Read “The Four Pages of the Sermon”
This was a lengthy book concerning the art of preaching. It is a method of preaching in the narrative style from a particular text. The author adds to the discussion of Fred Craddock in improving the form of the narrative genre. It is a insightful and helpful book in organizing a narrative sermon from a text. The major structure that is given in the book is (1) Problem in the biblical text, (2) Problem in the modern world, (3) Grace in the biblical text, (4) Grace in the modern world. This is a basic outline that is fully fleshed out in the book. There are six ones that are helpful in developing the flow of the sermon. These six ones will help considerably in any sermon development. The style that the author is advocating is probably not a weekly sermon style, as I am for changing up the approach from week to week, but this style certainly has a place in the preacher’s sermon skill set. This book is not for the beginning preacher, or is it for the three-point only preacher. This book is for someone who understands the narrative approach to preaching and wants to improve his mastery of this style. The book is must read for practitioners of the narrative-inductive style of preaching. Before this book is read, one should read “Preaching” by Craddock and “Homiletical Plot” by Lowry.
Related posts:
- Sermon Seasons
- Review of “Applying the Sermon”
- Sermon Block
- The Last Sermon
- The Key to a Great Sermon
About The Author
For the longest time I really struggled with developing any non-deductive style of sermon and I knew the limitations on deductive preaching, so I was frustrated a lot. Then I came accross this book and it really helped turn a lightbulb on for me in the art of developing narrative and inductive sermons. Like you, I do not use the 4 page method exclusively but it did open a big door (so to speak).
Grace and peace,
Rex
Ithaca Church of Christ
Ithaca, NY
I also enjoyed his discussion of dominant images throughout a sermon, as well as all the practical examples he gives of introductions, transitions, etc. Great book.
Matthew, good stuff here buddy! I’ll have to check this book out. Do you know of any other books Paul Scott Wilson has written? God bless!
He wrote another book in preaching, but I am unsure of what it is called.