A vital resource for pastors who seek to transform the culture of their church
A Way with Words demonstrates the power of the weekly sermon to change the culture of a congregation. Using the analogy of language learning, Adam Trambley shows how a consistent ministry focus over an eighteen-month period can help a church address areas that inhibit growth even as the pastor preaches on a diversity of subjects or uses a lectionary. The author explores how important focused preaching can be to moving church development forward and offers a long-term strategy particularly helpful for pastors looking to take full advantage of the opportunities their weekly sermons provide. Each chapter includes discussion questions and practical exercises that can be used as part of a preaching group or seminary class, or to aid the solo pastor in preparing dynamic sermons.
This is a topic not generally taught in seminary, but vital for pastors who wear many hats as preachers, pastoral caregivers, and administrative leaders.
Autorentext
ADAM T. TRAMBLEY has been a solo pastor in two traditional Episcopal churches for a total of 15 years. In both churches, he successfully used focused preaching to deal with particular congregational issues. He has also led strategic planning processes for his parishes and diocese. He blogs at The Black Giraffe (adamtrambley.blogspot.com) and has written articles for a number of local and national publications. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary.
Inhalt
Foreword by Bishop Sean W. Rowe
Introduction
Part I The Long-Term Sermon
Chapter One Teaching a New Language
Chapter Two Imparting New Language Elements
Chapter Three Providing Theological Rationale and Practical Vision
Chapter Four Explaining How to Take the Next Steps
Chapter Five Discerning the Next Stage
Chapter Six Long-Term Sermon Templates: Spiritual Gifts and The Way of Love
Part II Preaching with Prayer, Passion, Personality and Physicality
Chapter Seven Prayer
Chapter Eight Passion
Chapter Nine Personality
Chapter Ten Physicality
Appendix A Curriculum for a Long-Term Sermon Preaching Course