What Do They Hear?: Bridging the Gap Between Pulpit & Pew

by Mark Allan Powell

PREACHINGPowell provides a startling study of how differently the pastor and the congregation interpret Scripture, how this difference affects what the congregation hears in the sermon, and how to bridge this gap with equally startling practical steps.

This remarkably fascinating book reveals how significant social location―such as age, gender, nationality, race, and education―is when interpreting the Bible. Illustrated with two studies, Mark Allan Powell demonstrates how this plays out most dramatically in the gulf, often quite wide, between the preacher and the congregation.Every preacher who reads this book will appreciate as never before the significance of social differences in the reception of his or her sermon, will see the unmistakable need to bridge this gap, and will receive clear instruction on how to do just that.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity

107 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kendall Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be the best homiletics book I've read. This is also might be one of the best and most helpful books on hermeneutics I've ever read.

It's certainly not comprehensive on homiletics or hermeneutics. It's likely best to think of this as like an extended essay on polyvalence and how clergy and laity tend to read and interpret scripture differently.

Powell has done some fantastic research here. He knows what he's talking about and he's so focused on what he believes is the point of his work here. He acknowledges but refuses to become distracted by other issues.

I think my only complaint is that I would've liked to see more focus on how Powell's ideas apply to non-narrative texts. He mentions this issue once toward the end, and I think he's right that non-narrative texts still display narrative characteristics, but I would've appreciated more demonstration of this idea.

This is my second book I've read written by Powell and I'm excited to read more. I have at least two other books of his on my shelf and I'm quite excited to get to these as soon as I can.

[Miguel Gonzalez-Feliciano · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly helpful book in helping pastors understand some of the different ways that laity hear and interpret sermons and the word of God. This is my second read-through after having to read this for a course, and I must say I still find a remarkably enjoyable book.

Powell doesn't get deep exegetically or theologically, but rather provides a quick read that is readily accessible to a pastor who does not have hours and hours to pour into reading.

The book itself will not dramatically change anyone's approach preaching or reading the text of scripture, but I would heartily recommend this book to any preacher simply for some of the practical studies inside that show the differences between how clergy and laity read texts and therefore receive sermons.

[Brad Hoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was both challenged by this book and concerned about it. I was challenged to be much more aware that what people hear when I speak might not be what I mean, and challenged to exercise greater care to communicate clearly.

The exercises conducted and reported by the author were very interesting and provide a great deal of food for thought. In general, I found more reason for hope in the "laity responses" to biblical texts in the various surveys he shared than in the "clergy responses".

However, I am concerned that readers might be reinforced in their thinking that the Bible can mean whatever they want it to mean. Someone once said, "Truth becomes a matter of opinion and every man's opinion a matter of truth". That quote well describes several shallow and fruitless Bible studies I participated in many years ago as a university student. My concern is that Powell's book might be taken to defend that kind of practice.

"God...has in these last days spoken to us by His Son", and our concern must be to know what he said, not what we want him to have meant.

[Raymond Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bottom line, do I recommend reading this book? Yes, with caution. There is much to be learned from this book, both good and bad. There are some very good insights in this book, and some very wrongheaded. What I have learned from this book is not what the author intended, which, in a funny way, is according to part, only part, of what he is arguing. I will probably read this again, if not multiple times to be reminded of the error, and of the good.
I both wish to give this book one star–for its self delusion–and five stars–for how it has made me think, particularly about 2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths", and John 12:21: "Sir, we would see Jesus."

[Joshua Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting and insightful little book. This was the first I’ve been introduced to Powell and really enjoyed his work. It’s a book primarily for preachers and trying to help us “bridge the gap” between us and the congregation.

I found some of the examples used of how different passages are understood in different areas of the world truly astonishing. It has truly challenged my thought process concerning the “meaning” of the text.

I also learned a new word, polyvalence, amongst others.

I am challenged to prepare differently for sermons and to think differently than I have been. How can I inspire meaning in the congregation and address what they are feeling from the text.

A great read!

[Joshua Ziefle · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that discusses how clergy and laity can interact with Scripture differently, and encourages reflection on what this means for preaching. I do wonder if his findings on clergy/lay biblical engagement have been borne out in other studies. Overall, though, the book can open a door for consideration.

[James Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book. It was a great refresher on when we preach, what others might hear. The last chapter was the most beneficial which was about the messages and the effect of the message. Laity want effect more than message. I would recommend to any seasoned preacher or new comer wanting to work on their craft. It’s also only 100 pages so it’s an easy read.

[Sean Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredibly helpful in pointing out many of the challenges that exist in communication. There is a gap between preachers and their congregations that is often difficult to identify and overcome, I’d recommend this book to begin making steps toward bridging that gap.

[James Passaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was an enjoyable short on preaching and communication between laity and clergy. I appreciated its poignancy and brevity

[HatGirl8]

4/25/2023

[Allison Wise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read! Powell has some really interesting research studies that were very surprising!

[Fred Putnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began this after reading an essay by Mark Powell, and could not stop reading (hence "started" and 'finished" on the same day), underlining, starring, and then recommending it to colleagues, friends, and students. Addressing the question of how we know that we are reading the text as it lies written before us, this is a fairly quick and easy read that will challenge readers' assumptions about how they understand the biblical text (and that could apply to nearly any text). Highly recommended.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not that often that a preaching book comes out that really gets me thinking in new directions. Powell brings an inquisitive mind to the task of understanding the dynamics of listening, and from that he crafts three fascinating surveys that reveal the sad chasm between many preachers and the real concerns and needs of their listeners. This is a quick and engaging read.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess I'm outing myself for those of you who don't know - but I'm a minister in the ELCA (Lutheran) church - this book is by one of my professors and I just finished it - awesome! Melissa knew that for sure, since she's married to him :)

[Alexander]

Excellent book for preachers

[Keith]

Some good points about different perspectives between clergy & laity based on training in interpretation. It was helpful, but i guess i was hoping for even more.