Claiming the Call to Preach

Claiming the Call to Preach PDF Author: Donna Giver-Johnston
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0197576397
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 321

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Book Description
Few debates divide the contemporary church more than the issue of call. The question of who can be called to preach segregates denominations, divides people within churches, and undermines its public witness. Yet, curiously little homiletic attention has been paid to the issue of call. Because the practice of call has not been subjected to critical inquiry, it has taken on power. Power lies hidden in the crevices of the question of who can be called to preach; power lies in the institutional narrative and approved stories of call; power lies in the discordant debates, equally in the stifling silence. Claiming the Call to Preach critically examines the dominant historical narrative that overtly or covertly has exercised its power to keep women from preaching. Donna Giver-Johnston here recovers the histories of four notable female preaching pioneers who affected change in the religious landscape of nineteenth-century America: Jarena Lee, Frances Willard, Louisa Woosley, and Florence Spearing Randolph. These women, diverse in religion, race, class, and culture each told their story of call in distinctive ways that articulated strong and effective rhetorical arguments for ecclesiastical sanction to give them a place in the pulpit. Recovering their rhetorical witness helps to fill in the gaps in the history of preaching in America, contribute to research and pedagogies in the field of homiletics, and provide today's women--and all candidates for ministry--with different theological models and narrative strategies by which to effectively interpret and claim their calls to preach. These women who spoke truth to power help us reimagine a church today that no longer questions the legitimacy of one's call to preach, but endorses previously silenced voices, and is therefore strengthened by women's voices from the pulpit.

Claiming the Call to Preach

Claiming the Call to Preach PDF Author: Donna Giver-Johnston
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0197576397
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 321

Get Book

Book Description
Few debates divide the contemporary church more than the issue of call. The question of who can be called to preach segregates denominations, divides people within churches, and undermines its public witness. Yet, curiously little homiletic attention has been paid to the issue of call. Because the practice of call has not been subjected to critical inquiry, it has taken on power. Power lies hidden in the crevices of the question of who can be called to preach; power lies in the institutional narrative and approved stories of call; power lies in the discordant debates, equally in the stifling silence. Claiming the Call to Preach critically examines the dominant historical narrative that overtly or covertly has exercised its power to keep women from preaching. Donna Giver-Johnston here recovers the histories of four notable female preaching pioneers who affected change in the religious landscape of nineteenth-century America: Jarena Lee, Frances Willard, Louisa Woosley, and Florence Spearing Randolph. These women, diverse in religion, race, class, and culture each told their story of call in distinctive ways that articulated strong and effective rhetorical arguments for ecclesiastical sanction to give them a place in the pulpit. Recovering their rhetorical witness helps to fill in the gaps in the history of preaching in America, contribute to research and pedagogies in the field of homiletics, and provide today's women--and all candidates for ministry--with different theological models and narrative strategies by which to effectively interpret and claim their calls to preach. These women who spoke truth to power help us reimagine a church today that no longer questions the legitimacy of one's call to preach, but endorses previously silenced voices, and is therefore strengthened by women's voices from the pulpit.

Called to Preach

Called to Preach PDF Author: Steven J. Lawson
Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 1493434063
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 187

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Book Description
In every generation, the church stands in dire need of God-called people to preach the Word with precision and power. Preachers who will not replace sound theology with culturally palatable soundbites. Preachers who will clearly and faithfully share the gospel and inspire those in their churches to live godly lives. Through in-depth biblical analysis and inspiring examples from church history, Steven J. Lawson paints a picture of God's glory magnified through faithful preaching, reclaiming the high ground of biblical preaching for the next generation. With helpful advice and practical guidance gleaned from 50 years in ministry, Lawson helps aspiring preachers know if they are called to preach; understand the qualifications for ministry; and develop, improve, and deliver strong expository sermons that illuminate the Word of God in a dark world.

Writing for the Ear, Preaching from the Heart

Writing for the Ear, Preaching from the Heart PDF Author: Donna Giver-Johnston
Publisher: Fortress Press
ISBN: 150646324X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 163

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Book Description
Words bombard us every day. Words can be noisy and cheap. And yet, words are all preachers have. In Writing for the Ear, Preaching from the Heart, Donna Giver-Johnston addresses the question: How do you capture ears in an era of noise? Many preachers want to get away from their notes and make a more personal connection with their listeners, but they have not been mentored in methods that enable them to do that. Grounded in a theology of incarnation and articulation and coupled with an awareness of what listeners most need and want to hear, Giver-Johnston explains how preachers can communicate more effectively--how they can write sermons for the ear, with the fewest, most impactful words to craft a memorable message. She also provides guidance on how to preach sermons by heart, without notes, to communicate a message that captures the ears and hearts of listeners. In a time when attention spans are shortening and church participation is declining, this book provides a proven method for preachers to communicate in ways that are meaningful and memorable to aching ears today and that can change the world for good, and for God, one longing heart at a time.

