What does it mean to preach the gospel today? How do we shape vibrant congregations? How do we preachers not merely survive, but thrive?
For nearly a quarter century, Chris Neufeld-Erdman has preached the gospel--sustaining congregational life and emboldening Christian witness in the midst of this turbulence. He's also taught seminarians and mentored working pastors. His theology and practice of preaching is hammered out on the anvil of real life. It's tested. True. Useful.
In this book, a veteran pastor meditates on everything from exegesis and sermon preparation to the way preachers might preach after tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes. He reflects on what it means, for example, to host the text in the midst of what feels like a terminal state of war and violence, both abroad and at home, as well as the task of preaching in the midst of the massive anxiety produced by economic uncertainty and political gridlock.
Here's a book that will inspire and guide you as a wise, empowered preacher--an ordinary agent of the extraordinary gospel.
Chris Neufeld-Erdman (DMin, Columbia Theological Seminary) is senior pastor of University Presbyterian Church and teaches preaching and spirituality courses at Fresno Pacific University, both in Fresno, California