Excellence in Preaching

"Excellence in Preaching" by Simon Vibert (published by InterVarsity Press, 2011)

This book by Simon Vibert is a book about twelve "famous" preachers. 

As part of our work as pastors we attend a monthly meeting of pastors from our denomination in what is called a "circuit."  Also, we have two larger gatherings a year which are called regional and general pastor's conferences which consist of 100-200 fellow clergy.  Over the years I have always felt that every one of these meetings should include some kind of focus or topic on preaching.  Even though the work of pastoral ministry involves many different areas of work, we find ourselves preaching at least once a week and often more than that.  To me, pastors need help with preaching.  I know I do.

That is also the thrust of Vibert's book.  He sets out to examine these twelve famous preachers after he acknowledges that Jesus is the primary "preacher."  I enjoyed this book and found it very helpful, even though I had not heard of most of these preachers.  I found it interesting that Vibert noted that some preachers are completed "manuscript free" while others write out and preach their sermons "word for word."  He found that both styles, though completely different from each other, can be viable and helpful.

Another piece of information that he shared was that many of these preachers often preach 45 minute sermons and some preach sixty minute sermons.  I wonder what our congregations would feel about that.

Many of the preachers highlighted in this book are part of very large churches but I still felt that the information that he shared applies to preachers serving churches of all sizes. 

I highly recommend this book and recommend that preachers continue to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest all they can to stay relevant and helpful in their preaching.