What makes for powerful preaching? Careful exegesis, logical structure, interesting illustrations, and clear speech can all help. But truly transformative preaching depends on divine power, not human skill alone. Those who would reduce preaching to simple systems or sure-fire strategies for success will find little of interest here. Instead, this book appeals to those (pastors and academics alike) who find themselves confounded by the occasional futility of their best preaching and the une...

Preachers mount the pulpit steps terribly burdened by the conviction that they are somehow responsible for the growth and spiritual well-being of their congregants. How, they ask themselves, can mere words communicate the reality of God, bring life to a congregation, or foster spiritual growth? This study argues that effective sermons function much like Jesus' parables--by bearing witness to divine power. Parables and preaching both testify to something beyond themselves: to a life-giving ...

In more than forty years of ministry, Harold Percy has sought to waken a slumbering church by reminding it of its true calling—to imaginative evangelism, faithful discipleship, and innovative leadership. As a priest in the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, and as founding Director of the Wycliffe College Institute of Evangelism, Harold has challenged and encouraged leaders in a range of denominations across Canada through articles and books, conferences and workshops. This books engages in live...