Preaching to Convince

by James D. Berkley

Publishers:

Christianity Today; Word

, 1986

Overview

How to be heard—and heeded.

The apostle Paul spent his prison days in Rome preaching—trying “to convince them about Jesus.” The results: “Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe” (Acts 28:24). About par for the course.

Any preacher often wonders, Am I getting across? I believe what I’m saying, but is anyone else convinced? Somnolent nods, glazed over eyes, and, worse, unaffected lives telegraph what no preacher wants to face.

Preaching in a way that convinces—that changes lives—is the goal of every preacher. And the frustration.

Thirteen contributors well acquainted with the challenges of preaching fill this book with premium grist for the convincer’s mill. Their material has been gleaned from the best articles on preaching in LEADERSHIP JOURNAL. The writers and subjects vary—a professional speaker addressing creativity, an evangelist on honest invitations, an ancient churchman’s earnest homiletical advice—yet all drive toward the same center: preaching that is more than a flood of words washing across impervious lives.

This is the eighth volume of THE LEADERSHIP LIBRARY, a continuing series from LEADERSHIP, the practical journal for church leaders published by Christianity Today, Inc. Others in the series have included Helping Those Who Don’t Want Help, Learning to Lead, and Liberating the Leader’s Prayer Life. THE LEADERSHIP LIBRARY is more than a collection of theory; it supplies practical strategies for the difficult aspects of everyday church life. Written by church leaders who know the territory, it offers proven routes to effective ministry.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The first is that the world is listening to everything else.” (Page 20)

“In every speaking situation, what matters most is this: Did the audience get the speaker’s point?” (Page 17)

“How does one discover the questions? The most effective way I know is to live with people.” (Page 18)

“I want to express this attitude: I’m not OK, you’re not OK, and that’s OK, because there is hope to become OK through a personal relationship with God.” (Page 22)

“The question Can I trust you? amounts to Are you a good person? Have you experienced what you’re talking about? What are you really selling? My audience wants to know my ethical appeal.” (Page 23)

Product Details

• Title: Preaching to Convince
• Editor: James D. Berkley
• Publisher: CTi, Word Books
• Publication Date: 1986

About James D. Berkley

James D. Berkley is the editor of Your Church and contributing editor of Leadership journal. He has served as a pastor for more than 20 years and is the author of Making the Most of Mistakes, Preaching to Convince, and Called into Crisis.