Listeners Dare: Hearing God in the Sermon

by Will Willimon

Discipleship and witness are not self-sustainable. Preaching equips God's people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11).



The gospel is news that passes from the lips of one who has heard to the ears of one who has not yet heard, then (God willing) it burrows in the soul, energizing the hands in daring response to a word received. Preaching is instigated by an astounding Good news; God has spoken to us. The Christian life is what you get when ordinary folk I have heard.

The book (a companion to Preachers Dare) is for anyone who listens to sermons--which includes preachers, since there's no way to preach without gaining skills as a listener. Listening is a human skill, but as God's word is proclaimed, the hearer experiences a vocal mix of preacher, listener, and God.

Praise for Listeners Dare
"Books about preaching--how to research, write, and deliver sermons--are legion. But books about how sermons are heard, internalized, and acted upon by ordinary Christians in the pews are rare. Willimon addresses this elusive yet critically important task with his usual wit, acumen, and pastor's heart. A few hours pondering this thought-filled work will pay handsome dividends come Sunday."
--Grant Wacker, Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor of Christian History, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC

"There is no shortage of resources out there for how to prepare and preach a sermon, and yet faith comes from hearing. In turning our attention to the homiletical process of listening, Willimon has given clergy and laity alike a true gift. Together, we get to listen for God's daring Word--a word that in our hearing brings about holy obedience, persistent hope, and daring discipleship."
--Karoline M. Lewis, Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching, Professor of Biblical Preaching, Luther Seminary; Program Director, Festival of Homiletics

"Listening to a sermon is a spiritual discipline--that is the simple, profound insight that underpins this rich offering from Will Willimon."
--Lauren F. Winner, Associate Professor, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC

Genres: Theology

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2022

Reviews

[Curt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does present a challenge to us make the most of our time when listening to a sermon. I can't say this book is one I would recommend as a good read but the author has a reputation as being a good preacher. Perhaps it would be better if he sat in a pew for a while to document his efforts from the other side of the pulpit.

[Anelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good exploration of what it means for the listener of sermons to become involved in the process of hearing what God wants us to hear in sermons. It challenges us to become part of the sermon and not remain passive. More importantly for me, this book sparked an interesting discussion among members of my church with our pastor. I recommend this book to anyone interested in getting more out of sermon listening, particularly if they can get others in their churches to read it with them.

[Andrew Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

See my forthcoming review on The Presbyterian Outlook magazine.