Listener's Dare

Discipleship and witness are not self-sustainable. Preaching equips God's people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11). The story of Moses and the talking bush is a… Lue lisää Discipleship and witness are not self-sustainable. Preaching equips God's people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11). The story of Moses and the talking bush is a story of anybody who dares to listen, and in listening, hears, and after hearing steps forth (albeit kicking and screaming in Moses's case), serving God on the basis of what has been heard. Daring divine speaking and intrepid human listening are at the heart of the faith of Israel and the church. "Reveal yourself " we cry to God down through the ages. God spoke Jesus, The Word tenting among us (John 1:1). And what's Jesus's main occupation? Jesus came preaching (Mark 1:14). The gospel is news that passes from the lips of one who has heard to the ears of one who has not yet heard, then (God willing) burrows in the soul, energizing the hands in daring response to a word received. Preaching is instigated by an astounding claim: Good news; God has spoken to us. The Christian life is what you get when ordinary folk respond: I have heard. The book is for anyone who listens to sermons--which includes preachers, since there's no way to preach without gaining skills as a listener. Listening is a human skill, but as God's word is proclaimed the hearer experiences a vocal mix of preacher, listener, and God. Listeners Dare shares a love of preaching and also lets listeners into some of the secrets of why preaching is inherently connected to the Christian faith as one way God has chosen to relate to us and to disclose God's will for each of us. Settings for use include college, course of study, and seminary preaching classes, a pastor's Bible study, an inquirer's class led by a pastor, and inquisitive individuals who yearn to get something out of the sermon. Preachers profit from the book by becoming more astute listeners to preaching, and listeners would be able to increase their ability to get something out of sermons or examine their distractions that block this vital means of grace through worship together. Bits and pieces of biblical sermon events as well as contemporary sermons are used for illustrative purposes. Praise for Listeners Dare: "Books about preaching--how to research, write, and deliver sermons--are legion. But books about how sermons are heard, internalized, and acted upon by ordinary Christians in the pews are rare. Drawing on decades of experience as a parish minister, university chaplain, divinity school faculty member, and United Methodist bishop of distinction, Willimon addresses this elusive yet critically important task with his usual wit, acumen, and pastor's heart. A few hours pondering this thought-filled work will pay handsome dividends come Sunday. " --Grant Wacker, Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor of Christian History, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC "Listening to a sermon is a spiritual discipline--that is the simple, profound insight that underpins this rich offering from Will Willimon. It's an insight that could--indeed, should--reshape the homiletical experience of both preachers and congregants (or, to use the more old-fashioned but also more apt term, auditors). I know that it has already begun reshaping mine. " --Lauren F. Winner, Associate Professor, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC "Though he's written numerous books on the art of preaching, no one can preach like the inestimable Will Willimon. But everyone can learn to do the holy work of listening to any sermon more deeply, actively, and responsively with the help of Will's insightful and enjoyable guidance in this book. As Jesus said, 'Whoever has ears to listen should pay attention ' Now perhaps we can. " --Peter M. Wallace, author, Episcopal priest, and host of "Day1" weekly sermon podcast "There is no shortage of resources out there for how to prepare and preach a sermon, and yet faith comes from hearing. In turning our attention to the homiletical process of listening, Willimon has given clergy and laity alike a true gift. Together, we get to listen for God's daring Word--a word that in our hearing brings about holy obedience, persistent hope, and daring discipleship. " --Karoline M. Lewis, Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching, Professor of Biblical Preaching, Luther Seminary; Program Director, Festival of Homiletics "Interweaving a half century of experiences and a library of knowledge of the biblical text, theology, and preaching, Will Willimon challenges preachers and audiences alike to listen to God's powerful Word. Written in his inimitable style and from deep faith, this is a book that will make you laugh, think, and remember. It deserves reading by all who participate in the common but strange world of a sermon. " --Gregory E. Sterling, The Reverend Henry L. Slack Dean, Lillian Claus Professor of New Testament, Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT