Growing Edge
October 1, 1994
GETTING THE PREACHER CONVERTED
How to preach evangelistically--and how not to. Gordon MacDonald on Will Willimon's newest release.
"The gospel is not a set of interesting ideas about which we are supposed to make up our minds. The gospel is intrusive news that evokes a new set of practices, a complex of habits, a way of living in the world, discipleship."
This is William Willimon, dean of the chapel and professor of Christian ministry at Duke University, in the latest of his thoughtful writings on preaching.
The key word is intrusive because that is exactly what Willimon thinks we need to understand when we present Jesus to those outside the faith. Intrusive suggests a message unlike any other, something akin to a loose cannon on the deck. Something that invades the souls of unsuspecting people and, while being preached, may affect those inside the church just as much as it affects those outside.
BORN-AGAIN CHURCH
At its beginning The Intrusive Word: Preaching to the Unbaptized (144 pages, Eerdmans, $10.99) offers the story of Verleen, a single mother of two children living in the "projects." Verleen is the sort of person many Christians believe need to be reached, but nimb (not in my backyard--read "church").
The significance of Verleen's story lies in the fact that she, representing the unbaptized, not only began to engage the intrusive Word of Christ when she heard it for the first time, but, as a result, the "baptized" (even the preacher) were also engaged, in ways none expected. The rest of the book is built with that story in mind. If you're a preacher, you'll want to read the story to your congregation. I did, and they loved it.
Willimon is not overly impressed with those who have gone out of their way to understand evangelism ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,359 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
