G. Lee Ramsey, Jr., is an associate professor at Memphis Theological Seminary, where he teaches pastoral care and counseling. He is the author of Care-full Preaching: From Sermon to Caring Community, published by Chalice Press in 2000.

This Web version of "Preaching Today: Sorting It Out " is based on an essay written for the 2004 book published by Alban, www.congregationalresources.org. A print-ready version is available by clicking on the link at the bottom of the left-hand menu. (You'll need to have installed the free download, Adobe Acrobat.)

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Introduction

The busy preacher who pauses to survey current preaching theory and practice discovers a rich yet bewildering array of resources. Since the original publication of Fred Craddock’s As One Without Authority in 1971, the church of North America has witnessed a flood of material that, like abundant fresh wine, offers new zest for preaching yet tempts overindulgence. In form and content, preaching now enjoys a renaissance of interest. This renewal has led to more theologically thoughtful and pastorally effective preaching. But the danger is real that the conscientious preacher who wants to stay abreast of these new directions will either become inebriated from taking in too much too fast or become surfeited by the array of homiletical options and decide to back away from the feast. The challenge is to sort out these new directions and resources in a way that invigorates our preaching.