PRACTICAL THEOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY, and FORMATION
PREACHING TO A DIVIDED NATION A Seven-Step Model for Promoting Reconciliation and Unity Matthew D. Kim and Paul A. Hoffman No matter where we go, what we watch, or how we communicate, our culture is rife with division and polarization. Unfortunately, Christians appear to be caught up in the same animosity as the culture at large. While our faith calls us to Christian unity, our churches are tragically divided across class, ethnic, gender, and political lines. As these social chasms grow—both inside and out- side the church—the role of the preacher becomes paramount. This book issues a prophetic call to pastors to use the influence of their pulpits to promote reconciliation and unity in their churches and communities. Two scholar-practitioners with expertise in homiletics and reconciliation present a practical, seven-step model that empowers faithful leaders to bring healing and peace to their fractured churches and world. The book includes questions for reflection, salient illustrations, and an accountability covenant. It also includes useful appendixes on preaching themes, preaching texts, and sample sermons from three leading preachers.
CONTENTS
Introduction 1. The Theological Step: The Sins of Pride and Prejudice 2. The Contextual Step: America’s Past and Present Reality 3. The Personal Step: Facing Our Sin and Acknowledging Our Prejudices 4. The Positional Step: We Are Heralds, Not Heart-Changers 5. The Methodological Step: A Homiletic for Reconciliation and Unity 6. The Practical Step: Pre-Sermon, Mid-Sermon, and Post-Sermon Practices 7. The Categorical Step: Biblical Themes and Texts Conclusion Appendix A: Reflections on Critical Race Theory Appendix B: Sample Homiletical Integrity Covenant Appendix C: Essential and Nonessential Doctrines, and Gospel Implications Appendix D: Sample Multichurch Prayer and Unity Service Appendix E: Ministries Pursuing Reconciliation and Unity
AUGUST 2022 • 208 pp. • paper • $24.99 • 9781540964748
Matthew D. Kim (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is the George F. Bennett Pro- fessor of Preaching and Practical Theology, director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching, and director of Mentored Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Paul A. Hoffman (PhD, University of Manchester) is senior pastor of Evangeli- cal Friends Church in Newport, Rhode Island. He serves on the Oversight Board for the Evangelical Friends Church–Eastern Region and is an adjunct professor at Barclay College.
Appendix F: Further Reading Appendix G: Sample Sermons
On Classism by Paul A. Hoffman On Ethnocentrism by Ralph Douglas West On Political Division by Rich Villodas On Reconciliation by Sandra María Van Opstal
ALSO BY THE AUTHOR
On Sexism by Paul A. Hoffman On Unity by Matthew D. Kim
PREACHING TO PEOPLE IN PAIN 9781540961297 • $24.99p Christianity Today 2022 Book Award Winner (Church/Pastoral Leadership)
Index
63
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