Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Book Review: Preaching with Accuracy

Book Review:

Preaching with Accuracy: Finding Christ-Centered Big Ideas for Biblical Preaching

By Randal E. Pelton


An essential primer on Biblical preaching

I am a reader, so amassing huge amounts of research on a given subject is not as difficult for me; but as many others can attest to, it is one thing to have the information, and another knowing how to preach it so that the congregation would benefit from it.

Pelton comes to our aid with a brief, very practical book that immediately immerses one in the task of “finding Christ-centered big ideas for biblical preaching.” In an age when sermons are constructed more to impress than to inspire, to get a physical and verbal reaction rather than a soul transforming action, this book is badly needed. Sadly, it is possible that the people that need it the most, are unaware of their own need, and that is today’s preachers. Borrowing a quote from the book,

“[B]y our determined efforts to redefine ourselves in ways that are more compelling to the modern world than are faithful to Christ, we have lost not only our identity but our authority and our relevance.” (Os Guinness)

The biggest value of the book might just be the corrective of preaching what the Bible actually says, instead of the ideas of the preacher, sprinkled with a few barely related verses here and there.

If you are in any way entrusted, every week or once a year, to serve the Bread of the Word to a congregation, get this book. Work through it at your own pace. It is short and sweet. It is not the answer to every sermonic ailment, but it is a good start.

Disclaimer: The book was received for free from Kregel Ministry books in exchange for an unbiased opinion.

4/5 Stars