What do you think?
Rate this book
Preaching: A Simple Approach to the Sacred Task
Preaching with power and conviction is too important to be left to chance
In Preaching, experienced preacher and teacher of preachers, Daniel Overdorf, leads readers through a tested process for sermon preparation that takes proclaiming God's Word seriously yet does not overcomplicate the task or overwhelm the preacher. Overdorf describes and demonstrates consistent, manageable steps to effective preaching, including:
Clarifying the convictions that drive your preaching
Identifying the main idea of a Scripture text
Forming memorable word pictures,
Reducing reliance on notes
Connecting with the congregation throughout the sermon
Speaking authentically
"Overdorf has promised a textbook for beginning preachers--and it certainly delivers on that--but it is more. With exercises, examples, sidebars, and bonus articles he takes us beyond the basics. This book will put new preachers on the right track and help old preachers find the track again." --Jeffrey Arthurs, PhD, Robinson Professor of Preaching, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
"Daniel Overdorf, drawing on decades of experience preaching and training preachers, is a trustworthy guide for those learning how to preach. He takes this complex, sacred, and often intimidating task and makes it accessible for beginners, and yet even seasoned preachers will benefit from his wisdom." --Heather Gorman, PhD, Professor of New Testament, Johnson University
Preaching offers guidance for any pastor who desires to communicate God's Word more effectively. Those preparing for the pastorate will find encouragement and exercises that start their teaching ministry off on the right path. Those who preach regularly will discover resources for taking the next step in their unique journey of proclaiming the Scriptures to their congregations with power and presence.
In Preaching, experienced preacher and teacher of preachers, Daniel Overdorf, leads readers through a tested process for sermon preparation that takes proclaiming God's Word seriously yet does not overcomplicate the task or overwhelm the preacher. Overdorf describes and demonstrates consistent, manageable steps to effective preaching, including:
Clarifying the convictions that drive your preaching
Identifying the main idea of a Scripture text
Forming memorable word pictures,
Reducing reliance on notes
Connecting with the congregation throughout the sermon
Speaking authentically
"Overdorf has promised a textbook for beginning preachers--and it certainly delivers on that--but it is more. With exercises, examples, sidebars, and bonus articles he takes us beyond the basics. This book will put new preachers on the right track and help old preachers find the track again." --Jeffrey Arthurs, PhD, Robinson Professor of Preaching, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
"Daniel Overdorf, drawing on decades of experience preaching and training preachers, is a trustworthy guide for those learning how to preach. He takes this complex, sacred, and often intimidating task and makes it accessible for beginners, and yet even seasoned preachers will benefit from his wisdom." --Heather Gorman, PhD, Professor of New Testament, Johnson University
Preaching offers guidance for any pastor who desires to communicate God's Word more effectively. Those preparing for the pastorate will find encouragement and exercises that start their teaching ministry off on the right path. Those who preach regularly will discover resources for taking the next step in their unique journey of proclaiming the Scriptures to their congregations with power and presence.
240 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2022
3 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Overdorf
13 books10 followersDaniel Overdorf grew up in the mountains of eastern Tennessee and southern West Virginia, where he experienced the value of the blue-collar work ethic, the wonder of Appalachian storytelling, and the joy of being raised in the home of a preacher who loves the church with all his heart.
These early influences continue to shape his perspectives of life and faith. He graduated from Johnson University, then spent the next ten years ministering with churches in Illinois and Georgia. In the meantime, he earned a Master of Divinity from Lincoln Christian Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. At Gordon-Conwell, he had the joy of studying for four years under Haddon Robinson, a patriarch in the field of preaching. Robinson's influence significantly shaped Overdorf's philosophy and approach to preaching, both as a preacher and as a professor.
Since 2005, Daniel has taught at Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee, where his current position is Professor of Pastoral Ministries and Director of Preaching Programs. He loves the campus atmosphere and the relationships that he shares with students and colleagues.
He has been married to his lovely and gifted wife, Carrie, for twenty-five years. They have two sons and a daughter. He enjoys watching college sports, hiking, playing golf, and, most of all, cheering for his kids at their softball and basketball games and choir performances.
These early influences continue to shape his perspectives of life and faith. He graduated from Johnson University, then spent the next ten years ministering with churches in Illinois and Georgia. In the meantime, he earned a Master of Divinity from Lincoln Christian Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. At Gordon-Conwell, he had the joy of studying for four years under Haddon Robinson, a patriarch in the field of preaching. Robinson's influence significantly shaped Overdorf's philosophy and approach to preaching, both as a preacher and as a professor.
Since 2005, Daniel has taught at Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee, where his current position is Professor of Pastoral Ministries and Director of Preaching Programs. He loves the campus atmosphere and the relationships that he shares with students and colleagues.
He has been married to his lovely and gifted wife, Carrie, for twenty-five years. They have two sons and a daughter. He enjoys watching college sports, hiking, playing golf, and, most of all, cheering for his kids at their softball and basketball games and choir performances.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 7, 2022
Ahhh, what a refreshingly simple and beneficial read. This may be my new “I want to learn how a preach a sermon, what book should I read?” recommendation. This book would be great for any new preacher, or any preacher who hasn’t revisited the nuts and bolts of sermon preparation recently. It’s so easy for me to get into a groove with sermon preparation and preaching rhythms that I’m running on cruise control without actually thoughtfully engaging the entire process. This book reminded me of a lot of basic preaching techniques and tips that had slipped my mind over the last few years. I was writing and preaching a few sermons as I was reading this book, and I legitimately think those sermons were better because I was reading this book.
February 24, 2024
Such a good book for anyone wanted to dive into preaching. Love having his class to because you get to really see who the author is begins the book. Highly recommend reading i for any preacher, young or old.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews