Preaching that Connects

I have always appreciated Mark Galli as a writer, so I was excited to jump into this book on preaching for which he was a co-author. I was not disappointed, and Galli and Larson have offered a wonderful guide for both experienced and novice preachers.

"Preaching That Connects" is written from a writers' perspective, as the authors moved from the pastorate to journalism. They decided that what they have learned in journalism provides insight into successful sermon preparation, so the book basically explains the correlations that they have observed. As such, one potential limitation of the book is that it is most applicable for preachers who write transcripts of their sermons. For those who preach more extemporaneously, many of the writing tips and tools that they provide will be almost meaningless.

My primary gripe about this book relates to the authors' collective voice. Throughout the book, they wrote in the first-person, relating specific stories from their ministry lives. However, they never bothered to clarify which one was speaking in each case, so I was left after each of those examples wondering if I was hearing from Galli or Larson. Maybe most readers do not care, but I found it interesting that in a book written to so carefully defend the value of choosing each word in writing, they seemed so careless about this point.

With these caveats aside, the book is full of helpful advice for preachers. Though becoming somewhat dated with the preachers used as models, I was glad that they took such care to break down each component of the craft of preaching and provide some insights. Though relatively short, the book still feels comprehensive. If Andy Stanley's "Communicating For Change" is the modern classic to provide inspiration and vision for preaching, Galli and Larson offer us a more detailed how-to guide that will help any preacher polish their skills and better serve God through preaching.

Strengths

Foremost, this book is practical. The authors write with experience. As former pastors, both involved in Christian journalism, they offer solid advice which captures the imagination Rather than just giving a list of preaching dos and don'ts, this book offers a plethora of suggestions for the preacher. From using good illustrations, telling good stories, and using words with impact, the pages are filled with techniques for the conscientious preacher. Of particular interest and usefulness is the section on pacing, an integral part of storytelling. Too often, a story loses impact if the storyteller uses complication and resolution improperly. Therefore, the authors go into detail explaining how to bring the necessary elements together for good story telling. The pacing section is indicative of all the other sections, each filled with useful examples and techniques.

The section on "Crafting Words That Inspire," is another section providing inspiration. Again, rather than list a number of methods to form words into sentences, the authors have included explanations of several different types of word usage. These paragraphs provide the ingredients of making words come alive, to gain and keep an audience. Wisely, several examples of Jesus' own teachings provide examples for those preacher who might be disagree with using these techniques. Here in this section and through out the book, Galli and Larson not only provide examples of how Jesus taught, but how well respected and successful preachers (listed for reference) use many of the suggestions found within this book.

This book interacts with the critical reader. For instance, as Galli and Larson examine preaching through journalistic lenses, a preacher may be tempted to think, "Why do I have to find ways to gain and keep the congregations attention? After all, those who come to church should be prepared to hear biblical preaching, filled with theological content." The answer is simple. People are not prepared. As Galli and Larson illustrate, on any given week most likely the majority of congregants have spent more time exposed to media than the Word of God. Therefore, the preacher needs to design carefully his message to gain and keep people's attention, because the media has conditioned his listeners. This is the whole purpose of this book.

Preaching That Connects is fast paced. Geared toward keeping the reader's prompt attention, the book is easily finished within several hours. In fact, indicative of good journalism, the authors have designed the book practicing many of the techniques explained within the book's pages. The book is structured to capture attention. The chapters are short and loaded (as previously discussed) with practical information. Titled with large letters on the first page of the chapter, the title is printed on each subsequent upper right hand margin. Additionally, within each chapter the authors write the subtitles labeled accordingly. Certain words are italicized, while words list are often printed in bullet format. All of these techniques make this book enjoyable.
This book stands as an example. It is structured, well organized, and intuitive. The authors, by using a journalistic style in this book, are making a point for preachers. As this book has continuity of thought and structure, so should the preacher's sermons. People enjoy structure and orderliness. Most likely, a congregation would shun a hodgepodge of ideas strung together loosely with Scripture passages passing for a sermon. A sermon should have form of a structure. People should be able to follow along a preacher's sermon.

Additionally, Galli and Larson help readers understand how asking the proper questions bring structure and form to a sermon. Using such a list of questions, a heuristic, allows the preacher to objectively approach a text, to give his sermon meaning and purpose. The preacher's main aim is not to pass knowledge (although doctrine needs teaching). Rather, a preacher ought to present his sermon to move his listeners toward godliness. This means he needs to engage his listener's intellect.
Although there is a myriad of advice given within this book, the authors realize each person is different. Not any one person can use all of these techniques all of the time. The authors used common sense. However, the best advice Galli and Larson offer is encouraging the preacher to use clarity in delivering the message. "Keep it Simple." With all the techniques of rhetoric available, the preacher should not draw attention away from his central message. The congregation should not get lost in the use of the preacher's words. For the Holy Spirit should move people, not the language. Something the authors reiterate in the opening chapter of the book. Yet, throughout the book, the authors provide a good argument for crafting words to gain the attention of hearers; however, they have not lost site for bringing the message with clarity. The purpose of the sermon is for the encouraging of people in their relationship with God. This will always be the main purpose. Galli and Larson have not forgotten this central truth.

Analysis of Weaknesses

There is not much in the form of weaknesses in Preaching That Connects. This is a relevant, practical book about preaching for preachers. Galli and Larson have solidly identified what a media saturated culture needs, preachers who can bring the message of the Bible across in a format culture understands. Media has conditioned society to expect glamour, glitz, and gun smoke all in the span of thirty-second sound bites. Christians are certainly not immune from the constant barrage of this television, radio, and the Internet.

Contributions

The contributions to this book are in the practicality of the author's suggestions. Galli and Larson understand the importance of reaching a generation saturated with media is with the same techniques. Clearly stating preachers should emphasize the Word of God; Preaching That Connects illustrates how pastors may add impact to their messages through the power of words, which may not otherwise capture the imagination and attention listeners.

This book about preaching is not for the beginning proclaimer of God's word. There is little about homelitical structure and style. But the book i s a rich read for the developing minister. The text helps the minister polish the presentation and the message of the sermon. It deals with developing engaging introductions, stories, and conclusions. If you are a minister looking to refine your skills, this is a helpful book.

I dont understand why many turn to straight hard nose technical preaching books. This book is easy to read, and will have you realizing that the writers block you have is easy to get rid of. This is the best book on crafting your sermons. I have read over 10 books so far from other authors and all of them in a nutshell say the same thing but, this book gets you writing immediately. If you are writing sermons, you must have it.

This book is a masterpiece on crafting sermons that are Biblical, intresting and powerful to deliver. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to enhance your delivery at the preaching moment.