keeping the audience in mind. One cannot wait until Saturday evening to prepare a sermon. What Carty recommends may be difficult for many preachers who have a day job besides their pastoral call. So, they may not be able to spend a day writing, as Carty does. My own process is different from Carty's, but like him, I start early in the week, spending time in the text before starting to write.
It should be noted that Carty is not only a preacher, but he is also a writer of both fiction and non-fiction. He's also a student of literature and writing. He brings that background to this book, written for preachers, seeking to help them create the kind of sermon that connects with congregations.
May 15, 2026
Austin Carty takes us on a poetic, piercing journey through, well, exactly what the subtitle says: the art of writing and living a sermon. He pairs memoir-style reflections on his life with the steps of the sermon-writing process to illustrate—to incarnate—why each is necessary. For example, in the chapter on starting with a hook, he describes a moment in his life when he had a eureka moment about his father's alcoholism, years after he himself had stopped drinking and didn't know why: "And there it was—a connection made, long after the initial presentation." Or in the exegesis chapter, he writes out a list of facts about his upbringing, striking through the irrelevant details the way he encourages sermon-writers to cull down the overwhelming array of exegetical research into a narrative that serves its hearers.
Carty leans on preacher Tom Long's description of sermon design as an "an installation of window panels," which include things like the opening image or hook, exegesis, illustrative stories, etc. It's a helpful way to envision how you put together the different components of a sermon, which for me has been one of the hardest parts—there's just so much to include, to be aware of, to balance.
On that note, Carty draws from many other sources, from famous preachers to his own pastors, from his grandmother to his wife and son. His generous citing of inspirations underlines the title—all of our words are not really ours. They spring from a fountain watered by a thousand conscious and unconscious sources, and God in his grace wants to use our particular cocktail to speak to his people. My favorite part of the book is the primacy Carty gives us to the preacher's greatest inspiration (I use that word intentionally): the Spirit. From the first prayer-drenched read-throughs of the text to the painful cutting of our favorite sections, the Spirit is the essential ingredient, and I was moved by Carty's insistence on this.
At the end, Carty describes how the Spirit eschatologically takes up our poor efforts and will do with them far more than we can imagine:
So here's the thing: at a certain point in the process, we must stop trying to control our sermons and must learn instead to trust the Spirit of God, for who knows what mark our insufficient and soon-forgotten words might make when the transformative wind of an eternal tomorrow sweeps them up and carries them away?
Writing sermons is terrifying and yet also, seen in that light, a gloriously beautifully gift that I can't believe I get to do.
On critiques, I am being trained in an emphatically Christological method of preaching, so I would have added the importance of placing the passage and message in the context of the full gospel story (although I don't like forcing Jesus connections—that has to be done honestly and sensitively, and may be more a hint than a direct hyperlink).
I'm grateful I found this book when I did, as I venture into this mysterious, weighty task.
Some of our words—our best words—we get back.
We think they're lost; we think they've disappeared in the trash or been lost in the attic or evaporated in the air but then, by an act of divine grace, when we least expect them, they come back again in transfigured form.
Therefore, we write by faith and not by sight—shadow casting, as it were—and we wait for the arrival of grace.
And grace comes by art, and art does not come easy.
Carty leans on preacher Tom Long's description of sermon design as an "an installation of window panels," which include things like the opening image or hook, exegesis, illustrative stories, etc. It's a helpful way to envision how you put together the different components of a sermon, which for me has been one of the hardest parts—there's just so much to include, to be aware of, to balance.
On that note, Carty draws from many other sources, from famous preachers to his own pastors, from his grandmother to his wife and son. His generous citing of inspirations underlines the title—all of our words are not really ours. They spring from a fountain watered by a thousand conscious and unconscious sources, and God in his grace wants to use our particular cocktail to speak to his people. My favorite part of the book is the primacy Carty gives us to the preacher's greatest inspiration (I use that word intentionally): the Spirit. From the first prayer-drenched read-throughs of the text to the painful cutting of our favorite sections, the Spirit is the essential ingredient, and I was moved by Carty's insistence on this.
At the end, Carty describes how the Spirit eschatologically takes up our poor efforts and will do with them far more than we can imagine:
So here's the thing: at a certain point in the process, we must stop trying to control our sermons and must learn instead to trust the Spirit of God, for who knows what mark our insufficient and soon-forgotten words might make when the transformative wind of an eternal tomorrow sweeps them up and carries them away?
Writing sermons is terrifying and yet also, seen in that light, a gloriously beautifully gift that I can't believe I get to do.
On critiques, I am being trained in an emphatically Christological method of preaching, so I would have added the importance of placing the passage and message in the context of the full gospel story (although I don't like forcing Jesus connections—that has to be done honestly and sensitively, and may be more a hint than a direct hyperlink).
I'm grateful I found this book when I did, as I venture into this mysterious, weighty task.
Some of our words—our best words—we get back.
We think they're lost; we think they've disappeared in the trash or been lost in the attic or evaporated in the air but then, by an act of divine grace, when we least expect them, they come back again in transfigured form.
Therefore, we write by faith and not by sight—shadow casting, as it were—and we wait for the arrival of grace.
And grace comes by art, and art does not come easy.
January 4, 2026
I have read my first book of 2026 and I am grateful that this was the one.
This book guides its reader through the craft of sermon writing, while deftly weaving the story of the author's life into the book, thus showing that a sermon cannot be divorced from the life of the one who writes it, nor from the One who gives its author Life.
