The 25 Most Influential Preaching Books of the Past 25 Years

During the 25 years of Preaching magazine's publication history, books have played a major role in the publication. No wonder-books are the lifeblood of the preacher's work. Because books play such a vital role in the life of the preacher, this publication has offered a key resource to help preachers know which volumes promise to help us be more effective in the task of proclaiming the Word.

Pay It Upward!

Maybe you have heard the phrase "pay it forward." The expression "pay it forward" has come to describe the concept of asking that a person repay a good turn by having it done to others instead of "paid back." When someone does something good for you, in turn you do something good for someone else -- not a bad way to generate a conspiracy of kindness. I understand that some plan to designate Thursday, April 29, 2010, as "Pay It Forward Day."

Things Taste Better When They’ve Been Marinated

In an article on "How to Fully Engage Listeners" for PreachingToday.com, Rob Bell writes: "I work on teachings for as long as four to six months, a year. You'd think I was obnoxious because if we go out to lunch I'll be diagramming on a napkin."

Graduating from Hard Knock U!

Some things we learn only by experience! I never will forget the pain, but far more important, I will never forget the lessons. The memory of a broken heart can remain for a lifetime, but the things we learn in the University of Hard Knocks are good for eternity.

The Year’s Best: Our Annual Survey of the Past Year’s Best Books for Preachers

Anyone seriously concerned that the printed book will decline in popularity need only ask a preacher about that possibility. Even as preachers are making use of digital libraries and online tools for Bible study and digital books, the printed book remains the mainstay of the preacher's study. While any number of academic journals and other materials may find their way into a digital-only format, preachers (following the example of the Apostle Paul) instinctively will reach for the printed page.

A Tale of Two Preachers

One day, after Criswell had been filling George W. Truett's shoes for nearly eight years, W.A. glanced out the window of his office and saw an old man sitting there. He buzzed his secretary and asked how long the man had been waiting, "Well, he's been there for quite a while, Dr. Criswell. He looked like a bum to me, and I wasn't sure you'd want to be disturbed," she said. Criswell recognized the old man. He was no bum...

Connecting with High School Students: Practical Tips for Preaching to Young Adults

As I looked across the table, the seven students selected for my interview looked a little nervous. I could tell they were apprehensive about the questions they might be asked by the Church Doctor and his associate. Little did they know this is my favorite part of all the interviews we conduct during a church consultation. For years, I have enjoyed the interviews with these young adults. I love their gut-honesty, transparency and insights about the church. This age group is a great source of hope for the future of the local church.

Give us Faith So We’ll Be Safe: A Theological and Pastoral Response to the Tragedy in Haiti

How do we who call ourselves followers of the Lord of life respond to the chilling report that "40,000 bodies have been buried and there could be 200,000 dead in Haiti"? That paralyzing news is what we heard from the report of Shepherd Smith of Fox News on this date.[1] The earthquake in Haiti that has shaken the tiny Caribbean nation to death also is shaking our consciences and our souls with questions.