Claiming the Call to Preach by Donna Giver-Johnston
Dr. Donna Giver-Johnston’s book Claiming the Call to Preach critically examines the dominant historical narrative that overtly or covertly has exercised its power to keep women from preaching.
MustReads is a collection of book reviews that we believe might be of interest to preachers. Many of the writers are participants in the Peer Groups or the Coaching Program, but other voices are welcome as well. If you have a book you would like to recommend or if you are interested in reviewing a book related to preaching, please email .
Unspeakable: Preaching and Trauma-Informed Theology by Sarah Travis
Welcome to episode 16 of Must Reads with Dr. Sarah Travis, featuring her book Unspeakable: Preaching and Trauma-Informed Theology. The book was inspired by Dr. Travis’ personal experience of grief over the loss of her son.
Preaching and the Thirty-Second Commercial by O. Wesley Allen Jr. and Carrie La Ferle
Interview with Wes Allen and Carrie La Ferle on their new book Preaching and the Thirty Second Commercial, the first in the Preaching and… Series
co-sponsored by the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence at SMU and Westminster John Knox Press.
Must Reads, Episode 14, with Dr. John McClure, featuring his book Ethical Approaches to Preaching
Different ethical situations require different homiletical responses. Dr. McClure organizes recent literature on ethics and preaching into four ethical approaches.
Must Reads, Episode 13, with Dr. Sally A. Brown and her book Sunday's Sermon for Monday's World
The book explores the question of what can preachers do to help congregants navigate everyday life with the courage, imagination, and savvy it takes to testify in action and word to God’s mercy and justice.
Surviving a Dangerous Sermon by Frank A. Thomas
Dr. Thomas defines a dangerous sermon and provides advice on how to preach such a sermon and survive.
Women in the Bible by Jaime Clark-Soles
The underlying feature of the book is hope and the flourishing of all creation. Dr. Clark-Soles aspires to help people of all genders to live God's vision of better, more just, and abundant lives.
Embody by Karoline M. Lewis
In her book, Dr. Lewis analyzes various models of leadership and offers a metaphor of the Paraclete as a framework for leading with integrity.
Preaching in the Purple Zone: Ministry in the Red-Blue Divide by Leah D. Schade
Dr. Schade’s book offers tools for bridging the red-blue divide and for addressing controversial issues of public concern while building up your parishioners’ faith.
Words That Heal: Preaching Hope to Wounded Souls by Joni Sancken
Preaching with empathy for wounded souls can help with healing. Dr. Sancken introduces the term “soul wounds” and defines it as experiencing loss, brokenness, unresolved pain, and grief. She acknowledges that healing from these wounds does not happen instantaneously and that we should allow the time for the complex process of healing to unfold.
The Overshadowed Preacher by Jerusha Matsen Neal
Dr. Neal talks about her exploration of what it means to be fully human as a preacher and as a pastor. Her book exposes the “shadows” – false understandings of who we are as preachers.
Practicing the Preaching Life by David B. Ward
Dr. Ward shifts the conversation from homiletical techniques to Christian practices, or contextual virtues, that give life to preachers and to their preaching.