Reflections on My Call to Preach

Reflections on My Call to Preach PDF Author: Fred B. Craddock
Publisher: Chalice Press
ISBN: 9780827232822
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 260

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Book Description
Travel with revered preacher and author Fred Craddock through his early years as he considers what made him take to the pulpit. ?For some reason, I felt I had to say ?Yes? or ?No? to the ministry so I could feel free again. My siblings and friends talked almost casually about options and preferences as to careers, but with no evident sense of urgency. Not so with me. I did not then nor do I now know whether the burden of choice was a trait of personality, a kind of super-conscientiousness, whether the calling to ministry itself carried a weight, a burden, peculiar to the task itself. Rightly or wrongly, when I thought of possibly becoming a journalist, that would be a choice, 100 percent mine. When I considered becoming a minister, that was not totally my decision; I was responding to God?s will for me. Of course, I had been told that journalists, lawyers, teachers, merchants, farmers?all could understand their lives as a vocation, a calling, but what I am telling you is that I perceived, I felt, I experienced the idea of being a preacher as different, and that difference was sobering, even burdensome. That?s why advice about not being in a hurry, taking my time, was not helpful even if wise. If it was my decision, why could I not make it now; if it was God?s decision, why did not God tell me, or at least tell my father or my mother? I prayed for the ache to leave me.? ?Excerpt from Reflections on My Call to Preach

The Calling from God

The Calling from God PDF Author: Lowell Hardy
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1514453495
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 99

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Book Description
The Calling from God shares an in-depth analysis of various callings to individuals to preach from a Biblical standpoint. It comes in unique ways for each individual. So, the exact nature of the calling from God is difficult, at best, to describe for it does not lend itself to any private interpretation, especially to someone not privy to the calling. Within the text, the reader will learn about the struggles of various people with God and within themselves. All experiences are coercing, demanding, and cajoling for sure. However, the one called has to determine within oneself what Gods will is for him/herself. The Calling from God will serve as a guide to those seeking answers about their possible destiny. The book takes the approach that many are called, only a few answers because of uncertainty. The book will help one decide what to do based on their life-changing experiences with the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. The ones called must make sure of their calling, for there is much to do for the harvest is great. This book shows in detail some of the preparation needed as one grows in service to the calling from God. All Christians are called by God the Father to be witnesses of His resurrection power by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. For sure, a call in in any form lays a heavenly claim upon the one called. This book helps one understand the calling from God, and will help one to reach a sound decision based on their life and experiences in comparison to selected Biblical callings. The Calling from God will serve a reference manual and a valuable source of information for anyone thinking about answering or has answered the call from God. The decision to serve is very personal as you will learn from the book The Calling from God and the many Biblical If you are struggling with the decision to serve of not to serve, this book is for you. Many are called, only few are chosen. You will know after reading The Call from God if you one of the few chosen to serve and trust Gods wisdom in leading you to point others to the Uplifted Christ. Will you answer the call from God? The alternative is to wrestle with the Spirit, as conviction works slowly and agonizingly in the soul. This book is a must read.

I'm Called to Preach Now What? Work Book

I'm Called to Preach Now What? Work Book PDF Author: Aaron Chapman
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781524692391
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 60

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Book Description
Dr. Aaron Chapman's expressions on efficacious expository preaching is a masterpiece. It is a must read for aspiring expositors and for the tenured preacher. I am encouraged to keep pressing for a higher level in this calling because of this book. Pastor C.L. Mayes Macedonia Baptist Church Toledo Ohio; National Evangelist A library 'must have', is this soul-searching, conscious-pricking discourse of self examination of one's calling and commitment to make full proof of their fervor towards the call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. Aaron Chapman's masterpiece: I'm Called to Preach-Now What? is an emphatic dissuading of preachers from becoming pirates plunderers and predators, of the sweet pain of another preacher's production and performance. If the passion to preach will effectively move from print to proclamation, one will fare well to embrace this theorem: Monday is Tuesday. Tuesday is Wednesday. Wednesday is Friday. Saturday is for meditation. And all of a sudden, it's Sunday! Now what? Pastor Tellis Chapman Galilee Baptist Church; NBC Late night President Dr. Aaron Chapman offers us a practical and thorough format for beginning and continuing the development of sermons. Preachers everywhere can learn again how to do sermonizing. As a teacher of preaching and mentor to numerous preachers across generations, I'm particularly fascinated with Dr. Chapman's freshness and creativity. I recommend this reading to anyone who wants to be challenged toward authenticity and integrity in sermon development and delivery. This work is anchored in the rich history of homiletics while sprouting dynamic images for creative and dynamic possibilities for the future of preaching. This book should be read again and again by those who preach in order to remain relevant and impactful. E.L. Branch Third New Hope Baptist Church, Detroit Homiletics Professor, Ashland Seminary

