How Effective Sermons Begin

by Ben Awbrey

Publisher:

Christian Focus

, 2008

Overview

Ben Awbrey focuses on the most neglected parts of the sermon—where it all begins! Gain help in the following stages of your sermon:

• Must hear Preaching
• Introducing the sermon
• Getting Attention
• Securing Interest
• Stating the purpose
• Setting the context
• The Sermon Proposition

This volume on preaching is suitable for all levels of experience!

Key Features

• Guides to effective, Spirit-led sermon preparation
• Techniques for preaching that promotes church growth and vitality

Contents

Top Highlights

“The preacher must believe that the message to be preached is one of great value.” (Page 24)

“The preacher must believe that the sermon introduction is far more than just a trite, perfunctory, rite-of-passage into the sermon itself.” (Page 27)

“The preacher must believe that the sermon introduction, like every other part of a sermon, deserves and requires his most diligent effort.” (Page 31)

“A preacher must understand that effective introductions are not produced easily.” (Page 33)

“‘Must hear’ preaching is not simply the net effect of the opening words of an introduction, but rather it is the cumulative effect of the completed introduction to a sermon.” (Page 22)

Praise for the Print Edition

The three ‘undervalued' components of expository sermon preparation include introductions, illustrations and conclusions... In all of my considerable reading over a lifetime on biblical exposition, this excellent volume on ‘introductions' by Dr. Ben Awbrey proves to be the most thorough and complete that I have ever encountered.

—Richard Mayhue, Senior Vice-President, The Master's Seminary, Sun Valley, California

. . . .there is no shortage of strategists and innovators in the evangelical community who think that they have better ways for reaching the culture than by preaching God's Word. Ben Awbrey knows better than that... I have long appreciated his desire to help other preachers make the most of their gifts and calling. His insights have proved invaluable to hundreds of pastors and young preachers.

—John MacArthur, Pastor, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California

Product Details

• Title: How Effective Sermons Begin
• Author: Ben Awbrey
• Publisher: Christian Focus
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 384

About Ben Awbrey

Awbrey teaches expository preaching at Midwestern Seminary. He received a Doctor of Theology in leadership from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and earned an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He did graduate work at Talbot Theological Seminary and earned a B.S. from Central State University. Prior to coming to Midwestern Awbrey served as both pastor and adjunct professor of preaching at The Master’s Seminary in California. He has also pastored in Oklahoma and Louisiana. Awbrey completed his dissertation on the expository preaching of John MacArthur.