This book is lite on theological conviction—and not because Austin Carty lacks it. This book is not 130+ pages of drumming into the reader the necessity of keeping Christ central in all things. Carty is more concerned about the craft of writing (as the subtitle plainly states). He also understands well the mechanics of rhetoric and compelling writing.
Lutherans know that a sermon without the evangelical proclamation of Christ is no sermon at all (I suspect Austin Carty knows it, too). But his book isn't written to convince you of this point. If that bothers you, you won't enjoy this book. However, it would still be beneficial for you to read it.
Finally, what a delightful read. Even if you're not a preacher. If you're just a layman or laywoman and you like writing...this book is worth picking up and reading. The prose is easy to digest with all the flavor of sturdier fare.
This book guides its reader through the craft of sermon writing, while deftly weaving the story of the author's life into the book, thus showing that a sermon cannot be divorced from the life of the one who writes it, nor from the One who gives its author Life.
This book is lite on theological conviction—and not because Austin Carty lacks it. This book is not 130+ pages of drumming into the reader the necessity of keeping Christ central in all things. Carty is more concerned about the craft of writing (as the subtitle plainly states). He also understands well the mechanics of rhetoric and compelling writing.
Lutherans know that a sermon without the evangelical proclamation of Christ is no sermon at all (I suspect Austin Carty knows it, too). But his book isn't written to convince you of this point. If that bothers you, you won't enjoy this book. However, it would still be beneficial for you to read it.
Finally, what a delightful read. Even if you're not a preacher. If you're just a layman or laywoman and you like writing...this book is worth picking up and reading. The prose is easy to digest with all the flavor of sturdier fare.
February 5, 2026
Some of the Words Are Theirs by Austin Carty is a lyrical, deeply thoughtful exploration of the art of sermon writing and the life of a pastor. Carty blends memoir with practical guidance, demonstrating how careful reflection, disciplined writing, and attention to craft can illuminate both the message of a sermon and the meaning of one’s own life.
What sets the book apart is its dual focus: Carty not only instructs on how to write a compelling sermon but also explores why this vocation matters. His reflections reveal the ways in which self-discovery, humility, and spiritual insight are interwoven with the weekly practice of preparing sermons. Readers are given both a roadmap for better writing and a meditation on living a meaningful, values driven life.
Some of the Words Are Theirs is essential for pastors, seminarians, and anyone interested in writing as a reflective practice. Carty’s prose is elegant yet accessible, providing both inspiration and actionable wisdom for those who wish to deepen their craft and their vocation.
What sets the book apart is its dual focus: Carty not only instructs on how to write a compelling sermon but also explores why this vocation matters. His reflections reveal the ways in which self-discovery, humility, and spiritual insight are interwoven with the weekly practice of preparing sermons. Readers are given both a roadmap for better writing and a meditation on living a meaningful, values driven life.
Some of the Words Are Theirs is essential for pastors, seminarians, and anyone interested in writing as a reflective practice. Carty’s prose is elegant yet accessible, providing both inspiration and actionable wisdom for those who wish to deepen their craft and their vocation.
October 13, 2025
I find Austin Carty very readable—sentences flow, ideas are well constructed, conveyed in ways I find compelling and thought-provoking. I appreciated the memoir he wove throughout his chapters on various aspects of writing a sermon. I’ll be trying to incorporate his process into my own sermon writing. I also love the ways he weaves others’ writing into his; he did this beautifully in his earlier book “The Pastor’s Bookshelf: Why Reading Matters for Ministry.” I find this is how my brain works when I’m writing, too—earlier words I’ve read find their ways to weave and rhyme within my own. “Some of the Words Are Theirs” presents a strong case that even our most original written words are indebted to countless influences whose writing and living lie deep within us.
August 2, 2025
I got mine last week and read (devoured) it in one sitting. I don’t typically write sermons, but this book is much more than a book on preaching and writing sermons. Any writer or reader can benefit from the wisdom Austin Carty shares. This book was in part about writing, part memoir, and in totality a sermon.
August 23, 2025
I think I would enjoy hearing Austin Carty preach. His approach is thoughtful, deliberate, honest, methodical (in a good way), thorough, and more. He's clearly a reader, too, and his thinking throughout this book seems to be shaped by the many books he's read. (It helped that I have read many of the same authors.) I'm guessing fellow preachers will see themselves in this book, as I did.
Read
July 27, 2025More memoir than manual. He tried to do both making it disjointed…too many reflective paragraphs that didn’t connect with anything. Concise, simple, easy to read guide for those just starting out trying to put a message together though. Great quips scattered throughout.
July 30, 2025
I consider the audience when giving a rating so I can’t give it a 5 for most people in my circles don’t preach but I really appreciated this book and how it was written.
August 25, 2025
My favorite book on sermon-writing. A profound and unique blend of autobiography and writing tips. I don't know of any book like it.
Video review here: https://youtu.be/IcoZG7VuRnM
Video review here: https://youtu.be/IcoZG7VuRnM
September 20, 2025
Didn't click.
September 23, 2025
Accessible, short meta-analysis of sermon writing. Not a bad system and worth the read.
September 29, 2025
Such a great little book. I'll return it to it often!
January 5, 2026
Despite seeming less promising in the earlier chapters this book becomes very rich (and searching) in unexpected ways. I'm very glad to have come across it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews