Introduction

The nature of a preacher is that of a herald, one commissioned and sent by another to speak his message in his behalf to a recipient. The Weight of Preaching develops a workable theology of the preachers task in this role, commissioned by God to proclaim the Good News. Even in the Wests postmodern culture, where people have come to doubt the idea of objective truth, the preacher still serves to herald Gods enduring truth.

Author Rick Harrington builds upon his service as a senior pastor, his doctoral study of preaching, and his exposure to multiple cultures to fashion a guide valuable to younger lay leaders, seminarians, and pastors alike, as well as for Christians engaged in the serious exploration of preaching. Speaking primarily to readers in the Reformed and Baptist traditions, The Weight of Preaching offers an approach that falls within the boundaries of The New Calvinism.

Structure of the Book

This guide presents its theology of homiletics in three sections. The first, Biblical and Theological Foundations Revisited, delves into the theology of preaching. Next, Faithful Preaching in Practice guides the reader through crucial practical issues surrounding faithful preaching. Finally, A Lay of the Cultural Landscape surveys the diverse issues of contextualization that arise in a contemporary, pluralistic milieu.

Purpose

The Weight of Preaching seeks to lead you through the holy tasks of seeking to understand the Scriptures, grasping the message God reveals, and following your commission to herald the gospel of grace.