With the acceleration of technological change, new and distinct generations are created faster than before. Generational boundaries become more fluid. Multiple age groups have different generational mindsets, distinct worldviews, and varied spiritual needs. How, then, do preachers speak to congregations that comprise four to five separate generations? Preaching to a Multi-generational Assembly addresses how to effectively and credibly preach to all generations at the same time. In Preaching to a Multi-generational Assembly Andrew Cal Wisdom offers a credible, new homiletic model to make Catholic preaching more exciting, accessible, and effective for both the assembly and preacher by making it more generationally relevant. He reflects upon the current state of preaching through Catholic and Protestant voices. He argues from communication theory that generation is a subculture like ethnicity and race and should be seriously considered in homiletic preparation. He applies contemporary marketing segmentation theory to preaching in proposing a qualified generational segmentation" of the Sunday assembly. Finally, he combines both theories to demonstrate both the opportunity and viability of intergenerational preaching in a Catholic context. Chapters are *Why Effective Preaching Is a Priority: The Problem, - *The Genesis of the Catholic Homily, - *Intergenerational Preaching as a Sacred Dance Between Culture, Language, and Meaning, - *What the Preacher Can Learn from the Marketer, - *The Catholic Sacramental Imagination: A Generational Bridge, - *Does It Work? The Mechanics of Intergenerational Preaching, - and *So What. - Includes tales, graphs, and a conclusion with practical suggestions on how to become an effective and credible intergenerational preacher.

One of the central tasks of pastoral ministry is preaching the Word of God. Yet those who are called to ministry may feel unprepared, unable, or unwilling to step into this role. In this brief introduction to homiletics, seasoned preacher Matthew Kim provides proven insight and guidance about the importance and history of preaching, the characteristics of faithful preaching, and the personal habits of a faithful preacher.

Many churches are switching to the multisite or multiservice models to manage crowded sanctuaries due to growing attendance. This solution seems sensible in the short term, but too often churches adopt this model without taking into consideration what the Bible says about it. Illuminating the importance of physical togetherness as a way to protect the gospel, this book argues that maintaining a single assembly best embodies the unity the church possesses in Jesus Christ. Jonathan Leeman considers a series of biblical, theological, and pastoral arguments that ask us to stop and examine intuitions or assumptions about what a church is. He reorients our minds to a biblical definition of church, offering examples of churches that have thrived with a single service at a single site and compelling alternatives for those looking to solve the complications that come with a growing church.

Preachings most able practitioners gather in this book to explore and explain the idea that preaching is a practice that can be taught and learned. Arguing that preaching is a living practice with a long tradition, an identifiable shape, and a broad set of norms and desired outcomes, these noted scholars propose that teachers initiate students into the larger practice of preaching, in ways somewhat like other students are initiated into the practice of medicine or law. The book concludes with designs for a basic preaching course and addresses the question of how preaching courses fit into the larger patterns of seminary curricula.

Preaching Effectively, Revitalizing Your Church offers a practical and theological guide to effective preaching. Guerric DeBona, an experienced and respected teacher of homiletics, uses the metaphor of a ladder to describe the ascent up seven rungs that constitute the strategies of preaching. Beginning with advice on discovering a personal theology of preaching, the author proceeds to unlock the power of the Bible and the liturgy. He then guides preachers in creating a unified homily and in discovering a homiletic method that best suits their own intellect and temperament. Chapters on communicating in contemporary culture and on globalizing the homily for the New Evangelization are vital for coming to grips with the technological age and the often bewildering diversity of today's world. Finally, DeBona challenges readers to recognize and confront their own obstacles to effective preaching. Each chapter ends with questions to assist preachers in appropriating the material. With bad homilies consistently cited as a factor in declining church attendance, Preaching Effectively, Revitalizing Your Church answers a very pressing need, especially in view of the papacy's urgent call to rescue traditionally Christian countries from the brink of total secularization. Book jacket.

There are many books on the market that address how culture, race, gender, or economic status affect the way preachers preach and congregations hear sermons. This is the first book to address preaching that promotes solidarity across these differences. Preaching needs to be targeted to specific contexts. But how can a preacher handle specific contexts when we live in a globalized world? What does local context mean and who defines it? Kim develops the concept of "trans-contextual preaching" to show how preachers can respect diversity and global connections. She develops a new theology of preaching, examines the modes of biblical interpretation appropriate for trans-contextual preaching, and explores designs for sermons. Sample sermons from the author provide excellent illustrations.

The Bible is often difficult to comprehend for those in the pews. Even those who value preaching as an important element of their ministry are challenged when confronted with difficult texts. Brooks welcomes the challenge and offers methods aimed at developing sermons that allow the good news to shine through even the most difficult of Bible texts.