
The Heart of Preaching
The Functional Centrality of the Gospel in the Life and Work of the Preacher
Mike Bullmore(Author)
Crossway Books (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 16. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
216 pages
979-8-8749-0616-0 (ISBN)
Description
Examining the Role of the Gospel in the Life of the Preacher
Preachers are gospel experts. They have dedicated countless hours to studying the good news during seminary courses and while preparing for sermons. They share its message with accuracy and confidence with the congregation every Sunday. It's clear they have a strong biblical and theological understanding of the gospel, but what about a functional one?
In The Heart of Preaching, author Mike Bullmore explores the functional centrality of the gospel to help pastors convey its power in a more tangible way. Bullmore draws on decades of pastoral experience to navigate common heart challenges, clarify nuanced definitions, and provide practical advice for sermon preparation, delivery, and planning. This book is a valuable resource for those who want to see the gospel animate not only their preaching but their pastoral ministry and the entirety of their Christian life.
Explores the Functional Centrality of the Gospel: Shows how to make the gospel functionally central to preaching, pastoral ministry, and the whole Christian life
Written for Preaching Pastors: Pastor Mike Bullmore offers an insider perspective on the real-world challenges faced by preachers
Practical: Provides advice for sermon preparation, delivery, and planning
From 9Marks: Dedicated to helping pastors, ministries, and church members build healthy churches
Preachers are gospel experts. They have dedicated countless hours to studying the good news during seminary courses and while preparing for sermons. They share its message with accuracy and confidence with the congregation every Sunday. It's clear they have a strong biblical and theological understanding of the gospel, but what about a functional one?
In The Heart of Preaching, author Mike Bullmore explores the functional centrality of the gospel to help pastors convey its power in a more tangible way. Bullmore draws on decades of pastoral experience to navigate common heart challenges, clarify nuanced definitions, and provide practical advice for sermon preparation, delivery, and planning. This book is a valuable resource for those who want to see the gospel animate not only their preaching but their pastoral ministry and the entirety of their Christian life.
Explores the Functional Centrality of the Gospel: Shows how to make the gospel functionally central to preaching, pastoral ministry, and the whole Christian life
Written for Preaching Pastors: Pastor Mike Bullmore offers an insider perspective on the real-world challenges faced by preachers
Practical: Provides advice for sermon preparation, delivery, and planning
From 9Marks: Dedicated to helping pastors, ministries, and church members build healthy churches
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Wheaton, IL
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 153 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
365 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-8749-0616-0 (9798874906160)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Mike Bullmore
The Heart of Preaching
The Functional Centrality of the Gospel in the Life and Work of the Preacher
E-Book
approx. 06/2026
Crossway
€12.35
Not yet available
Persons
Mike Bullmore (PhD, Northwestern University) served as the founding and senior pastor of CrossWay Community Church in Bristol, Wisconsin, for 25 years. He now spends his time in various venues helping to train the next generation of faithful pastors. Mike lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with his wife, Beverly. They have three children.
Content
Preface: Why This Book?
Introduction: The Functional Centrality of the Gospel
Part One: On the Preacher
Chapter 1: The Five Greatest Heart Challenges in Preaching
Chapter 2: The Surpassing Value of Godliness
Chapter 3: Staying Faithful and Persevering in Ministry
Part Two: On Preaching
Chapter 4: Expositional Preaching - What Is It?
Chapter 5: Faithful Weekly Sermon Preparation
Chapter 6: Sermonic Argument
Chapter 7: Sermonic Application
Chapter 8: Preaching Christ
Chapter 9: Matters of Delivery
Part Three: On the Preaching Life
Chapter 10: Long-Range Sermon Planning
Chapter 11: Training Up the Next Generation
Chapter 12: Some Things I've Learned About Preaching (After Having Taught It for Fifteen Years and Practiced It for Forty)
Epilogue: "What Is That to You?"-A Brief Exposition from John 21
Introduction: The Functional Centrality of the Gospel
Part One: On the Preacher
Chapter 1: The Five Greatest Heart Challenges in Preaching
Chapter 2: The Surpassing Value of Godliness
Chapter 3: Staying Faithful and Persevering in Ministry
Part Two: On Preaching
Chapter 4: Expositional Preaching - What Is It?
Chapter 5: Faithful Weekly Sermon Preparation
Chapter 6: Sermonic Argument
Chapter 7: Sermonic Application
Chapter 8: Preaching Christ
Chapter 9: Matters of Delivery
Part Three: On the Preaching Life
Chapter 10: Long-Range Sermon Planning
Chapter 11: Training Up the Next Generation
Chapter 12: Some Things I've Learned About Preaching (After Having Taught It for Fifteen Years and Practiced It for Forty)
Epilogue: "What Is That to You?"-A Brief Exposition from John 21