A Mirror for the Church: Preaching in the First Five Centuries
by David Dunn-Wilson
Category: Religion

It might be assumed that Christian preachers have always proclaimed the same unchanging message in the same unchanging way to similarly comprised and receptive congregations. But this assumption is far from accurate. Throughout history the style and subject matter of sermons have repeatedly changed to meet the shifting needs of congregations molded by contemporary events. "A Mirror for the Church" explores this dynamic as it developed in the early church. In examining sermons preached during the first five centuries of church history, David Dunn-Wilson answers some important questions: Who were the first preachers? What did they preach about, and what methods did they use? What kinds of people made up the first congregations, and how did they relate to the world around them? In the process, Dunn-Wilson uncovers the homiletic themes that remained constant in early church history and shows how preachers and their churches adapted to waves of social change. He also suggests ways in which the priorities of the early church might inform preaching and Christian practice today.