The Heart of Preaching: The Functional Centrality of the Gospel in the Life and Work of the Preacher

by Mike Bullmore, D. A. Carson (Foreword)

Examining the Role of the Gospel in the Life of the Preacher

Preachers are gospel experts. They have dedicated countless hours to studying the good news during seminary courses and while preparing for sermons. They share its message with accuracy and confidence with the congregation every Sunday. It's clear they have a strong biblical and theological understanding of the gospel, but what about a functional one?

In The Heart of Preaching, author Mike Bullmore explores the functional centrality of the gospel to help pastors convey its power in a more tangible way. Bullmore draws on decades of pastoral experience to navigate common heart challenges, clarify nuanced definitions, and provide practical advice for sermon preparation, delivery, and planning. This book is a valuable resource for those who want to see the gospel animate not only their preaching but their pastoral ministry and the entirety of their Christian life.

Explores the Functional Centrality of the Shows how to make the gospel functionally central to preaching, pastoral ministry, and the whole Christian life Written for Preaching Pastor Mike Bullmore offers an insider perspective on the real-world challenges faced by preachers Provides advice for sermon preparation, delivery, and planning From 9 Dedicated to helping pastors, ministries, and church members build healthy churches

Genres: Audiobook, Theology

216 pages, Paperback

Published June 16, 2026

About the author

Mike Bullmore (PhD, Northwestern University) serves as the senior pastor of Crossway Community Church in Bristol, Wisconsin. He was formerly professor of homiletics/practical theology and department chair at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. Mike lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with his wife, Beverly. They have three children.

Reviews

[Blake Patterson]

I’ve heard it argued many times before: godliness in the preacher is significant. And I believed it.
But Bullmore emboldens and biblically anchors that argument in a way that revealed to me that I did not appreciate it enough.
Having met Bullmore, heard him preach, and now have begun my own preaching ministry, this book was read at a very auspicious time in my life. I hung onto every word because of the man and mentor I know Bullmore to be. The journey of sermon prep and delivery has difficulties and discouragements. But there’s always grace for the humble in the prep and the delivery of sermons.

I plan to return to this book regularly.

[Derrick Haskins]

Add this to your list of “must read” preaching books.

[Saolomon Mouacheupao]

Primarily listened to this, but Mike Bullmore reads it himself, so the warm, pastoral tone truly came out. Reading this in the right season was bolstering to the soul. Practical reminders and tips for preaching with a pastoral tone.

[Troy Solava]

Fantastic. This should be a staple book for preachers. Encouraged and challenged each chapter. Mike is clear and calls us to preach faithfully- not just the passage’s content but intent! This is not an ordinary “preaching book”- it is unique and pastoral. This book makes me want to preach.

I will reread this book and glean from it.

Knowing Mike personally, this book is genuinely him. What a blessing.

[Johnny Lamey]

This was an excellent work on the nature of preaching. Addressing first the preacher himself and then the task and life of preaching, Bullmore repeatedly emphasizes the functional centrality of the Gospel. He makes it clear from the start that Gospel centrality in preaching must be more than lip service or a tacked-on connection to Jesus at the end of a sermon. Rather, Gospel-centered preaching aims to accomplish in its audience the effect that God desires the text at hand to have on their lives. The second and third sections on the means of accomplishing this were very practical, addressing the meaning and practice of expositional preaching as well as providing advice from a pastor with years of experience. However, I found Bullmore’s first section, On the Preacher, particularly powerful. Bullmore makes it clear that the calling to shepherd the flock of God is an immensely important one, and that those who accept that calling must closely guard their character. While the latter two thirds of this book are largely aimed at those who preach and teach, I think all believers, especially any who desire greater involvement in ministry, would benefit greatly from reading the earlier chapters (specifically 1-4). I’m certain I’ll be revisiting this in the future.

[Andrew]

An excellent guide to all aspects of great gospel-centered preaching from preparation, to the pastor’s character, to particular temptations preachers must guard against including the difficulty of walking contently in the ministry Christ has given to us without being distracted by what he has entrusted to others. Also very grateful for this book’s attention to the need for the Spirit’s power (“unction”) in the pulpit while guarding against performative preaching.

[Kyle]

At first, I was pretty apathetic to this book. However, after thinking through it more, I am thankful for Mike Bullmore's meditations on preaching and the centrality of the gospel in it. I am especially thankful for the new view on preaching. Preaching the Word is not meant to simply be a list of bullet points or ideas but more so a persuasive argument that is empowered by the Spirit to convict and convince the hearts of men.

[Caleb Friske]

This is a fantastic book for pastors and those training for preaching ministry! It discusses basically every aspect of the preacher's life and ministry. While it doesn't focus on any one area too much, it is incredibly practical and offers a lot of guidance and wisdom.

Read my full review on Substack: https://shepherdspath.substack.com/p/...

[Samuel Kassing]

A solid reminder on the joy and labor of preaching.

[Donald White]

Encouragement to Gospel Faithfulness

A timely word of encouragement and exhortation to be faithful in the ministry of preaching God’s Word. The instruction of sermon preparation and preaching is something I need to go back to yearly to help me be pastorally faithful in preaching.

[Drew French]

I want to be Mike when I grow up. This is my new favorite book on preaching and pastoral ministry. I anticipate re-reading this often.

[Daniel Taylor]

This book served as a great reminder of the importance of preaching, along with many bits of practical advice from the author on preparation, delivery, and the life of the preacher. It was a pleasure to converse with Dr. Bullmlmore throughout his book because of the incredibly high view he has of God and God's word. It was also insightful to see hear some of his advice since he has been faithfully preaching for decades now. I don't feel like there was anything new or novel in this book, but sometimes we need sturdy reminders of the truth to keep us persevering in the right way. I do recommend!

[Derrick Kenyon]

Wise and measured. I feel like this book could only come from someone with years of preaching and pastoring. This book was good for the soul. I am excited to get this book in the hands of preachers, especially those who have been preaching for a while. While there are so many good books on preaching, this is certainly one to add to the list.

[Staks OnStaks]

Clear, practical, and deeply rooted in Scripture. Though written for preachers, I think every Christian would benefit from it. It will help you read your Bible more faithfully, pursue godliness, and better understand—and encourage—your pastor. I highly recommend the audiobook, as hearing the author read it himself made it even better.

[Caleb]

A fantastic read, that I will come back to again and again. I believe this is our generation’s version of Preaching and Preachers by Lloyd Jones. Having been taught by Mike at the pastors college for Sovereign Grace, I love the audio version of getting to hear his voice and intonation. I would highly recommend this as a resource for pastoral teams. Soli Deo Gloria.

[Boaz Rees]

*Listened as an audiobook

An exceptional book! Absolutely loved listening to it! It really does what it says on the tin! So gospel centered, full of wisdom and life experience—perhaps a new go to book for when I feel discouraged or prideful in preaching.

[Erik Anderson]

Solid, encouraging.

[Andy Huette]

Solid truth. Needed reminders. Not too long.

[Matt Vent]

A must-read for pastors, aspiring pastors, and guys who just think about preaching!

[Steven Richardson]

Excellent truths on the life of the pastor, the work of the pastor, and the preaching of the pastor. I’d recommend all my pastor friends to read this one.

[Keller (Author Charles Hack) Hackbusch]

Wonderfully helpful and practical. Highly recommended for all pastors/preachers.