How to Prepare Sermons

by William Evans

This volume is not an attempt to present a complete and exhaustive treatment on Homiletics—the science and art of preaching, for there are already on the market larger and more comprehensive works on the subject. This book is prepared not only for theological students but also to supply the need of such as find themselves denied the privileges of a regular ministerial training, but who, nevertheless, feel themselves called upon to preach or proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed the lectures herein printed are in substance the same as delivered to young men and women preparing themselves for Christian service in a Bible training school. This fact accounts for their conversational style, which the author has not deemed wise to change.

Christian laymen, even though not preachers in the accepted sense of that term, desiring to be able to prepare brief gospel addresses and Bible readings, will find the help they need in this volume. Those seeking help in the preparation of "talks" for young peoples' societies, conventions, leagues, etc., may receive hints and suggestions in this work.

The book contains theory and practice. Part One deals with the method of constructing various kinds of sermons and Bible addresses. Part Two is composed of outlines illustrating Part One.

The closing chapter on "Illustrations and Their Use" has been found so helpful wherever delivered that it is thought advisable to give it a place in this volume.

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1939

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

1787-1867

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, poignant, powerful. Helpful examples, good illustrations, well structured - clearly written by a good communicator who communicates well about how to communicate well.

[Troy Underhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but has some archaic language

Overall enjoyed the book...sometimes it was difficult to follow because of the older type of language but the information was of great value

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb book for preachers across all experience levels. Pay special attention to the early chapters, which call on preachers to “BE” the right sort of women and men FIRST. No effective preachers can be anything other…

[Marisol Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative resource book. This book was easy to follow and understand. The examples of outlines for sermons, in the different types, was also very helpful and an added resource within the book.

[Kevin Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I’ve read a number of books on sermon prep but this one is the most understandable, concise, and helpful. A must read for preachers, or teachers of the Bible.

[Vadim · Rating 2 out of 5]

По большей части книга "Как готовить проповедь" содержит те же советы для выступающих, что и большинство "светских" книг. И все же ее нельзя считать книгой только пасторов (или священников). Она для тех, кто собирается говорить про "великие истины", конечно, речь идет об истинах моральных.

В такого рода вопросов связь между посланием и посланником особенно сильна. Проповедник сам должен быть безупречен в том вопросе, о котором взялся говорить. "Актер может играть роль, но не проповедник", -- автор подчеркивает, что проповедь эта передача личного живого опыта от одного к другому. Проповедник должен читать, но также должен переживать. Только это позволит проповеди быть убедительной, а проповеднику уверенным. Автор предостерегает от ремесленного подхода к делу: "послезавтра проповедь, поищу-ка примеры". "Основное занятие пастора не чтение проповедей, а поиск и провозглашение истины. Поэтому вся жизнь должна быть посвящена истине ради нее самой, а не просто ради подготовки к проповеди".

Каков все же ориентир для проповеди? Каждая должна приносить обращенных и переменивших решение. Если не ставить целью получать это каждый раз, то это не произойдет ни в какой (см. короткий диалог с участием Чарльза Сперджена).

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book... so short that you know you are dealing with an author that really knows his subject. A bit conservative in his definition of preaching for my taste, but you can't beat how effective and simple his practical advice is.

[Willard Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of the nuts and bolts of writing a sermon.

[Juana C Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

.THE BOOK IS PHENOMENAL

I like everything about this book

I'd recommend it to newbies and the learned and those who want to properly preach the word.

[Morena Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an excellent book. I earned all A's on my seminary assignments.