Performance in Preaching: Bringing the Sermon to Life (Engaging Worship)
The Role of Performance in Preaching and WorshipThis volume takes a unique approach by examining the role of performance in preaching. The contributors bring a variety of theological and denominational perspectives to the subject, but they are united in their concern for the importance of the performance of the sermon--not in a shallow or theatrical sense but as an essential aspect of bringing God's Word to life for the congregation. To that end, these wide-ranging studies examine theological, artistic, and musical aspects of a compelling performance."Two of our finest teachers of preaching here collaborate on an invigorating book for preachers. Jesus doesn't mean for us to think about the gospel, even to understand the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is meant to be enacted, embodied, and performed. Childers and Schmit show us how we preachers can better enable our listeners to not only hear but also perform the gospel. One of the best books on the craft of preaching that we've had in a long time."--Will Willimon, bishop, North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, and visiting research professor, Duke Divinity School"Jana Childers and Clayton Schmit have done students, preachers, and homileticians a great service with this book. For too long our preaching has been captive to the mind/body dualisms of modern thought.Performance in Preachingprovides a rich variety of stimulating essays in conversation with the work of Charles Bartow, showing that both the 'what' and the 'how' of our sermons serve the Spirit's work of bringing the incarnate Word to speech."--Michael Pasquarello III, Granger E. and Anna A. Fisher Professor of Preaching, Asbury Theological Seminary