Go Preach

by John P. Gilbert

This book offers practical tips for persons who are called on to preach occasionally but who are not formally trained as pastors. Gilbert includes just enough theory to support the practice. A bibliography provides specific suggestions for readers wishing to explore preaching in more detail. Required text Lay Speakers Advanced Course by Jack Gilbert. (2002)

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

John P. "Jack" Gilbert is a graduate of the Boston University School of Theology, with graduate work in religious education at Boston University and several other universities and seminaries. Gilbert is retired but currently pastors a small-membership church in rural Tennessee.

Reviews

[Erin]

Excellent primer for the first time sermon writer and preacher. Lots of helpful advice to avoid the pitfalls of preaching *yourself* instead of preaching *Jesus*.

For preachers who don't think they need the kind of preparation and attention to detail that Gilbert teaches in this book, I am telling you on behalf of your bored, confused, and/or annoyed congregation YES YOU DO.

[Glyn Williams]

Practical advice for any beginner preacher, with good reminders for those who have done it for many years. Even though it is based on the Methodist Church of America's setup, its advice is invaluable.

[Keith]

Solid tips and advice for lay speakers within the United Methodist Church. It also has great wisdom about what NOT to do. I found this book very helpful as a beginning pastor learning how to prepare for and preach each Sunday.

[Angela]

This was assigned reading for local pastor's licensing school. I've read much more helpful preaching texts! Gilbert is a little too dogmatic about manuscript preparation, among other things.

[Richard Fitzgerald]

Clear and concise primer on preaching. There is nothing earth shattering here, but it is readable and will point the novice preacher in the right direction.

[Jackie Machardy]

Solid advice for beginners.