Preaching to a Divided Nation - A Seven-Step Model for Promoting Reconciliation and Unity
A Seven-Step Model for Promoting Reconciliation and Unity
Published on 4. October 2022
Book
Paperback/Softback
208 pages
978-1-5409-6474-8 (ISBN)
Description
A Model to Empower Reconciliation and Unity in Fractured Churches
We live in angry times. No matter where we go, what we watch, or how we communicate, our culture is rife with division and polarization.
Unfortunately, Christians appear to be caught up in the same animosity as the culture at large. While our faith calls us to Christian unity, the hard fact remains: our churches are tragically divided across class, ethnic, gender, and political lines. As these social chasms grow--both inside and outside the church--the role of the preacher becomes paramount.
This book issues a prophetic call to pastors to use the influence of their pulpits to promote reconciliation and unity in their churches and communities. It includes:
? a seven-step model that empowers leaders to bring healing and peace to their fractured churches;
? questions for reflection, salient illustrations, and an accountability covenant; and
? useful appendixes on preaching themes, preaching texts, and sample sermons from leading preachers.
An Outreach 2023 Resource of the Year (Leadership)
We live in angry times. No matter where we go, what we watch, or how we communicate, our culture is rife with division and polarization.
Unfortunately, Christians appear to be caught up in the same animosity as the culture at large. While our faith calls us to Christian unity, the hard fact remains: our churches are tragically divided across class, ethnic, gender, and political lines. As these social chasms grow--both inside and outside the church--the role of the preacher becomes paramount.
This book issues a prophetic call to pastors to use the influence of their pulpits to promote reconciliation and unity in their churches and communities. It includes:
? a seven-step model that empowers leaders to bring healing and peace to their fractured churches;
? questions for reflection, salient illustrations, and an accountability covenant; and
? useful appendixes on preaching themes, preaching texts, and sample sermons from leading preachers.
An Outreach 2023 Resource of the Year (Leadership)
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ada, MI
United States
Publishing group
Baker Publishing Group
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 226 mm
Width: 147 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
295 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5409-6474-8 (9781540964748)
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
Persons
Matthew D. Kim (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is professor of preaching and pastoral leadership, holder of the George W. Truett Endowed Chair of Preaching and Evangelism, and director of the PhD in preaching program at Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas. He is a past president of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and has over twenty years of preaching and teaching experience. Kim has written or edited many books, including Preaching to People in Pain (winner of a Christianity Today 2022 Book Award) and Preaching with Cultural Intelligence (the 2018 Preaching magazine Book of the Year).
Paul A. Hoffman (PhD, University of Manchester) is senior pastor of Evangelical Friends Church of Newport, Rhode Island. He serves on the Oversight Board for the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region, is an adjunct professor at Barclay College, and is the author of Reconciling Places: How to Bridge the Chasms in Our Communities.
Paul A. Hoffman (PhD, University of Manchester) is senior pastor of Evangelical Friends Church of Newport, Rhode Island. He serves on the Oversight Board for the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region, is an adjunct professor at Barclay College, and is the author of Reconciling Places: How to Bridge the Chasms in Our Communities.
Content
Contents
Introduction
1. The Theological Step: The Sins of Pride and Prejudice
2. The Contextual Step: America's Past and Present Reality
3. The Personal Step: Facing Our Sin and Acknowledging Our Prejudices
4. The Positional Step: We Are Heralds, Not Heart-Changers
5. The Methodological Step: A Homiletic for Reconciliation and Unity
6. The Practical Step: Pre-Sermon, Mid-Sermon, and Post-Sermon Practices
7. The Categorical Step: Biblical Themes and Texts
Conclusion
Appendix A: Reflections on Critical Race Theory
Appendix B: Sample Homiletical Integrity Covenant
Appendix C: Essential and Nonessential Doctrines, and Gospel Implications
Appendix D: Sample Multichurch Prayer and Unity Service
Appendix E: Ministries Pursuing Reconciliation and Unity
Appendix F: Further Reading
Appendix G: Sample Sermons
On Classism by Paul A. Hoffman
On Ethnocentrism by Ralph Douglas West
On Political Division by Rich Villodas
On Reconciliation by Sandra Maria Van Opstal
On Sexism by Paul A. Hoffman
On Unity by Matthew D. Kim
Index
Introduction
1. The Theological Step: The Sins of Pride and Prejudice
2. The Contextual Step: America's Past and Present Reality
3. The Personal Step: Facing Our Sin and Acknowledging Our Prejudices
4. The Positional Step: We Are Heralds, Not Heart-Changers
5. The Methodological Step: A Homiletic for Reconciliation and Unity
6. The Practical Step: Pre-Sermon, Mid-Sermon, and Post-Sermon Practices
7. The Categorical Step: Biblical Themes and Texts
Conclusion
Appendix A: Reflections on Critical Race Theory
Appendix B: Sample Homiletical Integrity Covenant
Appendix C: Essential and Nonessential Doctrines, and Gospel Implications
Appendix D: Sample Multichurch Prayer and Unity Service
Appendix E: Ministries Pursuing Reconciliation and Unity
Appendix F: Further Reading
Appendix G: Sample Sermons
On Classism by Paul A. Hoffman
On Ethnocentrism by Ralph Douglas West
On Political Division by Rich Villodas
On Reconciliation by Sandra Maria Van Opstal
On Sexism by Paul A. Hoffman
On Unity by Matthew D. Kim
Index