I have read many books on the topic of preaching. Most of those books have dealt with the mechanics of creating a sermon, with a small portion dealing with the life of the preacher. “Deep Preaching: Creating Sermons That Go Beyond the Superficial” by J. Kent Edwards takes a different approach by focusing a majority on spending intimate time with God before you start the process of actually writing the sermon. To me, “Deep Preaching” is not one of those “get this book instead of those books on mechanics of sermon writing“, but instead is more of a prequel to those books in my opinion.
I requested a copy of the book “Deep Preaching” because it seemed like it may deal with less of the mechanics of sermon development and more on how to dive into deeper sermons that are not just facts and figures. I was very pleased with the content and presentation in this book. Very well done.
I received a copy of this book from B&H Bloggers / B&H Academic for me to do a review on it. In full disclosure, I was not required or requested by B&H Academic to write a positive review.
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I would give this book a 9.7 out of my normal 10 point rating scale. On a “5 star” scale that some websites use, I would give it a solid 5-star rating.
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The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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QUICK SUMMARY:
**See all sections below for full detailed review**
I really do like a good book on preaching as they can give different pointers and ideas in a slightly different way from each other. “Deep Preaching: Creating Sermons That Go Beyond the Superficial” by J. Kent Edwards is another one that I am glad to have. Initially, I was thinking that this book might be a little different from some of the books I have read on how to do the mechanics of sermon preparation. I was not disappointed.
I have read many books on preaching and sermon writing, but this book came from a completely different approach from the others that I have read. Most of the ones I have read deal with the methodology of preparing a sermon, from Bible study time and prayer to the mechanics of an expository outline and sermon preparation. All those are fantastic of course, but this book is different. This book actually deals with the heart and passion of the preacher.
The primary focus of “Deep Preaching” is the pre-work even before you start any of your homiletic work. Most of the other preaching books that I have read touch a little bit on this topic, but the primary focus of a majority of those books is relating to the mechanics of how to develop a sermon. “Deep Preaching” completely flips that ratio, covering topics from meditation, prayer, and fasting to the use of metaphors in your sermons
Even if you aren’t someone who preaches, this book really would be an amazing tool to help you draw closer to God in a more intimate manner. But, of course, this was really designed for preachers to help them with that intimacy that leads to a deeper, more impactful sermon.
I would strongly recommend “Deep Preaching” and it would be on my “must buy” list for anyone that is preaching in any venue. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
DESCRIPTION OF THIS BOOK
Type of Book: Christian Ministry / Preaching
Publisher: B&H Academic / Lifeway
Author: J. Kent Edwards
Publication Date: August 1, 2009
ISBN-13 of Book Reviewed: 978-0805446951
Price for the Book: At the time of writing this review, the cheapest place to get this book is from Christianbook.com. They have it for $14.99 – suggested retail from the publisher is $19.99. Please note that these prices do not include any potential shipping charges.
If you would like to purchase this book, please support my page and purchase by clicking any of the links to Christianbook.com on this page like the one below. If you would like to purchase this book as an e-Book (epub) for $9.99 click HERE.
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Deep Preaching: Creating Sermons that Go Beyond the Superficial By J. Kent Edwards / B&H Books* A call for pastors to “rethink” preaching and learn ways that will powerfully change the hearts of hearers! With transforming insight, Edwards will encourage you in your sermon preparation—including praying, meditating, fasting, and relying on the Holy Spirit—ignite your passion for Scriptural truths; and steer you clear of shallow, comfortable topics. 208 pages, softcover from B&H. |
Physical Characteristics:
Binding: Paperback
Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches
Number of Pages: 208 pages
The Goal of This Book:
The goal of this book (as stated by the author in introduction section) is “to help preachers learn how to preach the powerful Word in ways that will powerfully change those who hear it“. In my opinion, this book does just that. Rather than focusing on the mechanics of delivering a “perfect” sermon, which can leave people informed, but unchanged, the author focuses on the preacher diving into a deeper sermon that is not trite or shallow, but rather leading toward transformation.
My Favorite Part:
This book is very easy to follow, yet so practical that it can be applied to your life. As I stated earlier, even if you aren’t a preacher, you would be able to gain so much out of this from a personal growth in your faith. I especially liked the portion where the author touched on the use of metaphors in sermons and how effective and crucial they are.
Recommendation:
If you are someone who delivers messages in a church service, small group, or any other setting, this book is very highly recommended. It doesn’t cover the mechanics of writing a sermon, but using this book in conjunction with a good sermon writing book, would be an absolutely fantastic way to dive into creating sermons. If you deliver sermons in any facet, you really will want a copy of this book!
Book Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Beyond an “A”
Chapter 1 – The Challenges of Preaching Today
Chapter 2 – The Reasons for Preaching Today
Chapter 3 – More Reasons for Preaching Today
Chapter 4 – Start With Your Heart
Chapter 5 – Get the “Big Idea”
Chapter 6 – Take God’s Idea into Your Closet
Chapter 7 – Grasp the Grandeur
Chapter 8 – The “Closet Work” Begins
Chapter 9 – The “Closet Work” Continues
Chapter 10 – Preaching Deep Sermons
Appendix 1: Closet Questions
Appendix 2: Improving Perfection
Appendix 3: Frozen Solid
Name Index
Subject Index
Scripture Index
Company Summary:
From the publisher’s website: B&H Academic, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources, is dedicated to providing resources for undergraduate and graduate theological education.
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