The Four Voices of Preaching

Résumé du livre

Robert Reid maintains that all preachers employ a "theology of persuasion." This represents their expectations of the response their sermon will elicit, and is best understood by the preacher identifying his or her preaching "voice" and the nature of its persuasive appeals. The best preaching occurs when the preacher crafts a sermon with an eye to its anticipated influence. There are four distinct voices that preachers gravitate toward in their efforts to persuade, according to Reid. These include the teaching voice (explaining through argument); encouraging voice (facilitating an encounter with God); sage voice (critical reflection or analysis that invites exploration); and testifying voice (engaging listeners and seeking to build community). Reid's book provides sample sermons grounded in each voice. A preacher must claim his or her own voice rather than embrace a one-size-fits-all model. Reid aims to give pastors, preaching students, and theologians an accessible means of understanding the distinctions between these approaches and a means to determine which voice would serve their own ministry best. He also suggests resources that will help preachers continue to strengthen their unique voice and persuasive style.