The Supremacy of God in Preaching

The Supremacy of God in Preaching PDF Author: John Piper
Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 1441223029
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 176

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Book Description
According to Warren Wiersbe, The Supremacy of God in Preaching "calls us back to a biblical standard for preaching, a standard exemplified by many of the pulpit giants of the past, especially Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon." This newly revised and expanded edition is an essential guide for preachers who want to stir the embers of revival. Piper has added valuable new material reflecting on his thirty-three years of preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church, offering a glimpse of what a lifetime of putting God first has done for the faith of the hundreds of thousands who have heard him preach over the years.

The Calling of the Ministry

The Calling of the Ministry PDF Author: William Perkins
Publisher: Puritan Publications
ISBN: 1626632154
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 150

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Book Description
Preaching today is in rapid decline. Pulpits all over the planet are filled with ministers who gain a paycheck, but give little else. William Perkins explains what it means to be truly called to the holy office of the minister. He does this from two principle texts: Job chapters 32-33 with emphasis on 33:23, and Isaiah 6:1-13. Perkins says that the words in Job contain, “a valuable description of a true minister,” how he is a messenger and an interpreter, one in a thousand. Then, he explains Isaiah 6:1-13 of Isaiah’s confirmation, showing Isaiah was fearful, stunned, cast down, comforted, and renewed in his commission to go and be sent of God to preach for Christ's glory. He explains that men ought to consider the extreme presumption of those who rashly enter the ministry. Many ministers come into God’s presence unsanctified, and in their sins, little concerned about how loosely they live before their people. Perkins will not make the ministry an easy door to open. That is because faithful exegesis on important passages about the ministry shows it to be a hard and difficult road. Being God’s mouthpiece is not an easy task, but being called to it is an honor that is inexpressible. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.

The Call of God

The Call of God PDF Author: Reverend Wallace Chappell
Publisher: Author House
ISBN: 1452075654
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 182

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Book Description
Wally Chappell has been preaching since his first appointment as Pastor in 1947, while a student in seminary. He was always known as an interesting, challenging preacher, who held the interest of his congregation. Many, across the years, encouraged him to put some sermons in print. He first tried his hand at retirement at 69, but became employed in community relations work for a local mortgage company for five and half years; and then came back to full-time church work as a retired associate for pastoral care at First United Methodist Church of Dallas where he remained on staff until 87 years of age. He finally got retirement right. Yes, he said, I was wobbly, and fearful Id spill communion wine on someone. Friends continued to encourage him to publish, and this book is the result. It is mostly sermons, with a eulogy, a devotional and a couple of stories tossed in. All were delivered at First Methodist Church of Dallas, some in Sunday school classes, retreats and studies. His engineer background shows, in a practical, matter-of-fact approach to spiritual matters. He is known as a clear thinker, and a passionate advocate of the Christian Way. He writes for speech, not the written page, and it shows in his syntax. He said, I guess I preach everything I read, sort of trying on the words for oral delivery. And it shows in reading the text. He is a Biblical preacher, almost always seeking to develop some passage of scripture. The reader will find these messages thought provoking, challenging and clear. It may help to know there were other Wallace Chappells in the Methodist ministry. This is the Texan, by birth, rearing and service, who sees himself a citizen of the world, and a lover of mountains.

Preaching as Prophetic Calling

Preaching as Prophetic Calling PDF Author: Roger Alling
Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 0819218936
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 161

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Book Description
Each volume would follow the pattern of: 1) a brief opening introductory essay that would shape the context for that volume. 2) a selection of sermons from preachers active in the pulpit, organized under headings appropriate to the topic of the volume, as well as sub-topics within the volume. 3) several complementary and reflective essays from professionals of distinction in the field of homiletics. 4) sermons from the annual Preaching Excellence Conference, as exemplified in the previous Preaching Through the Year of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.