Alive to the Word : A Practical Theology of Preaching for the Whole Church

In Alive to the Word Stephen Wright offers a constructive introduction to preaching as an existing and varied practice throughout the church on which it is important to continue to reflect theologically, so that it is executed with developing spirituality, understanding and skill. Alive to the Word includes discussion of the full range of key components in the understanding and practice of preaching - from its basic theological rationale right through to the dynamics of live communication and its aftermath. The books begins by reflecting on the nature and the context of preaching, not least in a communications culture and moves on to setting a constructive agenda for the development of preaching as a core practice of the Christian church for the preacher, the congregation and the wider church. Alive to the Word examines the Christian practice of preaching using a four-stage model of theological reflection. First it describes the practice, from historical and contemporary angles. Its human characteristics û linguistic, rhetorical, sociological and psychological û are then selectively analysed. The book then sets preaching as a human event in theological perspective, via the biblical narrative, theological categories, ethical imperatives and traditional patterns which give it its distinctive Christian character. Finally, implications are drawn out for the contemporary practice of preaching in and by the Church, and for the rhythm and decisions of an individual preacher. At the end of each Chapter, as well as a concise Further Reading list, there are questions for the local church which act as prompts for reflection on its preaching ministry. There are also suggestions for further research which, it is hoped, will prompt additional empirical and theological study of the often-neglected topic of preaching. --Book Jacket. The historical phenomenon of preaching Contemporary functions of preaching Language, medium, rhetoric Insights from sociology and psychology The biblical grounding of preaching Continuing the story : preaching in the ongoing purposes of God Ethical guidance for preaching Patterns and practices for preaching Tasks for the church Tasks for the preacher. A resource for preachers who want to reflect in more depth about preaching and for all studying preaching in seminary and at MA level.