Faith comes by hearing
Bryan Chapell's book is a veritable homiletic manual of the kind that was rarely available in French until then. Preaching is approached from conception to the final amen, from the study of the biblical text to communication techniques, from the function of the introduction to that of the conclusion without forgetting the essential transitions, from plan and structure to the use of illustrations and application, a crucial element for the listener on which the author particularly insists.
Because, as with any praxis, it is better to know what underlies it, Chapell does not limit his remarks to teaching and practical advice. It begins in fact with what we could call the philosophy of preaching, its reason for being, the foundations of it and its effectiveness, work of the Spirit, without forgetting the qualities of the preacher, balance of humility and authority.
In matters of homiletics, if the form is important, the content is essential: the preaching will not be that of the good news of Jesus Christ if grace does not occupy the central place. The author's educational concern also shines through in this more theological area: through his insistence on the reality of the human condition and on the redemptive dimension of preaching, he shows how to be faithful to Scripture and in particular avoid all legalism and moralism in the proclamation of the biblical message.
Through its theoretical, practical and theological dimensions, this work will allow the preacher, whether novice or already experienced, to refine his practice, to become aware of his possible shortcomings or shortcomings and to remedy them. But above all he will know how to arouse in him creativity and originality to be deployed in homiletical practice. And all the better since he will have guided the latter step by step in learning and perfecting what constitutes the art and manner of preaching.
Bryan Chapell is professor of practical theology and president of Covenant Theological Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri.
ISBN: 9782755003611